BoxRec

Kovalev doesn't listen and ignores his trainer
Kovalev is underpaid

Is Virgil not confident enough that his student can beat Krusher or he's just bluffing with these wicked mind games ?

..you never know, he sounded sincere to me...but then again, it's none of his business..

greg wrote:..you never know, he sounded sincere to me...but then again, it's none of his business..

yup.

Virgil Hunter seems to be afraid of his fighter losing.

Andre Ward and Virgil Hunter are NOT honorable men, they use every low-down dirty tactic they can come up with.

Yes, Hunter is clearly uncomfortable.

Hunter's a creep

It is true that Virgil Hunter most likely brought up Kovalev's pay as a way to create tension in Kovalev's camp, a sort of mental technique that he thinks may gain Ward a small advantage come fight night.

But regardless of that, or what Hunter's motivations are in bringing it up.

The fact is what he said about Kovalev's pay is true. Ward, the challenger and least entertaining of the two opponents is making 5 million to Sergey's 1.5. What explains this disconnect? In fact, I am trying to remember the last time I've seen a champion so criminally underpaid. Generally speaking, it is the champion who receives the lion's share of the payment. Kovalev really is making small peanuts compared to what Ward is, and Hunter is absolutely correct when he says that Kovalev is either being exploited or not paid fairly (for whatever reason). Hunter said at the press conference that it is a 50-50 fight and what he means by that is that Kovalev should be making the same amount of money as Ward is. He's right about that. Kovalev is being criminally underpaid for this fight.

At Kovalev's age, 33, it is time that he is paid properly because he may only be in the sport for another few years. So, right now is the time he needs to be making big money. The truth is he should probably relocate his career in Europe where he woul be paid more fairly in the future.

1.5 Million (Champion Kovalev) to 5 Million (Challenger Ward, inactive, and generally a boring style) is an insult to Kovalev to say the least, he deserves a 50-50 split. Its a bad joke.

It's all showbiz and razzmatazz folks! Nasty things are sometimes said to promote a fight!

Kovalev may realise that for years his manager made a loss and may realise that loss is being recouped, when was it he actually made a paycheque? Like 2 years ago?

Main Events is a real promoter. It's a business that needs to stay afloat.

Roc Nation is a hobby company owned by a rich man who doesn't care if he loses a few million.

Andrew Kearney wrote:It is true that Virgil Hunter most likely brought up Kovalev's pay as a way to create tension in Kovalev's camp, a sort of mental technique that he thinks may gain Ward a small advantage come fight night.

But regardless of that, or what Hunter's motivations are in bringing it up.

The fact is what he said about Kovalev's pay is true. Ward, the challenger and least entertaining of the two opponents is making 5 million to Sergey's 1.5. What explains this disconnect? In fact, I am trying to remember the last time I've seen a champion so criminally underpaid. Generally speaking, it is the champion who receives the lion's share of the payment. Kovalev really is making small peanuts compared to what Ward is, and Hunter is absolutely correct when he says that Kovalev is either being exploited or not paid fairly (for whatever reason). Hunter said at the press conference that it is a 50-50 fight and what he means by that is that Kovalev should be making the same amount of money as Ward is. He's right about that. Kovalev is being criminally underpaid for this fight.

At Kovalev's age, 33, it is time that he is paid properly because he may only be in the sport for another few years. So, right now is the time he needs to be making big money. The truth is he should probably relocate his career in Europe where he woul be paid more fairly in the future.

1.5 Million (Champion Kovalev) to 5 Million (Challenger Ward, inactive, and generally a boring style) is an insult to Kovalev to say the least, he deserves a 50-50 split. Its a bad joke.

Well, what Virgil said is very true but it's not Virgil's business how much money makes Kovalev! The only reason Virgil pulled out this dirty mind tactic is to disrupt Kovalev's concentration and determination for this fight. I must say Virgil is an old sneaky snake.

Freedom2013 wrote:Main Events is a real promoter. It's a business that needs to stay afloat.

Roc Nation is a hobby company owned by a rich man who doesn't care if he loses a few million.

Yeah you're probably right but the truth is the boring incative smw in Ward who moved up at lhw is getting a really fat paycheck against the exciting K.O artist - WBA, WBO and IBF lhw champion in Sergey Kovalev which is quite embarrassing. If Kovalev beats this dude he's gonna be a boxing star in U.S!

Ricky_ wrote:Hunter's a creep

He sounds so profound and philosophical when he talks that you think is some kind of Gandhi.

