Kovalev vs Ward- How good is the matchup quality compared to the last few decades?

[BKM-]

You got two guys in their absolute primes, both 30-0, it's the #2 vs #4 pound for pound boxer in the world. Kovalev is undisputed champ, and although Ward doesn't currently hold a title he's had plenty in his career which he never lost.

Anthony 342 brought up a good point, where does this rank among matchups we've seen in the last few decades?

There was Mayweather-Canelo but people think neither were in their primes. Is Trinidad-De La Hoya going too far back in time?

[E-Sharp]

Mayweather and Pacquiao were rated #1 and #3 pound for pound by The Ring when they fought.

[BKM-]

Mayweather and Pacquiao were rated #1 and #3 pound for pound by The Ring when they fought.

Yes but I'm asking you to look beyond how it looks on paper. Despite being the biggest fight ever neither man was still in their prime.

[yngwie]

Huge, huge for boxing, the winner would be the best p4p fighter in the world, i don't think any fight in this decade has been as big in a puristic sense, because Manny and Floyd both were past his prime, not much, but not in their prime.

[Sugar Adam Ali]

Morales-barrera
Manny-marquez
Pavlik-taylor
Winky-taylor
Forest-mayorga
Hatton-floyd
Cotto-margarito
Williams-serg
Wlad-PETER
Wlad-haye
Wlad-Povetkin
Frampton-santa cruz

[BKM-]

Calzaghe-Kessler for Euroland.
Williams vs Margarito one of my all time favorites.
Lewis vs Klitschko the last ATG vs ATG heavyweight fight we've seen.

[Weltschmerz]

Ward is slightly past prime.

[Mr.MojoRisin']

Ward is slightly past prime.

I'd have to agree with you there. Although I think if Kovalev got the W, depending on how convincing, it would still count as a great win and I would place him ahead of Ward from a history standpoint.

[ShoulderRoll]

Ward is slightly past prime.

Why do you say that? He's only 32 and younger than Kovalev.

[BKM-]

Ward is slightly past prime.

If by past prime you mean he's now fighting guys that he doesn't have a size and strength advantage over like his MW opponents years ago then sure.