BoxRec

I think Kov is better than ward with his straight punches from the outside (jab and right). He is better (with those punches, that distance and power) but is the simpler fighter inside and defensively. I just hope Kov has a great game plan. Lots of punches, needs to keep his frustration at bay and maybe re-set mentally after each round, and body work or like others have said, hit the shoulders,etc. I see ward upsetting his rhythm with single jabs better timed jabs from the outside and lots of little but frustrating punches and clinches from the inside. I hope Kov works harder that he did against Hopkins. I hope hes preparing for a war of frustration. If hes ready, Ward could go down.

Kovalev expects Ward to try hugging him

Kovalev admits that it'll be a test to dealing with Ward on the inside, but says he's found a solution for Ward's tactics.

"He showed that he feels comfortable inside versus Alexander Brand but I'm not Alexander Brand. I'll try to break his hands if he tries to hold me. I'll try to do everything in the rules to keep him from hugging me."