Sergey Kovalev vs. Andre Ward

[Bard of Boxrec]

Though they have different arsenals inside the ring, Ward and Kovalev both have to be the guys moving forward and, though I HATE this term, walk their opponents down. This is what I find to be the most intriguing factor in this fight because I can't see either guy retreating in my minds eye as I imagine how this fight will transpire.

I feel that skills will prevail and as much as I hate to say it, Ward has the bigger toolbox. He's got more backup options and tricks to turn to in order to find a way to win. Kovalev is a HOF'er to be IMO opinion but he fights one way and one way only and up until this fight, no one's tested him enough to consider fighting any other way. Ward will exploit this and I feel that Kovalev will frustrated and confused throughout this fight and the difference in skills will prove to be lopsidedly obvious in Wards favor.

Ward should win with a unanimous decision but will have to withstand some tough spots in this one.

Kovalev doesn't fight one way... He can box and use the jab... He can attack and get you out... Pascal did a good job of boxing when he beat a prime Chad Dawson... Hopkins did a good job of boxing in unifying 2 World Championships at the age of 49 against Shumenov in his fight prior to Kovalev... Kovalev had little trouble controlling both these guys and controlling the middle of the ring... It's going to be more of an even fight and it's up for grabs... Both guys can win.

You are missing the point trying to be made here. My point is that Kovalev doesn't retreat and we have only seen him fight as the aggressor and the one pushing forward. Have you ever seen Kovalev fighting with his back against the ropes for extended period of time? No one has. You can have a jab all you want but you can't throw it with any success moving backwards. This is going to be the key to the fight because Ward will be the aggresor .

I can assure you Ward will not be the aggressor.

[boxing_rocks]

I wouldn't rule out a dq. I could see kovalev lose it late if he's being dominated and mugged.

More likely, a DQ will be due to Ward playing his friend Andre Dirrell.

That's absurd to suggest a guy that hasn't lost in 2 decades would fake being hurt and quit. I'm not a ward fan but comparing him to that pussy is beyond ridiculous.

Ward uses ALL means to win. He didn't need that before, but if he realizes that the end is coming, he will have no problem faking injury. How is it worse than intentional head butts ?

[SaadOffTheDeck]

More likely, a DQ will be due to Ward playing his friend Andre Dirrell.

That's absurd to suggest a guy that hasn't lost in 2 decades would fake being hurt and quit. I'm not a ward fan but comparing him to that pussy is beyond ridiculous.

Ward uses ALL means to win. He didn't need that before, but if he realizes that the end is coming, he will have no problem faking injury. How is it worse than intentional head butts ?

[PsychoGamerTwo]

I wouldn't rule out a dq. I could see kovalev lose it late if he's being dominated and mugged.

More likely, a DQ will be due to Ward playing his friend Andre Dirrell.

That's absurd to suggest a guy that hasn't lost in 2 decades would fake being hurt and quit. I'm not a ward fan but comparing him to that pussy is beyond ridiculous.

Funny... because that pussy absolutely beat up Froch & Abraham, which happen to be Wards biggest wins along with Kessler.
(and also holds an amateur win over GGG)

[boxing_rocks]

More likely, a DQ will be due to Ward playing his friend Andre Dirrell.

That's absurd to suggest a guy that hasn't lost in 2 decades would fake being hurt and quit. I'm not a ward fan but comparing him to that pussy is beyond ridiculous.

Funny... because that pussy absolutely beat up Froch & Abraham, which happen to be Wards biggest wins along with Kessler.
(and also holds an amateur win over GGG)

If you say that he defeated Froch, then he has no amateur win over GGG, as it was a hometown robbery. With neutral judges, he lost.

[PsychoGamerTwo]

That's absurd to suggest a guy that hasn't lost in 2 decades would fake being hurt and quit. I'm not a ward fan but comparing him to that pussy is beyond ridiculous.

Funny... because that pussy absolutely beat up Froch & Abraham, which happen to be Wards biggest wins along with Kessler.
(and also holds an amateur win over GGG)

If you say that he defeated Froch, then he has no amateur win over GGG, as it was a hometown robbery. With neutral judges, he lost.

Choose it. Either way, the pussy done better than everybody on here.

[Freedom2013]

Andre Ward has been a very privileged fighter.

He whines about his mother being a crack head and what a tough life he's had, but really he's had a lot going for him: father with money, being American, having home advantage for every fight in the Super Six, having a promoter who overpays him, getting good paydays from HBO despite fighting journeymen like Brand and despite being an extremely boring boxer. He's had home referees like Jack Reiss who let him get away with illegal tactics, including deliberate head butts.

Kovalev has had none of these advantages, he's had to earn everything he has.

