Why so much people expected a KO win from Ward, he's not a power-puncher

That was like 6 years ago at 168

Ward hasn't fought near that opposition level in years and isn't as physically overwhelming at 175 plus Kovalev hits harder than Froch

Ward may hold him off or be winning but eventually Sergey gets to him and gets him out

 

But the power is the result of highly accurate punching, timing and body leverage. He's not some muscle bound hulk in there. He does not look powerful. He knows how to use his body and fists. That is technical skill. Plus he is a thinker or as Ward says, "a smart fighter". He is not just throwing things without a reason or plan and he can also adapt. He can also take a punch and then give hell in return.

If he had less of that "skill-power", I say he'd still give Ward a hell of a time.

 

The other thing about Kovalev that I think shines through is that he seems to really enjoy fighting. It's not about the money for him. He loves to fight and it appears to me at times that he has a high level of awareness of what is going on in the ring and is able to step back and enjoy it like a fan. It's not about ego or a one way strategy of not getting hurt for him, which is one thing that makes him particularly dangerous for a fighter like Ward, but of being in the war and making something happen. He's creative and fun to watch even when he is not his best. And even then you know his opponent is hitting the canvas.

 

I agree with what you say from Kovalev's point of view ( although, I would argue that he does have great innate power. Obviously this is increased by his technique), however, my point is to do with the effect his power, or even just the mere threat of his power, has on his opponents fighting style. Take away his power, and therefore the mental effects his power has on his opponents, then more holes will become apparent in his overall skill level as his opponents won't fight to survive, but will fight to win.

Don't get me wrong, Kovalev can box, power or not, but I just feel from a technical stand point that Ward is on a different level.

 

My bet is Kovalev is taking this fight very seriously. Like as if he were fighting Hopkins in his prime. He will be cautious and treat it like a chess match. He will be patient, maybe test some things, try some feints and see how Ward reacts to a little high velocity power, and on it goes. You will see the anti-sloppy Kovalev in November imo. He has high respect for Ward like he did Hopkins. I believe he will fight appropriately.

 

Ward wasn't even big puncher at 168

 

I did not expect a KO at all but did think Ward would grind him and cut him up badly enough for a 11th round TKO:deal

Dude has a difficult style to capitalize on and Ward needed the rounds. I still think he gives Krusher more issues than most expect:thumbsup

 

Brother's right shoulder is definitely ****ed