Tweet
After the knockdown Kovalev fans expected to see Ward give up like most Kovalev opponents do when they feel his power. They are use to seeing guys like Jean Pascal fold when in the ring Kovalev.
The first two rounds went according to script, Ward looked small, was on the canvass, and seemingly didn't have the chin to endure Kovalev's power. But little by little Ward survived, adapted, and began to process an effective attack.
Ward never "ran" he stayed in the pocket, out muscled and hustled Kovalev, at one point I thought he broke Kovalev's nose due to the constant stream of blood. Unlike Kovalev however Ward landed body shots and was more active during clinches. Ward initially was the victim of the power jab but soon began to land his own repeatedly.
It was slow and methodical but Ward started putting rounds in the bank. No rounds were dominant but Kovalev's head was the one snapping back. When judges see that they score for the attacker. In the second half of the fight Ward began to make Kovalev miss, he became arm weary, his power faded, his footwork slowed, he began reacting to Ward's movements rather than dictating his own.
IMO this was a subtle but impressive comeback for Ward, it did not have the drama of Leonard-Hearns or emotion of Corales-Castillo but it was a return from the brink win for Ward! No it was not a robbery, it was not biased judging, it was actually something quite beautiful... it was boxing!
The first two rounds went according to script, Ward looked small, was on the canvass, and seemingly didn't have the chin to endure Kovalev's power. But little by little Ward survived, adapted, and began to process an effective attack.
Ward never "ran" he stayed in the pocket, out muscled and hustled Kovalev, at one point I thought he broke Kovalev's nose due to the constant stream of blood. Unlike Kovalev however Ward landed body shots and was more active during clinches. Ward initially was the victim of the power jab but soon began to land his own repeatedly.
It was slow and methodical but Ward started putting rounds in the bank. No rounds were dominant but Kovalev's head was the one snapping back. When judges see that they score for the attacker. In the second half of the fight Ward began to make Kovalev miss, he became arm weary, his power faded, his footwork slowed, he began reacting to Ward's movements rather than dictating his own.
IMO this was a subtle but impressive comeback for Ward, it did not have the drama of Leonard-Hearns or emotion of Corales-Castillo but it was a return from the brink win for Ward! No it was not a robbery, it was not biased judging, it was actually something quite beautiful... it was boxing!
Comment