Andre Ward UD Kovalev, How do you not see this??

[StrapMeUp]

Ward is better in Every Department except Power. Why do people obsess over power so much?? Kovalev is a Boxer-Puncher, this is Crawford-Postol 2

Kovalev couldn't stop a 49 year old B-Hop. BTW B-hop is naturally MUCH smaller than Ward.

The Over 9.5 is the bet to make!

[crusader]

I think most are seeing Ward by decision

[jamesmcdonnell]

maybe because it hasn't happened yet.

[Stuarty]

It's not anŷthing like Crawford Postol. I think Kovakev will take more chances than Postol did and I think the fight will be fought at close quarters a lot of the time. I don't think the fight will be as wide as Crawford Postol but I agree Ward take it on a UD. I hope I'm wrong though because I'll be supporting Krusher.

[MachoTime]

Ward is better in Every Department except Power. Why do people obsess over power so much?? Kovalev is a Boxer-Puncher, this is Crawford-Postol 2

Kovalev couldn't stop a 49 year old B-Hop. BTW B-hop is naturally MUCH smaller than Ward.

The Over 9.5 is the bet to make!

Hopkins has never been stopped in his career so that's not a surprise Kovalev couldn't do it. B Hop isn't naturally smaller than Ward either. Hopkins first pro fight was at heavyweight. Hopkins fought at 175 a lot longer than Ward has.

I agree with the 9.5 bet over. Just as people talk about Kovalev's power they expect Ward to outbox Kovlev. Ward's boxing ability is better. But don't be surprised if Kovalev outbox's Ward for 12 rounds. Kovalev is very capable of doing that.

[BAD INTENTIONS]

Ward is better in Every Department except Power. Why do people obsess over power so much?? Kovalev is a Boxer-Puncher, this is Crawford-Postol 2

Kovalev couldn't stop a 49 year old B-Hop. BTW B-hop is naturally MUCH smaller than Ward.

The Over 9.5 is the bet to make!

Hopkins has never been stopped in his career so that's not a surprise Kovalev couldn't do it. B Hop isn't naturally smaller than Ward either. Hopkins first pro fight was at heavyweight. Hopkins fought at 175 a lot longer than Ward has.

I agree with the 9.5 bet over. Just as people talk about Kovalev's power they expect Ward to outbox Kovlev. Ward's boxing ability is better. But don't be surprised if Kovalev outbox's Ward for 12 rounds. Kovalev is very capable of doing that.

No, Kovalev can't outbox Ward.

To answer the original question, people have overrated Kovalev a bit too much.
I had him at p4p #1 before most people here, mostly because boxing is in p4p limbo.

But I'm under no illusion he can outbox Ward.

[StrapMeUp]

Hopkins has never been stopped in his career so that's not a surprise Kovalev couldn't do it. B Hop isn't naturally smaller than Ward either. Hopkins first pro fight was at heavyweight. Hopkins fought at 175 a lot longer than Ward has.

I agree with the 9.5 bet over. Just as people talk about Kovalev's power they expect Ward to outbox Kovlev. Ward's boxing ability is better. But don't be surprised if Kovalev outbox's Ward for 12 rounds. Kovalev is very capable of doing that.[/quote]

B-Hop first fight at 177, Ward been at 178 since the amateurs. Most of B-hops career he was cutting to 160, something Ward could never do. If Kovalev can somehow pull an incredible Miracle and KO Ward, it shows how great B-Hop was.

I want this to be a Drama Show I just see Ward snapping Kovalev's head back, controlling the distance, making Kovalev gun shy. I think Kovalev will be scared to walk into anything turning it into a chess match.

[gilgamesh]

Kovalev is a solid boxer in his own right. Good at cutting the ring off, and he will keep attacking. Even if he's having a hard time landing on him at first.

[Enlightened-One]

In my mind, this is a 60-40 fight in favour of Ward defeating Kovalev.

I’m a neutral in regards to this matter, as I don’t really have a preferred “horse” in this proverbial “boxing race”, so I’m simply looking forward to what could either be an exciting bout or an incredibly boring one.

I feel that Ward will be walking a tightrope for the entire duration of the fight, because he’ll almost certainly try to outbox Kovalev en-route to scoring a dull decision victory, whilst also trying his upmost to avoid the Russian’s heavy-handed blows.

If Andre can’t “protect himself at all times”, by falling off that tightrope at some point during the fight, then Sergey has a decent chance of scoring an upset... and making this contest really exciting in the process.

I just hope that all the absurd hatred inevitably spouted by uneducated casual fight fans, accusing Ward of being boring, doesn’t drown out the praise that the American would definitely deserve for defeating such a marvellous fighter.

[StrapMeUp]

In my mind, this is a 60-40 fight in favour of Ward defeating Kovalev.

I’m a neutral in regards to this matter, as I don’t really have a preferred “horse” in this proverbial “boxing race”, so I’m simply looking forward to what could either be an exciting bout or an incredibly boring one.

I feel that Ward will be walking a tightrope for the entire duration of the fight, because he’ll almost certainly try to outbox Kovalev en-route to scoring a dull decision victory, whilst also trying his upmost to avoid the Russian’s heavy-handed blows.

