Kovalev-Ward Nov 19 HBO PPV

[diddy]

Have to add that I think there's the possibility that Andre just wants to collect a couple of decent paydays and get out of the sport in 1 piece much like his buddy Marshawn Lynch recently did in the NFL.

Source?? Why would he fight a killer like Kov if he was concerned with his physical well being? Its not like Kovalev is huge box office either.

[Tanzio]

It's no real surprise alot of american posters have left this board over the years to post elsewhere. You cant even have rational boxing talk here for the most part. A bunch of emotional little girls blinded by bias and hatred. It's like middle school.

What kind of response did you expect when you make a grandiose announcement backed by a sarcastic post about a fight that might happen if everything falls neatly into place NINE MONTHS FROM NOW.

SOGgy has brought the doubt and criticism down on himself. HIS decisions are what resulted in his legal problems. HE insists on fighting within 20 miles of his home the majority of his career. HE has acted the prima doña years removed from a relevant performance. HE is the one who finds excuse after excuse NOT to fight.

If he has finally managed to extract his head out of his ass, I am ready to cheer him on as I did during the Super Six. But Fatman revealing the obvious, 9 months out, does not suffice.

[gilgamesh]

I'll be interested to see how Ward looks against Barrera. Barrera has the physicality to give him a hard time, but I don't really figure Ward has lost any skill or anything over the years. Some star power maybe, which he didn't have much of to begin with. I doubt his skills have denigrated much. Ward's biggest problem is overvaluing himself and what position he thinks he's in in the sport. He thinks he's a big PPV type star. Dude can't even draw ratings fighting on BET.

I'll be glad to see Kovalev kick his ass.

[diddy]

I'll be interested to see how Ward looks against Barrera. Barrera has the physicality to give him a hard time, but I don't really figure Ward has lost any skill or anything over the years. Some star power maybe, which he didn't have much of to begin with. I doubt his skills have denigrated much. Ward's biggest problem is overvaluing himself and what position he thinks he's in in the sport. He thinks he's a big PPV type star. Dude can't even draw ratings fighting on BET.

I'll be glad to see Kovalev kick his ass.

Does ANYTHING draw ratings on BET?

[gilgamesh]

I'll be interested to see how Ward looks against Barrera. Barrera has the physicality to give him a hard time, but I don't really figure Ward has lost any skill or anything over the years. Some star power maybe, which he didn't have much of to begin with. I doubt his skills have denigrated much. Ward's biggest problem is overvaluing himself and what position he thinks he's in in the sport. He thinks he's a big PPV type star. Dude can't even draw ratings fighting on BET.

I'll be glad to see Kovalev kick his ass.

Does ANYTHING draw ratings on BET?

good point. I don't know

[crusader]

It's no real surprise alot of american posters have left this board over the years to post elsewhere. You cant even have rational boxing talk here for the most part. A bunch of emotional little girls blinded by bias and hatred. It's like middle school.

Ward does get some hate but you're overly sensitive about him and you trash 'euros' all the time....I'd say you're pretty biased and emotional yourself.

[diddy]

It's no real surprise alot of american posters have left this board over the years to post elsewhere. You cant even have rational boxing talk here for the most part. A bunch of emotional little girls blinded by bias and hatred. It's like middle school.

Ward does get some hate but you're overly sensitive about him and you trash 'euros' all the time....I'd say you're pretty biased and emotional yourself.

I dont trash european fighters who are legit. Never have, never once. Find an example where I have. I dont let patriotism dictate my opinions. I trash european fans' OPINIONS when they're obviously speaking rubbish, rubbish blinded in obvious patriotism. In fact some of my favorite fighters are from different countries. I dont care if you're from the Moon if you can fight.

[Evander]

Have to add that I think there's the possibility that Andre just wants to collect a couple of decent paydays and get out of the sport in 1 piece much like his buddy Marshawn Lynch recently did in the NFL.

Source?? Why would he fight a killer like Kov if he was concerned with his physical well being? Its not like Kovalev is huge box office either.

No need to source I was just speculating.
I think Kovalev would provide the only decent payday in the division which is why he may fight him and bail soon after should he lose, but again speculation on my part.
Perhaps Ward feels he is close to earning what he needs to get his family and himself through life and why risk any serious damage, money isn't everything after all.
Kovalev really should be bigger box office considering his talent, I for one would certainly pay for it on the condition both come through their future fights in decent shape.
Actually I might even attend it in person if it fits my personal criteria.

