Sergey Kovalev vs. Andre Ward

[Pigeons]

Agree with this slightly.

1. Hopkins (Kovalev)
2. Froch (Ward)
3. Pascal (Kovalev)
4. Dawson (Ward)
5. Kessler (Ward)
6. Cleverly (Kovalev)
7. Abraham (Ward)

And these tell you a lot about how bad these two need each other. Froch being Wards best win against a resume scattered with former greats, journeymen, and some prospects.
Same goes for Kovalev who best win consists of a 50 year old man (no matter his greatness, he was 50), and his is filled with Journeymen, former greats and yet proven prospects.

I have no problem with Pascal over Kessler, but a 168 lb. Chad Dawson cannot go higher than Kessler.

I also think Cleverly's a scrub. I don't rate him over Abraham who has belts in 2 weight classes and has beaten Miranda twice, Taylor, and Stieglitz thrice.

[The Hammer]

I have no problem with Pascal over Kessler, but a 168 lb. Chad Dawson cannot go higher than Kessler.

I also think Cleverly's a scrub. I don't rate him over Abraham who has belts in 2 weight classes and has beaten Miranda twice, Taylor, and Stieglitz thrice.

Cleverly was never a "scrub".

Let's not forget he was still undefeated at that time and had several successful title defenses over a period of a few years.

I think that beating from Kovalev took a lot out of him, though. He even said he was going to retire after that.

[Tony Trick-Pony]

If Ward cannot grab and hold, I say Krusher beats him into backpedaling all night in what would be a workmanlike victory that would up Krusher's status, but come off boring as hell, unfortunately.

[The Hammer]

If Ward cannot grab and hold, I say Krusher beats him into backpedaling all night in what would be a workmanlike victory that would up Krusher's status, but come off boring as hell, unfortunately.

I think if there's an honest referee who stops Andre Ward from using his illegal tactics, Kovalev will knock him out.

However, I'm sure Ward will demand to have someone like Jack Reiss work the fight.

[-Antonio-]

Kovalev stops Ward. GGG gets all the hype, but it is Kovalev who is the real monster imo. He is a special fighter. The only guy I can see beating him is maybe Stevenson landing a huge punch.

There is nothing Ward can do to keep Kovalev off of him. He's so much quicker on his feet than a guy like Froch is. If Ward can't clinch he's a good defensive fighter, not a great one.

It doesn't matter because Ward won't even fight him.

[The Hammer]

Kovalev stops Ward. GGG gets all the hype, but it is Kovalev who is the real monster imo. He is a special fighter. The only guy I can see beating him is maybe Stevenson landing a huge punch.

There is nothing Ward can do to keep Kovalev off of him. He's so much quicker on his feet than a guy like Froch is. If Ward can't clinch he's a good defensive fighter, not a great one.

It doesn't matter because Ward won't even fight him.

Sad but true. Ward will avoid Sergey.

[Warrior2015]

Kovalev will annihilate the overrated boring coward Ward

[The Hammer]

Kovalev will annihilate the overrated boring coward Ward

I think so. Sergey knows how to avoid those head butts.

[Zaroku]

Who would win?

(With fair officials, no Jack Reiss as referee, Ward not allowed to use illegal tactics such as deliberate head butts or clamping Sergey's arms).

Excellent question. Without Reiss, and the potential for an accidental head butt mitigated, in Ward's favor, for me at least, this is a 50/50 fight. Jack in the ring, 70/30 Ward decision, or stopped on cuts.

Great way to frame & constrain the context of the discussion.

Thank you.
Regards,
Zaroku

[STREET CLEANER]

That is the only real competitive fight at 175 that is 50/50.

Stevenson will always have the punchers chance because he is really a boxer.