From a historical perspective, I was trying to compile a list of the most meaningful light heavyweight fights of all time. My argument for Ward Kovalev is simple: You have two prime undefeated fighters ranked in the top 5 pound for pound in the sport. The winner would likely assume the #1 spot
Some fights I can recall include the following:
Joe Calzaghe vs. Bernard Hopkins
Bernard Hopkins vs. Antonio Tarver
Roy Jones Jr. Vs. Antonio Tarver
Michael Spinks vs. Dwight Muhammad Quawi
Dick Tiger vs. Bob Foster
Archie Moore's fights with Joey Maxim, Harold Johnson
Ezzard Charles vs. Archie Moore 1 and 2
Feel free to add to this list. By the end, we can see if Ward vs. Kovalev falls into one of the 10 most significant fights in the history of the 175 division.
What I mean is that he deserves to be considered #1 maybe but they don't give it to him. HBO will keep pumping GGG as #1.
GGG hasn't fought anyone, Kovalev has destroyed everything in his path against a higher quality of opposition. Whilst Golovkin is facing guys two weights classes below his own pulling a Salka move Kovalev is busy facing hall of famers and nailed on ATG's.
Biggest lhw fight since jones-tarver fights.
And you would probably have to go back to the late 70s, early 80s era of spinks and co find a better on paper matchup
Why ? Kovalev is a clear top three p4p, Ward was no.2 behind Floyd until inactivity. This establishes a clear no.1, I'm down for a trilogy and a glove hasn't even been thrown.
What I mean is that he deserves to be considered #1 maybe but they don't give it to him. HBO will keep pumping GGG as #1.
I truly believe they would place Ward as #1 but not Kovalev. Of course some ppl would argue Ward being #1 but a huge amount would stand against Kov being dubbed to be #1.
Why ? Kovalev is a clear top three p4p, Ward was no.2 behind Floyd until inactivity. This establishes a clear no.1, I'm down for a trilogy and a glove hasn't even been thrown.
Their is only one fight I care about this year and it's better than any fight last year too, this is the best fight that can be made in boxing, period.
Yes, I think this fight is just as important as the other great, important light heavyweight fights you listed. They are both excellent, undefeated fighters and more than likely the two best light heavyweights fighting today.
I truly believe they would place Ward as #1 but not Kovalev. Of course some ppl would argue Ward being #1 but a huge amount would stand against Kov being dubbed to be #1.
Obviously a lot depends on what both fighters do in the years after, but I imagine there are very few LHW fights that decided the best fighter in the sport as well as the best fighter in the division. It is most certainly going to decide the future of the division and the name it will be associated with years down the line.
My dream, of course, is that it is closely contested enough for a rematch and a true rivalry.