Kovalev Unimpressive-Ward Becomes Favorite

[Bard of Boxrec]

At the end of the day, we will find out on the night of the fight. Could just be an example of overlooking his man/fighting down to his opponents level.

I think it says a lot that Kova could have an off night like that and still dominate and hurt Chilemba worse than he's ever been.

[caldo2025]

I know that Chilemba has a difficult style and I also know about the added pressure that boxers feel when fighting at home for the first time in awhile. But let's call this what it was. This was not the Kovalev that we've come to know and love. He looked slow, sluggish and had a hard time with Chilemba's jab.

Prior to this fight, I had Kovalev as the favorite over Ward. Now, I think that Ward is just going to exploit Kovalevs weaknesses and avoid getting hit with anything significant. The biggest reason for the change of heart is the fact that Chilemba manhandled Kovalev in clinches and we all know that Ward lives and thrives in the clinch. THAT is the key. Ward's ability inside that lockup will be the difference.

Have your thoughts changes about who wins Ward/Kovalev after Tuesday's fight?

a lot of wards tactics are simply illegal, i am not talking about elbows, low blows or head buts. i am talking what he did 1000000000 times in the barrera fight and that was turning his body, his whole head around. since i know it is illegal, to turn your back or turn your head on your opponent, did the rules change, i doubt?

kovalev fought chilemba, who is taller, bigger, stronger than ward. arguably even more athletic. and you act like chilemba is a nobody, who should be beaten easily.

to me ward struggled at times against barrera, i saw the fight and gave barrera easily 4 rounds, some were maybe even rds were both did nothing. so, kovalev and ward both didnt look spectacular in their last fights, its even, based on performance. ward didnt totaly dominate barrera, like he did with all the supper middleweight and kovalev was close to tko ing chilemba, like he does with everybody, but didnt do it.

i simply dont see the big deal. barrera is weak compared to kovalev and barrera looked way stronger than ward. i still think ward gonne get krushed. if ward had problems with barrera physical style ,than how on earth will he handle kovalev or bertebiev, guys with cruiserweight kind of power, i just dont see it.

Trust me Chepppaaa, i'll be upset if Kovalev doesn't pull off the win against Ward but I just didn't like how he looked. Along with what i already noted, where was the fire we normally see? He tapped gloves after rounds with Chilemba and you don't normally see that with him. He's normally a mean guy in there and it seems like he's softening up. Even his latest interviews about the Ward seem soft as he has done nothing but compliment him. He's even softened up on Stevenson as well. I miss the days where he called him a POS and Chickenson. Maybe it's because he's a newish father, I don't know.


As for Ward's tactics, somewhere along the line, boxing anointed Andre Ward with elite status. Why? He won a tournament over some good boxers (not great) years ago? Now, he's above the law like Floyd was. His tactics in the ring will be mimicked and not penalized. They will call him a defensive guru while if any other boxer with less fanfare would be considered dirty.

If we do not see a substantially better Kovalev come fight night, I think Ward wins easily in what will actually be a horrible fight stylistically. Clinches and low output and boring. That's how Ward needs to win it if he's going to.

[dberry]

I know that Chilemba has a difficult style and I also know about the added pressure that boxers feel when fighting at home for the first time in awhile. But let's call this what it was. This was not the Kovalev that we've come to know and love. He looked slow, sluggish and had a hard time with Chilemba's jab.

Prior to this fight, I had Kovalev as the favorite over Ward. Now, I think that Ward is just going to exploit Kovalevs weaknesses and avoid getting hit with anything significant. The biggest reason for the change of heart is the fact that Chilemba manhandled Kovalev in clinches and we all know that Ward lives and thrives in the clinch. THAT is the key. Ward's ability inside that lockup will be the difference.

Have your thoughts changes about who wins Ward/Kovalev after Tuesday's fight?

a lot of wards tactics are simply illegal, i am not talking about elbows, low blows or head buts. i am talking what he did 1000000000 times in the barrera fight and that was turning his body, his whole head around. since i know it is illegal, to turn your back or turn your head on your opponent, did the rules change, i doubt?

kovalev fought chilemba, who is taller, bigger, stronger than ward. arguably even more athletic. and you act like chilemba is a nobody, who should be beaten easily.

to me ward struggled at times against barrera, i saw the fight and gave barrera easily 4 rounds, some were maybe even rds were both did nothing. so, kovalev and ward both didnt look spectacular in their last fights, its even, based on performance. ward didnt totaly dominate barrera, like he did with all the supper middleweight and kovalev was close to tko ing chilemba, like he does with everybody, but didnt do it.

i simply dont see the big deal. barrera is weak compared to kovalev and barrera looked way stronger than ward. i still think ward gonne get krushed. if ward had problems with barrera physical style ,than how on earth will he handle kovalev or bertebiev, guys with cruiserweight kind of power, i just dont see it.

