How many still consider Kovalev the best at 175?

Yes

But he's got Artur breathing fire down his neck

 

Thats a well written post.
I also thought Kovalev was the winner in that fight.
I think Kovalev was a gutsy champ in that he fought Cleverly in the UK, Hopkins in the USA, Pascal in Canada, Ward in the USA.
If Ward were to defend against Kovalev in Russia with 3 Russian judges it would show Ward is as willing a champ as Kovalev, though Im not sure that would happen for various reasons.

edit
I dont mean that in any derogatory way and it sounds different to how I meant it

 

I do he is coming off a big win over ward

 

Yes.
I do think his reputation took a bit of a hit with his die hard fans though, and went up with the people who believed Ward would actually beat him. So that remains level overall.
But everyone saw what happened, and even if you believe Ward actually nicked a decision due to the way boxing is scored, it was clear to anyone who was the man in the ring that night.
I had Kovalev winning 115-112, and I could see how if you really want to score it for Ward you can because of the rounds that were close enough... late career Ali style. But seriously, most saw it the other way and Ward reacting the way he does now, he believes he lost too

We have a rematch to decide

 

Ward

 

I understand this post and can agree with alot of it.

 

Wow lol can't even express how wrong this is. Was the fight not close to you?

 

Anybody who knows boxing to an extent already knew that Kovalev was much more than a banger. I predicted a chess match, a knock down of Ward, and a late surge from Ward as well.

Kovalev's boxing has been underrated.

 

Didn't sound derogatory to me. Kovalev deserves a ton of credit for traveling. I just don't like that excuse for this fight because it's what he's been doing, and no one was complaining until he lost.

 

Well he was supposed to kill ward with one shot and that didn't happen. He gassed and lost every round after the 6th. Not to mention he clearly lost... and acts like a sore loser with the rest of his fans. So obviously yes, his rep as taken major damage much like Pac and his sore ass loser fans. Reminds me of Lucas and how he was going to crush Garcia.. when that didnt happen his fans made excuses and jumped ship... I expect the same from these kovalev fans wearing white hoods... POS FANS!

 

Im glad it didnt come across that way.
If Ward did go to Russia and face Kovalev with Russian judges and won, I dont think anyone could take that away from Ward and he would (and once again not to sound derogatory) get more credit than Kovalev for travelling (not that he should) as Kovalev never seemed the sort asking for a pat on the back.

I do wonder if there will be issues if a rematch happens as I wouldnt be shocked if it was in Oakland, if it doesnt get announced until late on etc

 

Didnt win a round after the 6th?? Sounds a bit silly to say.
What rounds did you think Ward won before the 6th?

 

It was a close fight, but not the kind of close fight where a decision could go either way. Close fights can have clear winners.