Ward, Kovalev and Superpimp will lose to Beterbiev

Calling glass...

 

Beterbiev, on current form, loses decisively against Kovalev, gets out boxed by Ward (Ward by UD/MD) and probably KO Adonis.

1. Against Kovalev - they both have iron fists, but skill wise Kovalev is currently far superior in practically every department. The amateur fight between the two is highly controversial and a draw at best. In their early pro fights, they showed similar styles. However Kovalev has progressed a lot and the version from the Hopkins and Pacal fight easily beats early Kovalev. And Beterbiev IS early Kovalev. Arthur needs to add more dimensions to his game to have a serious chance against Sergej, though he still has a puncher's chance due to his tremendous power.

2. Against Ward. Ward will frustrate him, confuse him and totally ruin his game. You see - Beterbiev is predictable and Ward will ruin his rhythm (see CTS80 excellent thread on the topic). Arthur still has a puncher's chance but for power to win you have to land those shots and Ward will make that very, very difficult

3. Stevenson - he does not have the skills of either Kovalev or Ward, so he will not outbox Beterbiev (the way to beat Arthur) and despite his KO power he will loose a slug fest, as Beyterbiev has better chin and throws more power punches. Stevenson's best chance will be to catch him on the counter with a left hook, as Arthur's defense is not the best in the division.

Still, I'd love to see all three and few more fights in this division!

 

Beterbiev has a puncher's chance vs anybody. I reckon he runs over Stevenson, Ward is 50-50 and Kovalev, who has come a long way since his am days, beats him.

 

LOL basically what Silencio said. Although I think it will be harder for Ward to win because of Beterbiev's strength.

 

Your way of describijg him is way off morko filipovic. Forged from the mountains of leningrad plus nazi souls. His people were sent to siberia for nazi sympathies.

 

A year out for Beterbiev did not help certainly. He is also scheduled for 2 more fights this year so all that ring rust will have come off from consecutive back to back training camps, unless he has poor sparring partners and picks up bad ring habits.

He doesnt strike me as a dummy though, his academic skills are a testament to that.

I like his patience and ability to open up gaps in his opponents defence to get his power shots in. His inside skills are good too because he has short power punches with excellent torque behind them. In comparison, Kovalev's long arms may hinder him in that respect as Kovalev likes to keep the range and then come in, whereas Beterbiev comes in at an angle and from low which could mean Kovalev cant find the range.

Ward might figure Beterbiev out quicker than Kovalev but AB's power can quickly change the fight.

 

I think we are in agreement. That is why I mentioned "on current form"...

 

At his best, Beter is a tough out for anyone in the LHW division. But he's been sidelined and stalled by injuries and subsequent delays. I'd pick Kovalev to box the living **** out of him right now and Ward to take a (majority) decision over him. Stevenson hasn't been out rehabbing any injuries, but he hasn't been too active himself lately either... and he's gotten older.

I think a peak Artur Beterbiev could've won all three of these fights, had he managed to fully refine his Pro game and add a bit of seasoning (i.e. more experience) to it. Inactivity has been a huge setback for his progress.

 

Beterbiev fought in June 2016.....4th round TKO and scored 4 knockdowns.

 

Beterbiev and gvozdyk are the best 175 fighters. Beterbiev hits harder than lebedev and gassiev

 

Could it be because he was just on the shelf for a year?

You guys say technical abilities like Kkkov is an excellent boxer haha. He's better from the outside, but midrange n close game Beast is better.

Tell me breh, would you fight a someone who's more adjusted to the pro game in your 11th fight? When kov is near his 30th?

Chitown you consistently throw shade at Beterbeast, why?
He's never had to fight off the back foot so far.......

Beterbiev a hype job? No skills? Some of you losers don't know boxing at all

 

You didn't have my option in the poll, so:

Beterbiev vs Kovalev: Both have enormous power, I personally think Beterbiev is stronger physically, which is his one advantage. On the other hand Kovalev has loads of experience, has developed his skills even as a pro and I give him the advantage in this department.

Bottom line: Kovalev is a clear favourite, but Beterbiev does have a chance.

Beterbiev vs Stevenson: I think Beterbiev smashes Stevenson's chin to smithereens, especially as Stevenson is already 39. Stevenson is fast and has good power, but Beterbiev should prove too strong in my opinion.

Bottom line: I think Beterbiev is a huge favourite against an old Stevenson

Beterbiev vs Ward: This is, in my opinion, the hardest fight to predict as we don't really know how good Ward is at LHW yet. My feeling is that Ward, although a supremely skilled boxer, won't be able to stay away from Beterbiev's monstrous punches for 12 rounds. When he gets hit cleanly, I expect Beterbiev to follow it up and stop him. Can't see Ward winning an inside fight either due to the strength disparity.

Bottom line: I pick Beterbiev here too.

 

Very good post, KiwiMan. :good

After thinking it over a bit more, I just can't see Andre Ward evading OR "smothering" Beterbiev on the inside for 12 rounds either. Beterbiev could be a very, very hard match-up for him. To me, the jury's still out on just how effective Ward will be at LHW. He could still win this fight, but it would certainly be tough.