Trust me Chepppaaa, i'll be upset if Kovalev doesn't pull off the win against Ward but I just didn't like how he looked. Along with what i already noted, where was the fire we normally see? He tapped gloves after rounds with Chilemba and you don't normally see that with him. He's normally a mean guy in there and it seems like he's softening up. Even his latest interviews about the Ward seem soft as he has done nothing but compliment him. He's even softened up on Stevenson as well. I miss the days where he called him a POS and Chickenson. Maybe it's because he's a newish father, I don't know.


As for Ward's tactics, somewhere along the line, boxing anointed Andre Ward with elite status. Why? He won a tournament over some good boxers (not great) years ago? Now, he's above the law like Floyd was. His tactics in the ring will be mimicked and not penalized. They will call him a defensive guru while if any other boxer with less fanfare would be considered dirty.

If we do not see a substantially better Kovalev come fight night, I think Ward wins easily in what will actually be a horrible fight stylistically. Clinches and low output and boring. That's how Ward needs to win it if he's going to.

You've been here for five minutes, you are a total fucken dickhead, however, credit where it is due, this is a fantastic post. I agree with you whole heartedly here.

[PsychoGamerTwo]

After "Ward vs Brand"...

Ward has been hit almost 10 times by a 40yr old taxi driver... Kovalev will destroy him!

"Ward Unimpressive - Kovalev Becomes Favorite Again"

[jamesmcdonnell]

I know that Chilemba has a difficult style and I also know about the added pressure that boxers feel when fighting at home for the first time in awhile. But let's call this what it was. This was not the Kovalev that we've come to know and love. He looked slow, sluggish and had a hard time with Chilemba's jab.

Prior to this fight, I had Kovalev as the favorite over Ward. Now, I think that Ward is just going to exploit Kovalevs weaknesses and avoid getting hit with anything significant. The biggest reason for the change of heart is the fact that Chilemba manhandled Kovalev in clinches and we all know that Ward lives and thrives in the clinch. THAT is the key. Ward's ability inside that lockup will be the difference.

Have your thoughts changes about who wins Ward/Kovalev after Tuesday's fight?

a lot of wards tactics are simply illegal, i am not talking about elbows, low blows or head buts. i am talking what he did 1000000000 times in the barrera fight and that was turning his body, his whole head around. since i know it is illegal, to turn your back or turn your head on your opponent, did the rules change, i doubt?

kovalev fought chilemba, who is taller, bigger, stronger than ward. arguably even more athletic. and you act like chilemba is a nobody, who should be beaten easily.

to me ward struggled at times against barrera, i saw the fight and gave barrera easily 4 rounds, some were maybe even rds were both did nothing. so, kovalev and ward both didnt look spectacular in their last fights, its even, based on performance. ward didnt totaly dominate barrera, like he did with all the supper middleweight and kovalev was close to tko ing chilemba, like he does with everybody, but didnt do it.

i simply dont see the big deal. barrera is weak compared to kovalev and barrera looked way stronger than ward. i still think ward gonne get krushed. if ward had problems with barrera physical style ,than how on earth will he handle kovalev or bertebiev, guys with cruiserweight kind of power, i just dont see it.

Trust me Chepppaaa, i'll be upset if Kovalev doesn't pull off the win against Ward but I just didn't like how he looked. Along with what i already noted, where was the fire we normally see? He tapped gloves after rounds with Chilemba and you don't normally see that with him. He's normally a mean guy in there and it seems like he's softening up. Even his latest interviews about the Ward seem soft as he has done nothing but compliment him. He's even softened up on Stevenson as well. I miss the days where he called him a POS and Chickenson. Maybe it's because he's a newish father, I don't know.


As for Ward's tactics, somewhere along the line, boxing anointed Andre Ward with elite status. Why? He won a tournament over some good boxers (not great) years ago? Now, he's above the law like Floyd was. His tactics in the ring will be mimicked and not penalized. They will call him a defensive guru while if any other boxer with less fanfare would be considered dirty.

If we do not see a substantially better Kovalev come fight night, I think Ward wins easily in what will actually be a horrible fight stylistically. Clinches and low output and boring. That's how Ward needs to win it if he's going to.

Perhaps the death of a former opponents has given him a less destructive perspective? It's quite possible.

