Kovalev vs Ward @ 175

I pick Ward to Stop Kovalev early...big shock....no Wards is turning his hooks properly nows. has fully confidence in his shoulder. Ward is strong powerful and has ring smarts that are world class. I never write ward off. and with that irish blood that fire will get him through rough patches if need be...to fight hard back.. Kovalev will realise after the the 3rd round this man (Ward) aint come to lie down.

 

Tough to call.

If this was Ward vs Stevenson, I'd say Ward with a great deal of confidence.

Kovalev however is a totally different animal. Gun to my head I'd pick Ward in an ugly UD.

 

Isn't gonna happen, so.................

 

How is he better than prime Froch? I don't see it at all.

 

I said technically proficient and biggest hitter. Froch has some damn complex 'intangibles', but he's strictly a 168 guy (fights at 172-4) an' he ain't as technically schooled a boxer as Kovalev or as big a hitter. Froch wins and keeps winning per the words of RJJ - 'you will not win cos' I will not lose' -cept of course he met in Ward a boxer who was superior in every aspect of the 'science'.

FWIW I voted for Ward, cos he is a master at understanding and neutralising his opponents, but as I already said, Kovalev brings skill and an offensive arsenal that can't be overlooked.

 

I have a lot of respect for froch, but I think Kovalev would wreck Froch.

 

Wasn't Froch on quite a lot of P4P lists in 2011 and 2012 (prior to looking bad to Groves basically)? Kovalev hasn't achieved anything remotely as good. Cleverly was a paper champ, Sillakh is terrible.

Froch beat Pascal (who I consider better than both of Kovalev's signature wins), Bute, Kessler, Abraham. I'd list Dirrell too but Froch didn't win that one in my book. Regardless, that's some pretty solid resume right there.

 

wow i cant believe people are voting for kovalev. Ward takes this with ease.

 

Kovalev is also skilled, and makes quick adjustments on offense and defense. Did you not see his last match vs a very quick and skilled man?

Ward can run, but he can't hide.

Kovalev TKO.

 

Agreed. But a resume don't win you fights.

 

I get ya. Ward is f#kkin amazing. His ability to time and counter or spoil is special.

Kovalev has fought just a touch over 39 minutes (13 rounds) since he made the decision to stay with the sport.

He's Kod 6 guys in that brief period - the last 4 have been highly regarded LHW fighters.

Kovalev is a bad man- worse, he's a bad man with skill. I already voted Ward on this, but if there is a guy that might beat him, it's Kovalev.

 

He wasn't Ward. You could very well be right but i think Ward would win. The most overrated fighters in boxing are fighters with power. Fans think these guys are unbeatable when they ko a few lesser fighters. Matty was the latest example. Skills trump all and Ward has about as much as anyone and i am betting on that first.

 

:rofl

some people are real crazy around here.

yeah, you're right. Ward would probably stop Kov with one of his big left hooks around the 2nd round. just the way he always does.

 

Gotta give him credit for going out on a limb. A long limb.



It would be an interesting fight, for sure. To me it comes down to whether Kovalev can keep pace with Ward's movement. Because I don't think Ward will win this by trying to muscle Kovalev on the inside. He'll do his in and out attack, and if he can avoid getting caught, a big if, I could easily envisioning him winning a decision.

I just find it more likely that Kovalev, who like Ward has a bit of a mean streak in the ring, will be able to hurt Ward, and when Kovalev hurts guys he generally doesn't let guys recover. Ward is no ordinary fighter, and it would be each guy's toughest challenge. A brilliant contrast in styles.

 

Ward would try to Rigondeaux Kovalev.

Hard to call.