Could anyone from 168 in recent past be able to last the full distance or beat beterbiev?

Ward would school him from range and beat him up on the inside. It’s a much easier fight stylistically than Kovalev was.

 

Ward be winning wide on the cards, but then run out of gas like he did against Froch. Only then this time he will be facing a much stronger man than Froch.

Beterbiev is a much stronger man than Ward. Much stronger.

 

why is there this notion that ward wasn’t strong? He was physically stronger than froch and extremely tough

 

He was strong and the only fighter he ever fought who was as strong as him was Froch. Beterbiev is much stronger than Ward or Froch.

 

punching wise. Froch hit harder than ward, however Ward could bully opponents physically and took the like of Kessler and froch by surprise

 

I agree and Ward would get thrown around like a 12 year old by Beterbiev. There is levels to strength.

 

And techniques to fighting inside using strength. Ward was unbelievable. Nobody can say for sure ward would be ragdolled. Kovalev couldn’t

 

Because Kovalev is not nearly as strong as Beterbiev.

 

but how do you know 2016 kov wasn’t as strong? AB is world class but has been hurt plenty, an johnson clocked him on the inside

 

Because Kovalev didn't ragdoll people in the clinch, Beterbiev does.

 

Strength doesn’t win fights this isn’t a wrestling match. Skills and ring IQ count for far more, and Ward is on another planet in those departments. Ward was also no slouch in the strength department himself.

 

Kov pre 2017 did. So will disagree

 

indeed

 

Superior strength was the reason Ward came back against Kovalev in the 1st fight. He used his superior strength to roughhouse inside.

 

That version of Kovalev was practically invincible from range with the best jab/straight right in the business. Wards IQ and skill level is what allowed him to adapt and win the fight (although I personally had it a draw). Strength alone means little.