BoxRec

Seeing Tarver's recent success at heavyweight and being able to absorb punches from cruiser and heavyweights... has me wondering. How do you see this hypothetical match up play out?

kovalev by TKO

Chepppaaa wrote:kovalev by TKO

Yeah this.

Yep, agree with the two above.

considering Tarver's never been knocked out in a 20 year career, that is a bold prediction.

hulkmaniac wrote:Seeing Tarver's recent success at heavyweight and being able to absorb punches from cruiser and heavyweights... has me wondering. How do you see this hypothetical match up play out?

I wouldn't go so far as to say he's had much success, or put much on the fact that he hasn't been knocked down.

He faced a bunch of no-hopers and light punchers.

And in 6 fights over 175, he's got two draws and a failed drug test.

I'd be confident in a Kovalev victory. Tarver does have a good chin, so I'm not sure he'd drop him but a late stoppage would be likely.

People seem to forget that Tarver pretty much controlled the LHW division until he met Hopkins, personally I think it would be a toss up fight between him and Kovalev.

Antonio has a great chin and only Harding and BHop made him touch the floor but he was never on the verge of being stopped and has pretty decent skills not to mention he fights as a SP which would give Kova a lot of problems.

I like Kovalev and I've never like Tarver (looks like a Milk Dud) but I have to call it even. Kova hits harder but Tarver could take it and still dish it back out and let's not forget that AT had speed enough and timing to catch and put Jones to sleep so he should be able to time Kova as well.

I'd lean more towards Kova (maybe because I like him more, not sure of my bias here) but I think Tarver could pull it off as long as he manages to stay upright.

Hopkins has a great chin as well, but Kovalev could have stopped him if he wanted to step it up earlier. Prime Kovalev is like no-one Tarver has ever faced.

Kovalev.

kovalev is one of the most underrated boxers . i don't remember a man in his weight that goes to war when he fights as much as he does

brilo33 wrote:kovalev is one of the most underrated boxers . i don't remember a man in his weight that goes to war when he fights as much as he does

Agreed. Everyone sees this guy as a knock out artist but boy can he box as well.

Bump