Andre Ward v Nathan Cleverly on Jul 30 @ Oakland

Why does he need 3 tune ups? That seems a little excessive to me. His last 5 fights have I guess you can say preparation for Kovalev.

His last 5 fights now. Cleverly, Barrera, Paul freaking Smith, Edwin Rodriguez (WTF) and a walking zombie.

He's obviously afraid of the power and destruction of Kovalev.

 

It'd be fine if it wasn't Andre Ward and his recent career inactivity and low level opponents that was in question.

It's not a crazy horrible fight, just frustrating.

 

TBH, I don't think he's the same fighter, and I'm not one of those guys who thinks if a guy takes a loss that means inevitably you'll never be as good forever... but he's just looked really unimpressive ever since that loss.

Mind you he's never been some elite big shot fighter but even then, that outing he had against Bellew was disgusting to look at, he looked like he's shot. Then the Fonfara fight, whilst showing some real grit and toughness, was looking really not so good. And I've not seen the other fights but I've heard he didn't impress against those journeymen he fought either, IDK.

 

Ward is not fighting Kovalev. Just wait and see. His "tuneups" are just the way to earn money before retirement.

 

That's a good way to put it. When he had cleaned up the super 6 and KOD Dawson he had so much momentum. That seems like a lifetime ago now.

 

You're an idiot! Ward chose inactivity? Lame a$$! Contract disputes and injuries, not a choice! How stupid can a person be, either that or just blinded with bias!

 

I could never figure out what Wards issue was with Goosen. Neither could 3 judges.

Really starts to seem like Andre was the problem after awhile. Yould have to be blinded with bias not to acknowledge that.

 

Very decent opponent, but is this really the "last tuneup", or "the last until the next tuneup"?

 

massive step up for clev from his usual eurobums and fringers that he struggles with. flashbacks to the one time he stepped up, vs ko4clev?


very easy night for ward though.

 

3 is about the normal given.

 

I wonder if Cleveland could rehire former trainer of the year and father of the greatest 168lb fighter ever to grace us with his presence, Enzo Calzaghe?

 

Cleverly is not a good tune-up for Kovalev, not at all. Cleverly can't punch, can't break an egg. I noticed the fight will be in Ward's home town, with Ward's personal referee, judges, boxing commission, etc., so even if Cleverly were to knock Ward down in every round, he would still lose..............

 

When Cleverly was initially coming through after he beat Oakey I really thought he would have gone on to better things, but he seemed to hit a wall and never developed from there.

 

Decent fight, will give Ward and Kov a mutual opponent.