[lazboy]

Though they have different arsenals inside the ring, Ward and Kovalev both have to be the guys moving forward and, though I HATE this term, walk their opponents down. This is what I find to be the most intriguing factor in this fight because I can't see either guy retreating in my minds eye as I imagine how this fight will transpire.

I feel that skills will prevail and as much as I hate to say it, Ward has the bigger toolbox. He's got more backup options and tricks to turn to in order to find a way to win. Kovalev is a HOF'er to be IMO opinion but he fights one way and one way only and up until this fight, no one's tested him enough to consider fighting any other way. Ward will exploit this and I feel that Kovalev will frustrated and confused throughout this fight and the difference in skills will prove to be lopsidedly obvious in Wards favor.

Ward should win with a unanimous decision but will have to withstand some tough spots in this one.

Kovalev doesn't fight one way... He can box and use the jab... He can attack and get you out... Pascal did a good job of boxing when he beat a prime Chad Dawson... Hopkins did a good job of boxing in unifying 2 World Championships at the age of 49 against Shumenov in his fight prior to Kovalev... Kovalev had little trouble controlling both these guys and controlling the middle of the ring... It's going to be more of an even fight and it's up for grabs... Both guys can win.

You are missing the point trying to be made here. My point is that Kovalev doesn't retreat and we have only seen him fight as the aggressor and the one pushing forward. Have you ever seen Kovalev fighting with his back against the ropes for extended period of time? No one has. You can have a jab all you want but you can't throw it with any success moving backwards. This is going to be the key to the fight because Ward will be the aggresor .

Kov can fight fine on the back foot if he has the range. That's how he dropped Hopkins. That example comes to mind. As for your jab comments. A jab on the back foot is a very effective weapon if u have the range. A jab is not just a weapon u use coming forward. Kovs very rangy. I worry about him on the inside and rushing in trying to use his right.

[Freedom2013]

Max Kellerman will be going on about how Kovalev is bigger, but Ward is actually a bit bigger than Sergey.

https://twitter.com/garnekmedia/status/ ... 1609869312

[Freedom2013]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6eztuPaY6yk

[caldo2025]

Kovalev doesn't fight one way... He can box and use the jab... He can attack and get you out... Pascal did a good job of boxing when he beat a prime Chad Dawson... Hopkins did a good job of boxing in unifying 2 World Championships at the age of 49 against Shumenov in his fight prior to Kovalev... Kovalev had little trouble controlling both these guys and controlling the middle of the ring... It's going to be more of an even fight and it's up for grabs... Both guys can win.

You are missing the point trying to be made here. My point is that Kovalev doesn't retreat and we have only seen him fight as the aggressor and the one pushing forward. Have you ever seen Kovalev fighting with his back against the ropes for extended period of time? No one has. You can have a jab all you want but you can't throw it with any success moving backwards. This is going to be the key to the fight because Ward will be the aggresor .

Kov can fight fine on the back foot if he has the range. That's how he dropped Hopkins. That example comes to mind. As for your jab comments. A jab on the back foot is a very effective weapon if u have the range. A jab is not just a weapon u use coming forward. Kovs very rangy. I worry about him on the inside and rushing in trying to use his right.

Ridiculous comments. Have you been in a fight in your life. #1 Kovalev knocked down Hopkins with a right hand on the top of the head while Bhop's back was against the ropes. Not sure what you are talking about. A jab can be used a multitude of ways but it's not effective when backing up. I think you need to go back to boxing 101.

[caldo2025]

Kovalev doesn't fight one way... He can box and use the jab... He can attack and get you out... Pascal did a good job of boxing when he beat a prime Chad Dawson... Hopkins did a good job of boxing in unifying 2 World Championships at the age of 49 against Shumenov in his fight prior to Kovalev... Kovalev had little trouble controlling both these guys and controlling the middle of the ring... It's going to be more of an even fight and it's up for grabs... Both guys can win.

You are missing the point trying to be made here. My point is that Kovalev doesn't retreat and we have only seen him fight as the aggressor and the one pushing forward. Have you ever seen Kovalev fighting with his back against the ropes for extended period of time? No one has. You can have a jab all you want but you can't throw it with any success moving backwards. This is going to be the key to the fight because Ward will be the aggresor .

I can assure you Ward will not be the aggressor.

So you think that Ward is going to let Kovalev dictate this fight? You are mistaken. Ward will be moving forward the whole night to try to smother Kovalev's punches and tie him up after scoring with quick leads. It's going to be an ugly fight and there's no doubts about that. If Ward doesn't fight it this way then he's going to take a hellacious beating. It's the only way that Ward can win this one. Toe to Toe is no go for Ward tonight. He doesn't have the pop to trade with this beast.

[Bard of Boxrec]

So you think that Ward is going to let Kovalev dictate this fight? You are mistaken.

