Holy **** .. Usyk is one of Kovalev's sparring partners

Ward's been on the phone offering Usyk a million to seriously hurt Sergei

 

I'm curious to see how Ward approaches SK for the first couple of rounds, I'd imagine he would test the waters feel his power gauge his speed and then push SK back where he's left effective. I'm still leaning towards SK to win in a rough and tumble battle though the split is marginal 55/45. The only item I believe is being seriously over looked here is Wards ability to fully execute several different game plans in one fight with hardly a hitch, both men are well schooled, intelligent fighters though I'd have to tip Ward as the more innovative of the two. I normally put up a nice wager to sweeten the experience and I doubt I will change that tradition for this bout, I'll keep my selection open until immediately after the weigh in.

 

I'd imagine they are using Usyk to push SK back and sharpen his reaction plus improve his punch execution when moving backwards. SK still has trouble moving in and out of the pocket using angles instead of jumping straight back. SK has a unique ability to close the distance when attacking because he tends to lean forward just enough to that impact...he can do the same with Ward if...and its a big if Ward provides him too much of a window between NE East and SE angles. Ward may even shorten the East angle and just stay in SK's chest like he did to Froch and Kess....I don't know for sure.

 

Usyk won't save him.