Exactly what would make Ward more inclined to fight Stevenson now then in 2013... He was offered a two fights deal with the possibility to get the WBC LHW belt as well as defending his Super SMW belt... He gently said no saying Stevenson name wasn't big enough yet...
Now he fights Kovalev and will endure a true LHW punches for possibly a whole fight... I doubt he'll risk it against Stevenson after that one ... ;)
Stevenson is one of the most predictable boxers of all time, Ward would see that **** coming so easily, just has to watch for that 1 hand to be ****ed all fight, terrible style matchup
Also just different classes of fighter. List their top 10 opponents side by side.
True, very true. Though Ward is exceptional at strategizing against southpaws. Possibly because he's naturally left handed. While Ward/Kovalev is 50/50, I think Ward is a style nightmare for Stevenson whereas Kovalev and Stevenson is actually very competitive, based on styles.
Fun vid for those interested (I didn't make it so don't blame me for the music);
Dawson is an interesting frame to use, for the simple fact that he's basically Andre Ward in the other direction (a natural righthander who chooses to fight southpaw). Dawson's money punch was always going to come from delivering something with his lead hand; Stevenson's damaging shots are largely going to come from his rear hand.
Ward's got arguably the best boxing brain in the sport right now, but Stevenson is a significantly different puzzle to figure out than Dawson was.
Taking away that left hand isn't as easy as folks want to claim.
True, very true. Though Ward is exceptional at strategizing against southpaws. Possibly because he's naturally left handed. While Ward/Kovalev is 50/50, I think Ward is a style nightmare for Stevenson whereas Kovalev and Stevenson is actually very competitive, based on styles.
Fun vid for those interested (I didn't make it so don't blame me for the music);
Whitewash for Ward, take away Stevensons left hand and he has nothing. His dreadful level of competition is the reason no one has done it yet.
Taking away that left hand isn't as easy as folks want to claim.
I don't overlook Stevenson like most here do. He's dangerous, rugged as hell, and has the determination to find a way to win. That said, slightly slow and predictable guys like him are custom made for Andre Ward. He will get Stevenson to over-commit and Andre will light him up with counters, will baffle him with footwork. Stevenson will be rocking this look by the end of the fight;
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/06/21/07/29D3172700000578-0-image-a-13_1434868639724.jpg