If Andre can’t “protect himself at all times”, by falling off that tightrope at some point during the fight, then Sergey has a decent chance of scoring an upset... and making this contest really exciting and competitive.

I just hope that all the absurd hatred inevitably spouted by uneducated casual fight fans, accusing Ward of being boring, doesn’t drown out the praise that the American would definitely deserve for defeating such a marvellous fighter.

Great Post agreed. I personally feel Kovalev only has a punchers chance but he's still a terminator, if Ward UD's him it will be beautiful art at the very top level of Boxing. Whoever Wins I place him P4P number 1.

[Ezzard]

Kov needs to keep up his output. Expect to miss a lot...but keep at it.

If he allows the pace to be dictated by Ward then he will lose.

I expect a clear 9-3 win for Ward. But if Kov lands something solid early then it will change the whole complexion of the fight.

I just think home advantage will make a big difference here.

[boxing_rocks]

Kov needs to keep up his output. Expect to miss a lot...but keep at it.

If he allows the pace to be dictated by Ward then he will lose.

I expect a clear 9-3 win for Ward. But if Kov lands something solid early then it will change the whole complexion of the fight.

I just think home advantage will make a big difference here.

I agree with the first two lines, but expect Kovalev to be able to sustain a high pace and eventually make Ward extremely uncomfortable even with punches landing on shoulders and arms. If Ward isn't stopped by then, after round 7-8, I expect him to be in defense only mode not taking any rounds.

I also agree with the last line above. Some judges can give Ward rounds he clearly lost.

[Kalan]

Ward is better in Every Department except Power. Why do people obsess over power so much?? Kovalev is a Boxer-Puncher, this is Crawford-Postol 2

Kovalev couldn't stop a 49 year old B-Hop. BTW B-hop is naturally MUCH smaller than Ward.

The Over 9.5 is the bet to make!

You're right in saying the over is the bet to make -- but I see a small problem with that.. It's a damned close fight and NOTHING like Crawford vs Postol. Postol is not a real good boxer or a hard puncher.. Your statement is a bit like Hopkins saying all white boys are alike -- and bragged that Kovalev would be easier than Pavlik... Even in his biggest win Postol caught some big shots and wasn't that impressive.. It looked like a shutout for Crawford from the get-go..

Kovalev not only has more punching power than Ward, but he controls the ring space better and their jabs are similar. Kovalev is just as good at jabbing to the body and getting range on his jab, possibly better. HIs right hand counter is a little sharper than Ward's. Ward is a little better with his hooks and using his head for leverage inside, where he's very slick.. The biggest problem for Kovalev will be cuts from butts or any infighting... He was extremely wary of cuts versus Hopkins because he knew that was the only way he could lose. That's why I see this as a Boxing match and why you shouldn't bet the farm on the over -- or on Ward for that matter. If he gets hit with a great shot he's going out.

[StrapMeUp]

Ward is better in Every Department except Power. Why do people obsess over power so much?? Kovalev is a Boxer-Puncher, this is Crawford-Postol 2

Kovalev couldn't stop a 49 year old B-Hop. BTW B-hop is naturally MUCH smaller than Ward.

The Over 9.5 is the bet to make!

You're right in saying the over is the bet to make -- but I see a small problem with that.. It's a damned close fight and NOTHING like Crawford vs Postol. Postol is not a real good boxer or a hard puncher.. Your statement is a bit like Hopkins saying all white boys are alike -- and bragged that Kovalev would be easier than Pavlik... Even in his biggest win Postol caught some big shots and wasn't that impressive.. It looked like a shutout for Crawford from the get-go..

Kovalev not only has more punching power than Ward, but he controls the ring space better and their jabs are similar. Kovalev is just as good at jabbing to the body and getting range on his jab, possibly better. HIs right hand counter is a little sharper than Ward's. Ward is a little better with his hooks and using his head for leverage inside, where he's very slick.. The biggest problem for Kovalev will be cuts from butts or any infighting... He was extremely wary of cuts versus Hopkins because he knew that was the only way he could lose. That's why I see this as a Boxing match and why you shouldn't bet the farm on the over -- or on Ward for that matter. If he gets hit with a great shot he's going out.

Postol completely outclassed Matthysse, in control of the fight from round 1. Postol's resume is close with Kovalev's. I agree though Kovalev is damn good at fighting coming forward something Postol is not. Postol is an outside fighter, he does his best work when opponents come to him. Crawford knew this and forced Postol to come forward.

Kovalev definitely is more prepped to fight Ward than vice versa. I was impressed when he stopped Caparrello and Sillah both good boxers but not on the level of Ward.

When Kovalev has a top 10 boxer style in front of him B-hop, Chilemba, Agnew, Pascal, fight is going into the later rounds. Kovalev gasses Ward gets stronger

[Pureist]

Ward will want to fight a lot better than he has in his 2 last outings, if the ward that fought Barrera turns up then he is in for a very long night, painful night, that is if someone doesn't sponsor the soles of wards boots

[caldo2025]

Ward is better in Every Department except Power. Why do people obsess over power so much?? Kovalev is a Boxer-Puncher, this is Crawford-Postol 2

Kovalev couldn't stop a 49 year old B-Hop. BTW B-hop is naturally MUCH smaller than Ward.

