Despite the stoppage that most didn't like, there is zero reason for a 3rd fight. Kovalev will not beat Ward. Ward have proven without a doubt he is the better fighter.
No need, Kov best chance was in the 1st with the element of surprise!
Kov a great fighter but he has barely any power on the inside and for some reason doesn't listen to his trainer!
He told him stick jab WARD to the body and left hook him coming in since he switched his stance!
He even wrestled him again!
Don't complain to the ref bout low blows, give him that **** back!
He barely jabs while stepping back!
His S&C coach he got failed him, seems like the last one was much better!
Smh, this isn't gonna look good for Kov!
Ward vs Stevenson next please
Kovalev was showing sings of cracking as early as round six and in round seven, he showed signs of wanting out. He's not mentally tough and was never challenged the way Ward pushed him.
Sucks that weeks stopped it and didn't at least give Kovalev a count although I doubt it would have altered the outcome.
Ward was far sharper on defense this time around and had a great read on Kovalev's range and where his punches come from. Kovalev was whiffing a lot which i'm sure helped his tank empty sooner.
Spot on. I've always liked Kovalev, he's a great fighter and has earned it in the ring. But he was looking for a way out in the 7th. Conditioning was a huge part of that, and he also pinched himself out, but it was also in large part to Ward having figured him out and punishing him.
Kovalev was showing sings of cracking as early as round six and in round seven, he showed signs of wanting out. He's not mentally tough and was never challenged the way Ward pushed him.
Sucks that weeks stopped it and didn't at least give Kovalev a count although I doubt it would have altered the outcome.
Ward was far sharper on defense this time around and had a great read on Kovalev's range and where his punches come from. Kovalev was whiffing a lot which i'm sure helped his tank empty sooner.
3rd fight not necessary. I had Kovalev winning a close fight the first fight. In this fight Ward fought better than he did in the first fight, Kovalev was busier than he was in the first fight, but I don't know how Kovalev could have recovered after that 8th round. Pre-mature stoppage or not I don't think Kovalev would have made it to see the 12th. Ward was on his way to a likely stoppage.
If Ward moves up to Cruiserweight like he mentioned. A perfect fight for him would be Ward vs Bellew
The movie Creed would be played out in real life.
If he stays at 175, plenty of guys to fight in Beterbiev, Gvozdyk and Stevenson if he ever grows a pair to fight top comp again.
Kovalev is a shade the better fighter for 6 rounds. A prize fight is NOT 6 rounds, it is what it is, there aren't a bunch of Ward's out there. He needs to take a rest and get back on the saddle, try and get another belt.
Andre Ward is the better boxer, period.
No 3rd fight.
Even Kathy Duva said she wouldn't do a 3rd fight.
Let Kovalev fans cry all they want.
Kov let Ward back into the fight the first fight and now he lets Ward punish him without even fighting back
Legal or not weeks should have not stopped fight yet. Ward deserves an unquestionable win he trained his butt for it, and kova needs to be given a chance for a comeback since he wasn't unconcious or out off his feet.
Khan was given three tries. Even bradley was given benefit of the doubt against provo
Those guys are more hurt imo.
Dont give me that "oh hes gonna get stop anyway" we cant say that to all the greatest comebacks in boxing
Kovalev wasn't defending himself after that straight right to the head. Nothing dirty about it.
No one arguing that he got hit.... after the low blow.... and then it was stopped on 3 low blows. lol.
Even Ward fans know it was a **** show.
The Riggo fight was a **** show too and we all know it.
I agree, no reason for a third unless it is overseas.
Ward is the Dirtier fighter.
Kovalev wasn't defending himself after that straight right to the head. Nothing dirty about it.