Ward will have no say in the matter. If Ward tries to move forward too much he will have to go through the mid-range point, the danger zone. He will be on his bicycle. Of course there will be times when he wants to tie Ward up on the inside but for most of the rounds the ring will be commanded by Kovalev.

[caldo2025]

So you think that Ward is going to let Kovalev dictate this fight? You are mistaken.

Ward will have no say in the matter. If Ward tries to move forward too much he will have to go through the mid-range point, the danger zone. He will be on his bicycle. Of course there will be times when he wants to tie Ward up on the inside but for most of the rounds the ring will be commanded by Kovalev.

I'd love to see Kovalev dominate every minute of this fight but I just can't see it happening that way. Ward is going to show Kovalev stuff he's never seen before and how Kovalev reacts to it determines the fight. I just don't think that Kovalev has the toolbox. Ability and power can only take you so far. In a 50/50 fight like this, it's going to come down to ring IQ i think and Ward has the edge in spades.

[Tanzio]

I think that people may be in for a big surprise. I have not much liked SOGgy for the last three or four years but if he actually gets into the ring tonight here in Vegas it will be very hard for me or anyone to criticize him, win, lose or draw. SOGgy will have moved up to face the most highly respected and undefeated LHW on the planet.

That, in and of itself, will be a surprise for a huge % of boxing enthusiasts.

Nobody, including SOGgy fans, will be surprised if Krusher hurts him early. What if SOGgy hurts Krusher early? It is quite possible. He doesn't need to put Krusher down. He only needs to make him aware that he CAN hurt the Russian and the complexion of this fight changes dramatically.

Too much has been made of SOGgy's alleged suspect chin. What about Krusher's beard? Can he withstand pinpoint shots that he does not see coming? I am not convinced that he can until he does.

Too much has been made of SOGgy's alleged featherfistedness. He is safety first but he is much like FMJ in his ability to get the opponent's attention and make him second guess / hesitate.

More importantly, if Krusher reacts to being stung by SOGgy the way he did v Chilemba and a couple others, it could be his undoing. Wouldn't that shock the world?!

[Ezzard]

Just to second a point Tanzio is making. Accuracy often gets underrated. Landing on a guy's chin or temple even with average power is usually more effective than heavy handed clubbing shots.

Even Marvin Hagler felt right hands to the point of the chin.

[boxing_rocks]

You are missing the point trying to be made here. My point is that Kovalev doesn't retreat and we have only seen him fight as the aggressor and the one pushing forward. Have you ever seen Kovalev fighting with his back against the ropes for extended period of time? No one has. You can have a jab all you want but you can't throw it with any success moving backwards. This is going to be the key to the fight because Ward will be the aggresor .

Kov can fight fine on the back foot if he has the range. That's how he dropped Hopkins. That example comes to mind. As for your jab comments. A jab on the back foot is a very effective weapon if u have the range. A jab is not just a weapon u use coming forward. Kovs very rangy. I worry about him on the inside and rushing in trying to use his right.

Ridiculous comments. Have you been in a fight in your life. #1 Kovalev knocked down Hopkins with a right hand on the top of the head while Bhop's back was against the ropes. Not sure what you are talking about. A jab can be used a multitude of ways but it's not effective when backing up. I think you need to go back to boxing 101.

Hopkins actually charged at Kovalev head forward when he got countered with Sergey's overhand right.

[apollo creed]

Andre Ward has been a very privileged fighter.

He whines about his mother being a crack head and what a tough life he's had, but really he's had a lot going for him: father with money, being American, having home advantage for every fight in the Super Six, having a promoter who overpays him, getting good paydays from HBO despite fighting journeymen like Brand and despite being an extremely boring boxer. He's had home referees like Jack Reiss who let him get away with illegal tactics, including deliberate head butts.

Kovalev has had none of these advantages, he's had to earn everything he has.

Ward was a spoiled brat compared with Kovalev and GGG.

[Like a Boss]

I got Ward by decision. But this could so easily go the other way if Kovalev catches Ward early.

[crusader]

I think that people may be in for a big surprise. I have not much liked SOGgy for the last three or four years but if he actually gets into the ring tonight here in Vegas it will be very hard for me or anyone to criticize him, win, lose or draw. SOGgy will have moved up to face the most highly respected and undefeated LHW on the planet.

That, in and of itself, will be a surprise for a huge % of boxing enthusiasts.

Nobody, including SOGgy fans, will be surprised if Krusher hurts him early. What if SOGgy hurts Krusher early? It is quite possible. He doesn't need to put Krusher down. He only needs to make him aware that he CAN hurt the Russian and the complexion of this fight changes dramatically.

Too much has been made of SOGgy's alleged suspect chin. What about Krusher's beard? Can he withstand pinpoint shots that he does not see coming? I am not convinced that he can until he does.

