Beterbiev is still unproven as a pro. His only notable opponent of his 7 pro fight career was Travis Cloud who is on a 3 fight losing streak and lost a unanimous decision to the then 48 year old Hopkins.
He knocked him out in 2 rounds in his 6th pro fight, 2 rounds. Cloud had never been KO'd (quit v Adonis), Beterbiev broke his jaw.
HW is a weak divsion. Kovalev could have easily KO'd both the HWs who fought in the co-main that night
Watch him spar Guillermo Jones on youtube, you'll change your opinion. Kovalev is a great LHW, but HW is the real deal, even a guy like Chisora would have Kovalev for lunch.
Stevenson has the combination of speed and power to KO him, but he only has power in the left hand while Kovalev can punch with both which leads me to believe that Kovalev would most likely get to him first. Ward is a great talent but Kovalev is too big for him and Ward won't be able to take the power over 12.
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