[Hakanyusuf]

Ward has.no chance. Kovalev will KO him in the first four rounds!

[Bard of Boxrec]

I honestly think Ward didn't look the same fighter vs Smith. Sort of tentative and (more) vulnerable. I might put a little on Barrera beating him. This talk of Kovalev so far in advance doesn't convince me. Stuff can happen between now and then.

[caldo2025]

With all of the anti Ward sentiment, initial reaction reflexes aside, Andre Ward will still walk into the ring that night as the favorite. We're still talking about an Andre Ward that hasn't lost a fight since he was 12. We're still talking about a quality of opposition that Kovalev has never seen before. What if he wins? What if Andre Ward puts on a clinic and unanimously defeats Kovalev in a one sided fight or knocks him out?

If that happens, Andre Ward will immediately jump to the #1 P4P boxer on the planet. Ward has nothing to lose here for the first time in his career. That's a very dangerous position for a great boxer to be in. Kovalev's one of my favorite boxers but Ward couldn't be in a better spot in this one.

[Ian1973]

Ward isn't beating Kovalev. I'd be very surprised if this fight happens.

[Bard of Boxrec]

With all of the anti Ward sentiment, initial reaction reflexes aside, Andre Ward will still walk into the ring that night as the favorite. We're still talking about an Andre Ward that hasn't lost a fight since he was 12. We're still talking about a quality of opposition that Kovalev has never seen before. What if he wins? What if Andre Ward puts on a clinic and unanimously defeats Kovalev in a one sided fight or knocks him out?

If that happens, Andre Ward will immediately jump to the #1 P4P boxer on the planet. Ward has nothing to lose here for the first time in his career. That's a very dangerous position for a great boxer to be in. Kovalev's one of my favorite boxers but Ward couldn't be in a better spot in this one.

He's going to find a good spot on the canvas. No way he wins. None. If he does though, I will be the first to congratulate him.

[Boxerbeetle]

I'd make Kovalev favourite, but if anyone has the style to beat him it's Ward.

[Bard of Boxrec]

I'd make Kovalev favourite, but if anyone has the style to beat him it's Ward.

I couldn't think of a worse style to take into the ring vs Kovalev. Low output, no power pure boxer that relies on overpowering physically weaker men up close, and questionable chin. Kovalev will walk him down and beat him up. If any fighter stood a chance against Sergey it would be someone with an iron chin and defensive smarts but also a dig on them and some workrate.

[ikorolev]

I'd make Kovalev favourite, but if anyone has the style to beat him it's Ward.

I couldn't think of a worse style to take into the ring vs Kovalev. Low output, no power pure boxer that relies on overpowering physically weaker men up close, and questionable chin. Kovalev will walk him down and beat him up. If any fighter stood a chance against Sergey it would be someone with an iron chin and defensive smarts but also a dig on them and some workrate.

... or with iron chin and comparable power as Beterbiev. As Sergey's chin is average, if Beterbiev manages to land a good one, then he wins. I agree that Ward's chances based on his style are low. He will realize that (if he doesn't yet), and his knee will swell.

[caldo2025]

With all of the anti Ward sentiment, initial reaction reflexes aside, Andre Ward will still walk into the ring that night as the favorite. We're still talking about an Andre Ward that hasn't lost a fight since he was 12. We're still talking about a quality of opposition that Kovalev has never seen before. What if he wins? What if Andre Ward puts on a clinic and unanimously defeats Kovalev in a one sided fight or knocks him out?

If that happens, Andre Ward will immediately jump to the #1 P4P boxer on the planet. Ward has nothing to lose here for the first time in his career. That's a very dangerous position for a great boxer to be in. Kovalev's one of my favorite boxers but Ward couldn't be in a better spot in this one.

He's going to find a good spot on the canvas. No way he wins. None. If he does though, I will be the first to congratulate him.

My money is on Kovalev for sure but this will be the toughest test he could have at light heavy.

[koolkc107]

It as if folks have selective amnesia when it comes to Ward.

As if they can't remember him bullying and overpowering foe after foe
who was supposed to be physically too strong for him.

