The good thing about Kovalev is that he is a not only a huge puncher but he has great skills, that's why i got him for the w in a rematch with Ward, despite Ward ability to adapt, thing that is an important part of the result in a rematch, i think it was impressive how Kovalev OUTBOXED Ward in the first part of the fight, and is very different outbox the boxer to just win the rounds, sure Maidana won some early rounds against Mayweather, but he wasn't out boxing him. I think he lost the second part of the fight for trying to hard to he dirty, but i can see him winning a rematch if he is on focus.
vs. Qawi: I feel that Qawi is all wrong for Kovalev. vs. Spinks: Spinks by decision in a close one. vs. Muhammad: I think that the heart of Muhammad takes it in a tough fight. vs. Hill:Hil had a great jab, but he was a lesser version of Ward, Kovalev by decision, Hill probably would feel more comfortable at the weight tho. vs. Jones: Jones by Decision, i only pick special fighters againts Jones. vs. Tarver: Tarver was a solid 175, but i pick Kovalev.
I can't see how anyone can rate Kovalev lower after the Ward fight. It was the kind of fight where both fighter came out looking good IMO. Andre Ward is a great fighter and Kovalev arguably beat him. When did Ward have such a close fight with anyone? Even if you score that fight for Ward you can't take credit away from Kovalev, he neutralized a lot of Ward's game and had him cautious and at defense. On the other hand you can't take credit away from Ward either. He came back strong after the knockdown and even though I think Kovalev won the fight it was still very difficult and Ward did have some good rounds. I think they're both up there with the ATGs of the past and I'm sure they'll both build a very solid resume at the end of their careers.