Sorry but it's doubtful anyone is getting KO'd Ward's defense is too good for him to get KO'd but he is too feather fisted to knock Kovelev out. For Kovalev to get KO'd would have to be one of the biggest mental breakdowns I've seen in a long time. (no mas style) Ward I don't think is gonna get hit clean with anything other than jabs.
Kov has fallen in love with his power. He's been trying to ko everyone and has forgotten what has gotten him here. I expect him to go to Wards body and Ward expects this too. What is missing from Kov is his consistency to shotgun jab you to the stomach. He's gotten close to guys and got used to just thumping guys. He has to fall back on his boxing skills again and be patient. He hasn't set up his shots in his last two fights. He's trailing fighters instead of cutting off the ring consistently.
Ward has to use his shotgun jab too. He has to be aggressive from the start and take command early. He knows how strong Kov is now and he can attack Kov earlier than he did the last fight to take his energy away for the latter rounds. He has to make this a rugged fight.
I won't be devastated if Kovalev beats Ward as I like Kovalev, too. There's just been a lot of people hating Ward almost to the level that they hate Amir Khan - I'm wondering if they will give Ward props if he wins. Yes, I always give props when I'm wrong.
Kovalev: 175 lbs Ward: 175lbs Both fighters fit and ready. Fit. And. Ready. Ward jawing a bot during stare down. Kovalev just stared. Virgil loomed creepily in the background.
Troll from roc thinks ward CAN HANDLE kov, he was lost watching this first fight. Ward knows he's in trouble, he's doing his best to get at kov, kov is way more lethal when pissed off. He knows exactly how to channel it, wards going to have to be 100% better in every single aspect to win a SINGLE ROUND, unlikely
Kov jab to the body will be in full effect tonight, but yeah I think you're right it's what happens on the inside that's going to determine whether this fight plays out differently or not Ward is a douche but at the end of the day who cares it's what happens in the ring that counts. I respect the guy's skill and both are definitely a tough out, whoever wins this fight is pound for pound number one