Who wins the Rematch: Ward-Kovalev 2

True. But that's assuming SK doesn't adjust for the rematch.

 

Fighting at Lhw will shave years off of Ward. Kovalev will right the wrong IMO

Will come out in true beast mode pelvic thrusting, laughing and winding up the shots ala SRL style like he used to..

This fight will put the zip back in his step. However he shouldn't let Ward get in his head with all the talk he's currently doing. Stay cool and focused..

 

His adjustments are more cut and dry and the majority of it (simply put) is tied to him increasing his output and aggression which and certainly play into Ward's plans for sure. SK's a fairly layered fighter for such a dangerous puncher however his ability to multi tasks his adjustments need to improve. SK seemed to ignore the body and never really dedicated himself to cutting off the ring....I believe his punch delivery is diverse enough to keep Ward guessing but when its done in pockets and without cutting off the ring his punch adjustments won't be as effective.

 

Kovalev won the first and will win the second by ko

 

I think Kovalev lost the first fight because Kovelev thought he was comfortably winning the first fight. I don't expect this to happen again. I don't see Ward improving his game. I thought he fought excellently against Kov. I do see how Kov can improve, with the first improvement being to not assume anything is going in his favor.

 

Kovalev already showed he's the tougher, better of the two and deep down Andre knows it. You can tell by the way he's acting. I actually think Kovalev hurts him more times in the rematch but this time we'll have better judges.

 

It's still a tossup. Ward did better in the second half, but he had to wait (in his own words) for Kov to wear down a bit to do that. Kov will come out just as strong or stronger during the beginning of the next fight. Ward still has to deal with that danger zone.

In addition, I think Kovalev truly believed he was winning that fight comfortably. Maybe that caused him the lack of urgency that slowed his pace during the mid to later rounds. It's possible in the next fight that Kovelev is more active later in the fight due to having no more faith in scorecards. I think the more active Kovalev is, the better his chances. He puts on a ton of pressure, has KO potential at all times, and doesn't seem the slightest bit phased by anything Ward throws back.

And of course Ward is going to be better next time after finally having some experience at the top level again, and getting a long look at Kov's style.

Still a coin toss for me.

 

Interesting take, I completely disagree which is rare. If SK wins the rematch I think it would happen pretty quickly after landing a huge punch and then TKO'ing Ward. I didn't see the tougher aspect you saw and I certainly did not get the feeling he was the "better" of the two. If anything Wards adjustment and SK's lack of effectiveness after his early dominance showed who the more refined pro is. Either way it was a an excellent fight with two top notch boxers.

 

We wouldn't be having this discussion if the first was scored correctly. Kov by decision again. Ward has no answer for the jab and distance whether in the first or second half of the fight.

 

He said in his best english that he purposefully let Ward off the hook to give the crowd and the viewers their monies worth and didnt want a KO3

Next time....he ices Ward in a rd or 2

 

Absolute bull.

 

Ward will win another close fight.

 

You're sounding like another prominent poster here does... a prominently bad poster, I might add.

Lots of folks, including Kovalev himself, said this very same thing you have. 0-1 so far.

I would make the same prediction I did the first go around; Ward close UD.

 

Yea really. Its not as if Ward won and will do even better in the rematch as the real winners usually do. Kov won and will likely be more dominant and probably KO Ward.

 

I fear Ward will do everything he can to avoid a rematch, I hope I'm wrong and there is one next. If so lets hope its a good fight with honest officiating & judging No controversy & the LEGITIMATLY better man getting the win