Andre Ward deserve respect for the way he recovered after the first KD

Although I do not like Ward and his team, he earned my respect last night with his resolve to turn the match into a competitive contest.

I honestly thought he was finished when at first SK wobbled him, with the stiff jab which made Ward's leg's betray him in the 1st round. Then towards the end of the 2nd round knocking him down with the straight right and then ambushing him with a barrage of punches when Ward returned to his senses with a faint smile

It is important to take into consideration that many would and many have indeed before, cowered and recoiled into their shells for the rest of the fight and merely focused their efforts in surviving the rounds. However Ward showed tremendous resilience to not only promptly return to his feet, but to mentally deny himself the privilege of losing heart and becoming discouraged . Instead amidst the presence of one of the p4p biggest punches in the division he somehow managed to return with belief to his initial game-plan in waiting patiently and diligently to gauge SK's movement's and range.

That is not to say that I believe he won the fight. As I think deep down Ward knows that he stole those belts like a mischievous thief in the night. However no one can question this man's chin, nor his will, courage and determination. Virgil Hunter as much as I think of him as is a wily hood-winker, he did indeed play his part in establishing a significant role in motivating his fighter and sure did earn his money last night. His galvanising words reinforced a belief and desire in Ward that he could still make the fight his own.

So I will not hear to anyone saying this man is made of glass or that he is a coward. As for someone to stand toe to toe with kovalev for 12 rounds to engage with him to the best of their abilities, shows someone who is pretty solid in those departments.

 

It actually reminded me of a classical rocky fight scenario where the underdog gets roasted for the first few rounds, then his trainers scream encouraging words which manage to revive his inner spirit.