Kovalev has shown nothing but respect to Ward in the build up for the first fight. In return Ward acted like an arrogant and entitled *****. Kovalev was then robbed by the judges (doesn't matter what you think about the decision, what matters is that that's how he feels about it) and lost his titles. To make the matters worse Ward was (is) stalling the obligatory rematch and doesn't want to honor the contract he signed. He's acting like a diva and talks about being A-side and other garbage. Kovalev is clearly very very angry with Ward. Do you think that if Kovalev somehow has an easy time, let's say he somehow seriously wobbles Ward in the first few rounds and Ward looks lost in there and can't recover properly, will he go for the KO or will he try to inflict as much punishment as possible via accumulation? He wouldn't be the first Eastern Euro fighter to try that, GGG already did it against Curtis. In fact, Kovalev admitted that he wanted to "make more pain" for Pascal in the rematch, which was also noticed by Kellerman. Will Kovalev exact some old school Slavic cruelty and cold blooded Slavic vengeance on his rival if given the chance?
It's not so much about guessing the results. I want to guess the mindset Kovalev will have going into the fight. We might see an expression of complete merciless cruelty on his face this time. Maybe thoughts similar to the lyrics of this Russian song will be playing in his mind as he walks to the ring (click for English subs): This content is protected Personally I think we'll see the most vicious presence in boxing since Duran.
If he did it would be a mistake ... Ward would lap that up and make easy work of him. Kov best work comes from his boxing which has always been underated due to his power. His power comes from his technique and balance he must be as focused as possible about boxing him, knockdowns and hurting Ward will come as a result of that. Not the mindset of going in and just wanting to do damage him..... Ward certainly aint no Pascal
Andre Ward is a very well schooled and skilled fighter. Probably operating on the highest level of defense since Pernell Whitaker. And most people think Kovalev beat up, knocked down and defeated him in their fight last November. Sergey fought a smart fight in the first fight. He beat Andre Ward. He should do the same in a rematch.
Kovalevs recent behaviour in interviews just shows Ward and Hunters genius, they want an angry Kovalev who they can throw off his game. His trainer John David Jackson also seems like someone who holds grudges and the way Ward has played his cards will definitely have a negative effect on Kovas gameplan.
Agree completely. Kovalev won the first. If his conditioning is on point he will win the second even more emphatically. As annoying as Ward's shennanigans and his style are, he's a legit threat and a dangerous customer for any fighter. Kovalev can't afford to take him lightly or to play games with him.
You don't know how the build up will go. Maybe Kovalev will pull off a Duran and get Ward to fight mano a mano. Hunter will be weeping on Ward's funeral.
Kovalev's biggest weakness is his stamina. He just wasn't blessed with tremendous conditioning. It's not like that makes him a bum, but all fighters have weaknesses. He also doesn't have a very good hook. But all in all I still think he's the best fighter in the world.
Well, he's got to be able to do a bit better than he did last time. He blew his wad in 4 rounds and that simply won't do at the top level. Granted in the last 3 rounds he got his second wind back but imho he needs to be able to set a brisk pace for at least 6 rounds before slowing down.
Kovalev won the first by at least a couple of rounds but he was sloppy in the middle rounds,chasing the ko and giving a few silly rounds away.he needs to use his boxing skills and not neglect them like he did in the 1st in periods.hes got ample power without trying to take his head off with every punch