[jamesmcdonnell]

a lot of wards tactics are simply illegal, i am not talking about elbows, low blows or head buts. i am talking what he did 1000000000 times in the barrera fight and that was turning his body, his whole head around. since i know it is illegal, to turn your back or turn your head on your opponent, did the rules change, i doubt?

kovalev fought chilemba, who is taller, bigger, stronger than ward. arguably even more athletic. and you act like chilemba is a nobody, who should be beaten easily.

to me ward struggled at times against barrera, i saw the fight and gave barrera easily 4 rounds, some were maybe even rds were both did nothing. so, kovalev and ward both didnt look spectacular in their last fights, its even, based on performance. ward didnt totaly dominate barrera, like he did with all the supper middleweight and kovalev was close to tko ing chilemba, like he does with everybody, but didnt do it.

i simply dont see the big deal. barrera is weak compared to kovalev and barrera looked way stronger than ward. i still think ward gonne get krushed. if ward had problems with barrera physical style ,than how on earth will he handle kovalev or bertebiev, guys with cruiserweight kind of power, i just dont see it.

Trust me Chepppaaa, i'll be upset if Kovalev doesn't pull off the win against Ward but I just didn't like how he looked. Along with what i already noted, where was the fire we normally see? He tapped gloves after rounds with Chilemba and you don't normally see that with him. He's normally a mean guy in there and it seems like he's softening up. Even his latest interviews about the Ward seem soft as he has done nothing but compliment him. He's even softened up on Stevenson as well. I miss the days where he called him a POS and Chickenson. Maybe it's because he's a newish father, I don't know.


As for Ward's tactics, somewhere along the line, boxing anointed Andre Ward with elite status. Why? He won a tournament over some good boxers (not great) years ago? Now, he's above the law like Floyd was. His tactics in the ring will be mimicked and not penalized. They will call him a defensive guru while if any other boxer with less fanfare would be considered dirty.

If we do not see a substantially better Kovalev come fight night, I think Ward wins easily in what will actually be a horrible fight stylistically. Clinches and low output and boring. That's how Ward needs to win it if he's going to.

Perhaps the death of a former opponents has given him a less destructive perspective? It's quite possible.

I meant in terms of his last performance, as he was back at the same venue he was in when he dealt out a beating that caused the death of his opponent.

[boxing_rocks]

Perhaps the death of a former opponents has given him a less destructive perspective? It's quite possible.

plus

And JD Jax noted that Kovalev's training/prep were a bit hindered as he was being pulled in many directions by friends and family #boxing

[Chepppaaa]

I know that Chilemba has a difficult style and I also know about the added pressure that boxers feel when fighting at home for the first time in awhile. But let's call this what it was. This was not the Kovalev that we've come to know and love. He looked slow, sluggish and had a hard time with Chilemba's jab.

Prior to this fight, I had Kovalev as the favorite over Ward. Now, I think that Ward is just going to exploit Kovalevs weaknesses and avoid getting hit with anything significant. The biggest reason for the change of heart is the fact that Chilemba manhandled Kovalev in clinches and we all know that Ward lives and thrives in the clinch. THAT is the key. Ward's ability inside that lockup will be the difference.

Have your thoughts changes about who wins Ward/Kovalev after Tuesday's fight?

a lot of wards tactics are simply illegal, i am not talking about elbows, low blows or head buts. i am talking what he did 1000000000 times in the barrera fight and that was turning his body, his whole head around. since i know it is illegal, to turn your back or turn your head on your opponent, did the rules change, i doubt?

kovalev fought chilemba, who is taller, bigger, stronger than ward. arguably even more athletic. and you act like chilemba is a nobody, who should be beaten easily.

to me ward struggled at times against barrera, i saw the fight and gave barrera easily 4 rounds, some were maybe even rds were both did nothing. so, kovalev and ward both didnt look spectacular in their last fights, its even, based on performance. ward didnt totaly dominate barrera, like he did with all the supper middleweight and kovalev was close to tko ing chilemba, like he does with everybody, but didnt do it.

i simply dont see the big deal. barrera is weak compared to kovalev and barrera looked way stronger than ward. i still think ward gonne get krushed. if ward had problems with barrera physical style ,than how on earth will he handle kovalev or bertebiev, guys with cruiserweight kind of power, i just dont see it.

Trust me Chepppaaa, i'll be upset if Kovalev doesn't pull off the win against Ward but I just didn't like how he looked. Along with what i already noted, where was the fire we normally see? He tapped gloves after rounds with Chilemba and you don't normally see that with him. He's normally a mean guy in there and it seems like he's softening up. Even his latest interviews about the Ward seem soft as he has done nothing but compliment him. He's even softened up on Stevenson as well. I miss the days where he called him a POS and Chickenson. Maybe it's because he's a newish father, I don't know.


