Can anyone confirm that? I was beginning to read an article link from Facebook on my phone, and I thought I read that Beterbiev predicted a Ward victory, but the app crashed, and now for the life of me I cannot find the article. ========= EDIT - Finally found it. Artur Beterbiev, light heavyweight contender Andre Ward PTS 12 Sergey Kovalev: Ward will win a decision. He is an integral boxer with a lot of experience in that kind of mega fight.
Is there a story behind that? I know they fought once or twice in the amateurs, where Beterbiev beat him. I would assume that has something to do with it, but is there more to it than that?
Not surprised, Beterbiev and Kovalev have clashed several times. Besides, stylistically Beterbiev has a better chance against Ward in my opinion, so I expect he'd be rooting for Ward.
I actually disagree with you on that point. Stylistically, I think Kovalev poses a much bigger threat to Ward than Beterbiev does, mainly because Kovalev has a far superior jab and because Kovalev has mixed it up with some better foes. Incidentally - did you, or anyone reading this post, see the article I'm talking about? Was I imagining things? Or was there an article with a list of predictions from boxing people where Beterbiev did indeed pick Ward to win? I hate phone apps!
Basically what everyone else has already said. I can't remember if they fought as amateurs but I think Kovalev got the best of him.
Interesting. My take is that Beterbiev is too powerful inside for Ward, and Ward needs to have the option of working inside against big punchers like Kovalev or Beterbiev. No, I didn't read the article sorry.
It was in Beterbiev's hometown so Kova probably has a point. Still, it would be a great fight, Beterbiev vs the winner on Saturday.
Lot of beef between Kovalev and Beterbiev so not shocking in the least... Regardless of the outcome of this weekends big fight, those two need to throw down as pros at some point and settle the score!
Why is that? Beterbiev beat him in the amateurs (which really doesnt mean much). I fail to see why Beterbiev has a better chance against Ward.