Too much has been made of SOGgy's alleged featherfistedness. He is safety first but he is much like FMJ in his ability to get the opponent's attention and make him second guess / hesitate.

More importantly, if Krusher reacts to being stung by SOGgy the way he did v Chilemba and a couple others, it could be his undoing. Wouldn't that shock the world?!

Ward is the favourite, and despite going the distance with fighters like Rodriguez (destroyed by Thomas Williams), Green (badly hurt by a clubfighter), Miranda (wiped out early by Bute and down a bunch of times), and Brand (well undersized), I've seen numerous predictions that he'll stop Kov, or at least have a good chance of doing so. In fact, you are picking him to stop Kov in the fight prediction contest.

This is hardly a case of Ward needing to overcome great odds, and I don't know if there's much he can do to shock the world here; maybe coming out strong and splattering Kov in a Tua-Ruiz fashion would accomplish it.

[haben]

I hope krusher hurts Ward early and wins but I think Ward will crowd him and hold 'n' hit a victory win.

If Reiss is the Ref then there is no hope for Kovalev.

Both fighters look in excellent condition and very confident but Ward looks stronger.

Kovalev is a very good boxer as well as puncher but Ward has a style that will best suit this fight especially the longer is goes,
I hope I'm wrong and krusher hurts Ward early enough to dictate but cant see that happening.

[Tanzio]

I think that people may be in for a big surprise. I have not much liked SOGgy for the last three or four years but if he actually gets into the ring tonight here in Vegas it will be very hard for me or anyone to criticize him, win, lose or draw. SOGgy will have moved up to face the most highly respected and undefeated LHW on the planet.

That, in and of itself, will be a surprise for a huge % of boxing enthusiasts.

Nobody, including SOGgy fans, will be surprised if Krusher hurts him early. What if SOGgy hurts Krusher early? It is quite possible. He doesn't need to put Krusher down. He only needs to make him aware that he CAN hurt the Russian and the complexion of this fight changes dramatically.

Too much has been made of SOGgy's alleged suspect chin. What about Krusher's beard? Can he withstand pinpoint shots that he does not see coming? I am not convinced that he can until he does.

Too much has been made of SOGgy's alleged featherfistedness. He is safety first but he is much like FMJ in his ability to get the opponent's attention and make him second guess / hesitate.

More importantly, if Krusher reacts to being stung by SOGgy the way he did v Chilemba and a couple others, it could be his undoing. Wouldn't that shock the world?!

Ward is the favourite, and despite going the distance with fighters like Rodriguez (destroyed by Thomas Williams), Green (badly hurt by a clubfighter), Miranda (wiped out early by Bute and down a bunch of times), and Brand (well undersized), I've seen numerous predictions that he'll stop Kov, or at least have a good chance of doing so. In fact, you are picking him to stop Kov in the fight prediction contest.

This is hardly a case of Ward needing to overcome great odds, and I don't know if there's much he can do to shock the world here; maybe coming out strong and splattering Kov in a Tua-Ruiz fashion would accomplish it.

I believe that I am the only one choosing SOGgy by stoppage in the PTBF. The odds are highly against that outcome and few that I know of are predicting it.

To suggest that a SOGgy win by ktfo would not be a significant surprise to the vast majority of boxing enthusiasts is either disingenuous or just ignorant. PTBF is a game.

[crusader]

A KTFO would be a big surprise, but I've seen many suggest that they think there's a good chance of Ward (the favourite) grinding Kov down for a late stoppage. It would certainly not be a shocking, Douglas-Tyson like outcome where pretty much no one saw it coming...

[Tanzio]

A KTFO would be a big surprise, but I've seen many suggest that they think there's a good chance of Ward (the favourite) grinding Kov down for a late stoppage. It would certainly not be a shocking, Douglas-Tyson like outcome where pretty much no one saw it coming...

True, but I did call the Douglas win.

[lazboy]

Kov can fight fine on the back foot if he has the range. That's how he dropped Hopkins. That example comes to mind. As for your jab comments. A jab on the back foot is a very effective weapon if u have the range. A jab is not just a weapon u use coming forward. Kovs very rangy. I worry about him on the inside and rushing in trying to use his right.

Ridiculous comments. Have you been in a fight in your life. #1 Kovalev knocked down Hopkins with a right hand on the top of the head while Bhop's back was against the ropes. Not sure what you are talking about. A jab can be used a multitude of ways but it's not effective when backing up. I think you need to go back to boxing 101.

Hopkins actually charged at Kovalev head forward when he got countered with Sergey's overhand right.

I've just checked it on youtube, just to make sure. Yea boxing rocks your right, but hes on the back foot while throwing the right. This just adds to his repertoire, he's no flat footed fighter. Very rangy.