Artur Beterbiev mandatory for Kovalev/Ward winner

I'm more excited for that fight than the Ward-Kovalev one.

 

The important thing to note he is that the IBF enforces their mandatory fights. Either way we get to see Beterbiev step up and see what he's all about.

 

It definitely appears to be a murderer's row. If (and I do mean *if*) Ward manages to overcome The Krusher (which I'm not so sure he's going to do), then I think he's really going to have his hands full with Beterbiev, solely based on styles.

Artur Beterbiev really could use some more rounds right now though. That injury setback certainly didn't do him any favors.

 

I'd be surprised if either guy...who ever wins takes on a tough fight after such a tough fight. Who did Beterbiev beat to attain the number two status anyway?

 

So refusing a fight in Russia when you are a tchetchen, knowing an other opportunity will come, is a duck? Have that fight anywhere in america and Beterbiev will be there (if the networks agrees).

 

Either or....and I'd be pulling for Beterbiev because I want to see Stevenson defeated and some order brought to the division.

 

I'm going with Kovalev. Ward hasn't fought anyone good in 4 years...he's stepping up more than a few levels here. Plus he doesn't take shots well and now he's up in weight against a hard puncher. I don't think he can get inside and muscle Kovalev, and I don't think he can potshot for the whole fight either. But he's got enough skill that I wouldn't be surprised if he shuts out Kovalev either.

I'm more of a Kovalev fan but I think Ward is the better fighter.

 

Good question.

 

Beterbiev is still pretty green. He would lose to both Kovalev and Ward.