Mind games won't help. Kovalev may be unhappy about Duva, Klimas, JDJ, but it was Ward who refused to shake his hand, and Ward will pay for that.

boxing_rocks wrote:Mind games won't help. Kovalev may be unhappy about Duva, Klimas, JDJ, but it was Ward who refused to shake his hand, and Ward will pay for that.

People think Kovalev is only power but they wrong a lot just like in GGG's case.

apollo creed wrote:

Ricky_ wrote:Hunter's a creep

He sounds so profound and philosophical when he talks that you think is some kind of Gandhi.

He talks like his s$&t don't stink but Believe me it does, I know from personal experience . His game plan with khan Algerie was terrible.

lazboy wrote:

apollo creed wrote:

Ricky_ wrote:Hunter's a creep

He sounds so profound and philosophical when he talks that you think is some kind of Gandhi.

He talks like his s$&t don't stink but Believe me it does, I know from personal experience . His game plan with khan Algerie was terrible.

Do you know Virgil Hunter "personally"? If not, then you don't know anything "from personal experience."

Kovalev's purses were tiny compared to those received by Hopkins and Ward, but I guess the only thing that matters is that the American promoters and TV networks are the main parties that profit from his blood, sweat and tears.

It doesn't matter if he doesn't possess a sharp business mind, because when he retires and runs out of money, he'll still be able to pay the bills using memories and the respect of a handful of hardcore fight fans that still remember him.

Didn't you know that you can set-up direct debits with many banks, using memories, pride and respect as alternative currencies?

lazboy wrote:

apollo creed wrote:

Ricky_ wrote:Hunter's a creep

He sounds so profound and philosophical when he talks that you think is some kind of Gandhi.

He talks like his s$&t don't stink but Believe me it does, I know from personal experience . His game plan with khan Algerie was terrible.

These mind games are cheap and weak. Kovalev is an iron mental guy. Dude was born and raised in that really cold and tough place named Kopeysk ( Russia ) then he came to U.S and strived to became what he is today. Compared to Kovalev, Ward and Virgil are some silver spooned brats.

Enlightened-One wrote:Kovalev's purses were tiny compared to those received by Hopkins and Ward, but I guess the only thing that matters is that the American promoters and TV networks are the main parties that profit from his blood, sweat and tears.

It doesn't matter if he doesn't possess a sharp business mind, because when he retires and runs out of money, he'll still be able to pay the bills using memories and the respect of a handful of hardcore fight fans that still remember him.

Didn't you know that you can set-up direct debits with many banks, using memories, pride and respect as alternative currencies?

You're right but it is what it is. Let's just enjoy the fight.

Another thing that is annoying is people looking at Kovalev like is some kind of Maidana or Angulo type of power plodders. People, Kovalev is savvy as they come in terms of boxing skills. He ain't no rock.

apollo creed wrote:Another thing that is annoying is people looking at Kovalev like is some kind of Maidana or Angulo type of power plodders. People, Kovalev is savvy as they come in terms of boxing skills. He ain't no rock.

Sergey Kovalev has very decent boxing skills, but without his power, he wouldn't be competitive against Ward.

However, in terms of the real world, he's a huge puncher, possessing enough skills and experience to make the most out of his weaponry.

Enlightened-One wrote:

lazboy wrote:

apollo creed wrote:
He sounds so profound and philosophical when he talks that you think is some kind of Gandhi.

He talks like his s$&t don't stink but Believe me it does, I know from personal experience . His game plan with khan Algerie was terrible.

Do you know Virgil Hunter "personally"? If not, then you don't know anything "from personal experience."

Dito

If you guys can't see that Kovalev is being used and RESTRICTED
by HBO and Duva, you are a blind boxing fan who probably believes everything HBO and ESPN says.

Yes, they HELPED him get rich, but it was to their own benefit.

THIS IS NOT AN INSULT
It seems like a prevalent European mentality, especially from Eastern European fans,
is to be forever grateful to the rich person who allowed you to make money.
Even if the money you make is based on your skill and hard work.
It's safe to say many people disagree with that notion.

He did a similar thing when they fought Dawson. The problem is everyone else is playing Checkers while Virgil and Ward are playing Chess. No other Team in Boxing has went 20 years without a defeat from The Ages of 12 - 32 ( extremely hard to do vs top level Amateurs) Its obvious thier team knows what it is doing. Kovalev will lose 8 - 4 , 9-3 imo. Team Ward couldlve gotten better sparring imo but who am i to question success