As for Ward's tactics, somewhere along the line, boxing anointed Andre Ward with elite status. Why? He won a tournament over some good boxers (not great) years ago? Now, he's above the law like Floyd was. His tactics in the ring will be mimicked and not penalized. They will call him a defensive guru while if any other boxer with less fanfare would be considered dirty.

If we do not see a substantially better Kovalev come fight night, I think Ward wins easily in what will actually be a horrible fight stylistically. Clinches and low output and boring. That's how Ward needs to win it if he's going to.

gonne be an interresting fight, i hope the ref doesnt let ward do his reguzlar illegal stuff. cause even without illegal stuff he still is a great technician who can pose problems to anybody.

kovalev by ud, but ward steals some rounds.

[pound per pound]

I know that Chilemba has a difficult style and I also know about the added pressure that boxers feel when fighting at home for the first time in awhile. But let's call this what it was. This was not the Kovalev that we've come to know and love. He looked slow, sluggish and had a hard time with Chilemba's jab.

Prior to this fight, I had Kovalev as the favorite over Ward. Now, I think that Ward is just going to exploit Kovalevs weaknesses and avoid getting hit with anything significant. The biggest reason for the change of heart is the fact that Chilemba manhandled Kovalev in clinches and we all know that Ward lives and thrives in the clinch. THAT is the key. Ward's ability inside that lockup will be the difference.

Have your thoughts changes about who wins Ward/Kovalev after Tuesday's fight?

They both won their lasts fights 117-111, however, Kovalev's opponent was a bit better and had the style and chin be somewhat competitive at times.

Who is Ward fighting that resembles Kovalev? Nobody. Ward's next fight is a step-down and very safe opponent.

If there's are two judges partial to accuracy and countering punching over total punches landed, Ward can win via decision. I do not think he will out land Kovalev.

It's a fascinating fight and one that can be tough to score.

The biggest unknown in the fight to me is how durable and mentally tough is Ward? He's hardly been tested in this department. Is he the next Roy Jones, or the next James Toney in terms of taking a serious punch and fighting back? Unknown, but what is known is Kovalev by far is the biggest puncher Ward has ever faced.

[Kalan]

I know that Chilemba has a difficult style and I also know about the added pressure that boxers feel when fighting at home for the first time in awhile. But let's call this what it was. This was not the Kovalev that we've come to know and love. He looked slow, sluggish and had a hard time with Chilemba's jab.

Prior to this fight, I had Kovalev as the favorite over Ward. Now, I think that Ward is just going to exploit Kovalevs weaknesses and avoid getting hit with anything significant. The biggest reason for the change of heart is the fact that Chilemba manhandled Kovalev in clinches and we all know that Ward lives and thrives in the clinch. THAT is the key. Ward's ability inside that lockup will be the difference.

Have your thoughts changes about who wins Ward/Kovalev after Tuesday's fight?

My thoughts haven't changed---but it reinforced the problem Kovalev will have with the judges and talking heads... I didn't see any rounds to give to Chilemba and I didn't see Kovalev looking slow or sluggish at any time. His defense was solid... he was more aggressive throughout... he controlled the ring... he landed many more jabs... he floored Chilemba... he hurt Chilemba... he bloodied Chilemba up ... None of that happened to Kovalev; it was Chilemba who was getting punished ... I'm not sure where all this slowness and sluggishness comes from. Kovalev didn't look as sharp as he did in a couple of his best Title Fights, but he looked capable of beating Ward -- who does get hit.

[boxing_rocks]

I know that Chilemba has a difficult style and I also know about the added pressure that boxers feel when fighting at home for the first time in awhile. But let's call this what it was. This was not the Kovalev that we've come to know and love. He looked slow, sluggish and had a hard time with Chilemba's jab.

Prior to this fight, I had Kovalev as the favorite over Ward. Now, I think that Ward is just going to exploit Kovalevs weaknesses and avoid getting hit with anything significant. The biggest reason for the change of heart is the fact that Chilemba manhandled Kovalev in clinches and we all know that Ward lives and thrives in the clinch. THAT is the key. Ward's ability inside that lockup will be the difference.

Have your thoughts changes about who wins Ward/Kovalev after Tuesday's fight?

They both won their lasts fights 117-111, however, Kovalev's opponent was a bit better and had the style and chin be somewhat competitive at times.

Who is Ward fighting that resembles Kovalev? Nobody. Ward's next fight is a step-down and very safe opponent.

If there's are two judges partial to accuracy and countering punching over total punches landed, Ward can win via decision. I do not think he will out land Kovalev.

It's a fascinating fight and one that can be tough to score.