Not saying it will happen (I favor Ward but not without a healthy respect
for what Sergei is capable of), but it would not be a shock for Andre to do to
Kovalev what he has done to other very worthy and dangerous guys.

[Tanzio]

It as if folks have selective amnesia when it comes to Ward.

As if they can't remember him bullying and overpowering foe after foe
who was supposed to be physically too strong for him.

Not saying it will happen (I favor Ward but not without a healthy respect
for what Sergei is capable of), but it would not be a shock for Andre to do to
Kovalev what he has done to other very worthy and dangerous guys.

I think that it is a great match, with the potential to be a classic. But, it will be 8 months before I even begin to believe that it might come to fruition.

[SaadOffTheDeck]

I wouldn't say he was washed up, but you do wonder what he's been doing for the last few years. At the start of 2012 he was one of the top guys in the sport with the world at his feet, his career since has been a disappointment. I hope this fight gets made and I hope it's a sign of things to come, 31 isn't washed up these days, especially for a fighter as technically gifted as Ward, but one top fight hopefully won't lead to another few years in the wilderness.

I expect better knowledge here. What do you mean what was he doing? He was in a contractual lawsuit with Goosen. He wasnt allowed to fight. It wasnt his choice. He's a true professional, you think he didnt keep himself in pristine condition the last couple yrs via cardio and advanced sparring? All accounts were he lived in the gym the whole time. Did he look at all different in his last fight? Looked like the same sharp guy to me. Yeah Smith sucks but Ward was clearly toying with him, getting rounds in and kicking off rust. Looked just as smooth and excellent against Edwin Rod, who's a decent fighter. The notion a true craftsman who's always in top shape would be shot at age 31 is borderline retarded. If it's not retarded it's trolling or sheer bias. It's dumb. Bring more than this to the table, people.

That suit was a joke. I think it's fair to say that ward is unbearable in negotiations.

[jamesmcdonnell]

This is a great fight, it may not be a great spectacle however, Ward may just nullify Kovalev and win ugly, if he wins of course.

Ward has lost a lot of time, and this fight makes up for a lot of that, I can't think of a better opponent for him to face.

[SenorPipino]

Sounds like Ali-Foreman redux.

Many are convinced that a fearsome puncher is going to decapitate a weak pure boxer who's supposedly past his prime at 31.

Not going to happen.

Slick Ward will bitch slap the Russian guy all over the ring for 12 rounds, and Kovey will later claim that someone drugged his vodka before the bout.

Fighters like Kovalev are tailor made for a pure boxer like Ward. He'll outfight him and out think him and by the end of the bout will be outpunching a frustrated, weary Russian.

I've seen this too many times before. It always ends this way.

[diddy]

I saw posted odds for this fight at 2 sites which have since been taken down. Ward was -180 and -165 when posted.

[Badhusker]

Most seem to want Kovalev to win, mainly because of the hate regarding Ward. Ward has been pretty inactive the last couple of years, but he is an exceptionally smart fighter. Kovalev's punches won't decide the fight, believe me. Ward wins imo about 8-4.

[ikorolev]

I wouldn't say he was washed up, but you do wonder what he's been doing for the last few years. At the start of 2012 he was one of the top guys in the sport with the world at his feet, his career since has been a disappointment. I hope this fight gets made and I hope it's a sign of things to come, 31 isn't washed up these days, especially for a fighter as technically gifted as Ward, but one top fight hopefully won't lead to another few years in the wilderness.

I expect better knowledge here. What do you mean what was he doing? He was in a contractual lawsuit with Goosen. He wasnt allowed to fight. It wasnt his choice. He's a true professional, you think he didnt keep himself in pristine condition the last couple yrs via cardio and advanced sparring? All accounts were he lived in the gym the whole time. Did he look at all different in his last fight? Looked like the same sharp guy to me. Yeah Smith sucks but Ward was clearly toying with him, getting rounds in and kicking off rust. Looked just as smooth and excellent against Edwin Rod, who's a decent fighter. The notion a true craftsman who's always in top shape would be shot at age 31 is borderline retarded. If it's not retarded it's trolling or sheer bias. It's dumb. Bring more than this to the table, people.

That suit was a joke. I think it's fair to say that ward is unbearable in negotiations.

"It wasn't his choice" ??? Ward started that lawsuit against the person who worked hard to provide him all kinds of advantages in the Super 6 tournament.