Beterbiev would be a far easier match-up for Ward than Kovalev. Beterbiev lacks the stellar jab Kovalev has.
I respect your view but I think the matchup is bad for Ward because of Beterbiev's enormous strength on the inside.
Hmmmm....trying to find the correct reply by Beterviev to this question... is it "He must die" or "I will break him" or "if he dies, he dies". Something along those lines. Beterjuice has the strength to break away from Wards' constant clinching. Apparently Kovalev didn't.