The biggest unknown in the fight to me is how durable and mentally tough is Ward? He's hardly been tested in this department. Is he the next Roy Jones, or the next James Toney in terms of taking a serious punch and fighting back? Unknown, but what is known is Kovalev by far is the biggest puncher Ward has ever faced.

The only way it can come to a decision is if Ward chooses the same survival mode Hopkins did (with the same result). Otherwise, it will be Kovalev by a KO/TKO or Ward by a headbutt.

[caldo2025]

a lot of wards tactics are simply illegal, i am not talking about elbows, low blows or head buts. i am talking what he did 1000000000 times in the barrera fight and that was turning his body, his whole head around. since i know it is illegal, to turn your back or turn your head on your opponent, did the rules change, i doubt?

kovalev fought chilemba, who is taller, bigger, stronger than ward. arguably even more athletic. and you act like chilemba is a nobody, who should be beaten easily.

to me ward struggled at times against barrera, i saw the fight and gave barrera easily 4 rounds, some were maybe even rds were both did nothing. so, kovalev and ward both didnt look spectacular in their last fights, its even, based on performance. ward didnt totaly dominate barrera, like he did with all the supper middleweight and kovalev was close to tko ing chilemba, like he does with everybody, but didnt do it.

i simply dont see the big deal. barrera is weak compared to kovalev and barrera looked way stronger than ward. i still think ward gonne get krushed. if ward had problems with barrera physical style ,than how on earth will he handle kovalev or bertebiev, guys with cruiserweight kind of power, i just dont see it.

Trust me Chepppaaa, i'll be upset if Kovalev doesn't pull off the win against Ward but I just didn't like how he looked. Along with what i already noted, where was the fire we normally see? He tapped gloves after rounds with Chilemba and you don't normally see that with him. He's normally a mean guy in there and it seems like he's softening up. Even his latest interviews about the Ward seem soft as he has done nothing but compliment him. He's even softened up on Stevenson as well. I miss the days where he called him a POS and Chickenson. Maybe it's because he's a newish father, I don't know.


As for Ward's tactics, somewhere along the line, boxing anointed Andre Ward with elite status. Why? He won a tournament over some good boxers (not great) years ago? Now, he's above the law like Floyd was. His tactics in the ring will be mimicked and not penalized. They will call him a defensive guru while if any other boxer with less fanfare would be considered dirty.

If we do not see a substantially better Kovalev come fight night, I think Ward wins easily in what will actually be a horrible fight stylistically. Clinches and low output and boring. That's how Ward needs to win it if he's going to.

You've been here for five minutes, you are a total fucken dickhead, however, credit where it is due, this is a fantastic post. I agree with you whole heartedly here.

Thank you? lololol...I'll salvage a compliment out of that somehow Dberry.

[boxing_rocks]

Some quotes from JDJ:

http://www.BS.com/kovalevs-tra ... um=twitter

[Best Coast]

This does nothing to change my view...I've said all along that Ward WINS UGLY over Kovalev.

[boxing_rocks]

This does nothing to change my view...I've said all along that Ward WINS UGLY over Kovalev.

Ward has a chance to headbutt Kova bad enough to win, but his regular hit and clinch tactics which worked with weaker opponents will not work against the Krusher.

[Badhusker]

This does nothing to change my view...I've said all along that Ward WINS UGLY over Kovalev.

Ward has a chance to headbutt Kova bad enough to win, but his regular hit and clinch tactics which worked with weaker opponents will not work against the Krusher.

JDJ had some good excuses for his lackluster performance, but were not needed. Both Ward and Kovalev will bring their best, and the best guy will win. I may be one of the few, but would be shocked if Ward loses. It will be a great fight I think, and do not think Ward will have to cheat/fight dirty (head butt) to win.

[boxing_rocks]

Roach: Ward is not a p4p fighter at this time. He is OK, but not that great:

http://www.spam.com/news/article25427.html?

[squiggy]

It's odd to see Ward supporters pull out the "what have you done for me lately," as Ward hasn't done anything impressive in four years.

[The End]

Ward becomes favorite ? Ward should've always been atleast -1000

[crusader]

at least -1000?

Why so wide? And you say 'at 'least', but what specifically would you put the odds at?

[boxing_rocks]

Here is what JDJ thinks:

http://www.spam.com/news/article25483.html?

[brilo33]

think Chilemba is a very tough fighter ,thought he beat bellew in there first fight, but i thought ward looked fantastic in his last fight . think he will do a job like he did on froch , as much as it pains me to say it ward wins points

[boxing_rocks]

Kovalev is not limited Froch, and he hits much harder.