Ward out boxes Kovalev all night, lumps up his face, closes his eye, drops him twice to become God's new Lightheavyweight champion.
Close enough! The keys to this fight are; 1) Jab 2) Defence Kovalev has a good and accurate jab because he understands distance. Jackson has made Kovalev a better fighter, with more American technique. If Kovalev were still being trained by Sanchez, Ward would defeat him very easily, but with Jackson, Kovalev has a much improved jab. However, Ward is the master of angles and adustments. As soon as Kovalev has a little success with his jab, Ward will adjust and Kovalev won't be able to find him. On the outside Ward will use angels to beat Kov to the jab while making Kov miss with his. If Kov resorts to following Ward like he did Hopkins and Chilemba, he may end up on his back from a sharp counter. Kovalev's arms are too short, to box with God.
i actually think wards going to smothering him and negating alot of his power by fighting exclusively on the inside but i guess we will see
Ward is better ring generalship and as he usually does, Ward will surprise Kovalev with strength. Although I think Kov will start of slowly, cautious of Ward early. His goal is to ultimately over power and bully Ward. Kovalev is too open for Ward counters and he may not be a KO artist, but Ward hits lots harder than Hopkins or Chilemba.
If Ward can dictate distance and range he will win this fight. He must stay on the inside where he's better and can smother Kovalev's power and outside where he can use his jab speed and athletic ability to beat Kovalev.