The Over 9.5 is the bet to make!

Comparing Kovalev to Postol is pretty ridiculous but I won't discount your fight analogy completely because I think it does hold some merit. Do I think that Ward will knock Kovalev down multiple times with his open palm slaps he throws? No. Crawford has way more power at his weight then Ward. But Kovalev is green compared to how seasoned Ward is. Bhop probably had the gameplan to beat Kovalev but he didn't have the legs or the youth. Ward does though so he could think his way around Kovalev and has the youth to withstand.

Ward wins this one ugly and it's going to be a horrible hugfest of a fight IMO. I'd keep my money far away from Kovalev in this one but i'm never right.

[boxing_rocks]

Kovalev is green compared to Ward ??? LOL

[Leatherface]

Personally think Ward is the overrated fighter

People are really blinded by a tournament , I like froch just as much as the next guy , but guy never was elite and most have this as his biggest win ( Kessler wrestling match and Dawson could be debated as biggest win as well)

Gonna be Kovalev wide 117-109,117-110 kind of scores

Or if Ward actually wants to engage, he'll get TkOd within 9

[Quickhands]

In the grand scheme of things we do not know how this fight is going to play out. The fight have yet to transpire. That's why we cannot see what you see. Ward have his advantages and Kovalev have his. I'm rooting for Ward but Kovalev is formidable with underrated skills. The outcome depends on who have momentum swaying in their favor chief!

[Impractical Poster]

If it's a horrendously unly fight to watch, Ward win. If it's an aesthetically pleasing fight to watch, Kovalev wins.

A Ward win would be horrible for the sport at this point in time. So, for the sake of boxing, I hope Kovalev KOs him.

[Evander]

Andre Ward has been hit by single solid punches during his 3 lead up fights to Sergey Kovalev.
He can be caught and at his age he'll be a bit slower.

[BAD INTENTIONS]

If Kovalev wins 3 rounds against you, he wins 7 rounds against you.
Losing a round to Kovalev means getting hit by Kovalev.
It's not like losing a round to Floyd.

I know he was around this weight for the Olympics,
but Ward looks like he should still be at 168.
He can't afford to lose 3 rounds to Kovalev.

I think it's going to be 10 rounds to Ward.
2 even rounds of feeling out, with nothing significant landed.

That means most of you will score it 8-4 Kovalev

[scallum2015]

Hopkins has never been stopped in his career so that's not a surprise Kovalev couldn't do it. B Hop isn't naturally smaller than Ward either. Hopkins first pro fight was at heavyweight. Hopkins fought at 175 a lot longer than Ward has.

I agree with the 9.5 bet over. Just as people talk about Kovalev's power they expect Ward to outbox Kovlev. Ward's boxing ability is better. But don't be surprised if Kovalev outbox's Ward for 12 rounds. Kovalev is very capable of doing that.

B-Hop first fight at 177, Ward been at 178 since the amateurs. Most of B-hops career he was cutting to 160, something Ward could never do. If Kovalev can somehow pull an incredible Miracle and KO Ward, it shows how great B-Hop was.

I want this to be a Drama Show I just see Ward snapping Kovalev's head back, controlling the distance, making Kovalev gun shy. I think Kovalev will be scared to walk into anything turning it into a chess match.[/quote]
Actually Ward has fought below 160 in the professionals and what most folks do not know is that in the Amateurs he could have easily made 165 at the Olympics. He has a Cousin who was also trying out for Olympics at 165 and Ward decided to go at 178 instead. He was only hitting the Scales at 170 but still beating the guys who were at full 178 and coming down to make 178 .

[boxing_rocks]

If Kovalev wins 3 rounds against you, he wins 7 rounds against you.
Losing a round to Kovalev means getting hit by Kovalev.
It's not like losing a round to Floyd.

I know he was around this weight for the Olympics,
but Ward looks like he should still be at 168.
He can't afford to lose 3 rounds to Kovalev.

I think it's going to be 10 rounds to Ward.
2 even rounds of feeling out, with nothing significant landed.

That means most of you will score it 8-4 Kovalev

If Ward clearly wins 4 rounds, he will likely get a nod from judges. Kovalev needs to stop him or to be absolutely dominant like against BHop, and I think he can do it.

[StrapMeUp]

Actually Ward has fought below 160 in the professionals and what most folks do not know is that in the Amateurs he could have easily made 165 at the Olympics. He has a Cousin who was also trying out for Olympics at 165 and Ward decided to go at 178 instead. He was only hitting the Scales at 170 but still beating the guys who were at full 178 and coming down to make 178 .[/quote]

Interesting post thanks for the info.

Still I think you'd have to be crazy to think a 49 year old B-Hop at 175 is going to be as strong as a 32 year old Ward. If Kovalev stops Ward my jaw would drop like the movie Mask, I think this fight has over 9.5 regardless of who wins