Sergey Kovalev vs. Andre Ward

[-Kev-]

It will be a boxing match. Ward will win a decision but it will be two smart fighters going at it. The better boxer will win but Ward will have to be careful with Kovalev's power shots, which put down Hopkins who has a solid chin.

[Brickyardigan]

I bet you said that before Kov fought Hopkins and Pascal.

No. I thought Hopkins had a chance to outbox Kovalev but that fight opened my eyes to Kovalev strength actually being on the outside, not on the inside. Ward has more demensions in his game than Kovalev who actually had a tough time with Pascal due to his wealth inside game. Pascal might beat him if he study film and saw how he was most successful in Kovalev chest, not when he was backing up or shooting jabs from the outside. WARD has the best jab in the game and he's an elite inside fighter.

[MisterPullman]

No. I thought Hopkins had a chance to outbox Kovalev but that fight opened my eyes to Kovalev strength actually being on the outside, not on the inside. Ward has more demensions in his game than Kovalev who actually had a tough time with Pascal due to his wealth inside game. Pascal might beat him if he study film and saw how he was most successful in Kovalev chest, not when he was backing up or shooting jabs from the outside. WARD has the best jab in the game and he's an elite inside fighter.

You're aware Pascal was never knocked down in his whole career before Kovalev right? Ward's chin ain't holding up, period. first couple power shots from Kovalev is gonna shake Ward... he'll resort to clinching and unfortunately like Hopkins(who attempted to) will fail miserably.

[Brickyardigan]

It will be a boxing match. Ward will win a decision but it will be two smart fighters going at it. The better boxer will win but Ward will have to be careful with Kovalev's power shots, which put down Hopkins who has a solid chin.

No this is not an accurate analysis of the style this fight will take. It will be a dirty fight, a fight controlled by Ward in close distance. Ward trying to box with Kovalev will put him at a disadvantage. Hopkins misjudge Kovalev ability to box on the outside and find range. Kovalev works better and gets full extension on his punches from range, his power seems to lack in close range as he's not able to fully extend his arms.

[SplitSecond]

You're aware Pascal was never knocked down in his whole career before Kovalev right? Ward's chin ain't holding up, period. first couple power shots from Kovalev is gonna shake Ward... he'll resort to clinching and unfortunately like Hopkins(who attempted to) will fail miserably.

Pretty sure Pascal was knocked down a couple of times by Hopkins. Or did I dream that?

EDIT: NVM, both were ruled a slip. Thought atleast one was counted.

[Brickyardigan]

You're aware Pascal was never knocked down in his whole career before Kovalev right? Ward's chin ain't holding up, period. first couple power shots from Kovalev is gonna shake Ward... he'll resort to clinching and unfortunately like Hopkins(who attempted to) will fail miserably.

Hopkins attempted to lull Kovalev to sleep and make him miss punches. He didn't expect Kovalev take a measured approach to his attack. Kovalev kept his composure and out waited Hopkins until he notice that Hopkins was waiting for him to expend energy he out worked Hopkins. He knew Hopkins was trying to compose his own energy.. Ward is an entirely different level and is in his prime.

[MisterPullman]

Pretty sure Pascal was knocked down a couple of times by Hopkins. Or did I dream that?

EDIT: NVM, both were ruled a slip. Thought atleast one was counted.

I cannot recall, Pascal is one tough warrior. I remember Max saying in Pascal-Kovalev "Pascal knocked down first time in his career" when Kovalev turned him into a zombie

[MisterPullman]

No this is not an accurate analysis of the style this fight will take. It will be a dirty fight, a fight controlled by Ward in close distance. Ward trying to box with Kovalev will put him at a disadvantage. Hopkins misjudge Kovalev ability to box on the outside and find range. Kovalev works better and gets full extension on his punches from range, his power seems to lack in close range as he's not able to fully extend his arms.

Regardless, since we're not on the same page. May the best man win, let's hope it's not a long boring 12 rounds.

I just don't see Ward having the power to keep Kovalev back, as we all know Kovalev is relentless with some fierce power.

[Brickyardigan]

Regardless, since we're not on the same page. May the best man win, let's hope it's not a long boring 12 rounds.

I just don't see Ward having the power to keep Kovalev back, as we all know Kovalev is relentless with some fierce power.

I don't understand why people think Ward is boring. He actually engages his opponent a lot and keep activity constantly going. He shows the art of boxing in the fact that's it's not always about throwing a punch but controlling and neutralizing your opponent by subjugation them mentally, psychological and then physically.

Watch how he broke down Kessler in his first title appearance, it was a clinic of great execution.

[MDPopescu]

I don't understand why people think Ward is boring. He actually engages his opponent a lot and keep activity constantly going. He shows the art of boxing in the fact that's it's not always about throwing a punch but controlling and neutralizing your opponent by subjugation them mentally, psychological and then physically.

Watch how he broke down Kessler in his first title appearance, it was a clinic of great execution.

You are right: it was clinical, literally... he headbutted Kessler's eye into actual blindness. After the Froch fight, the Dane had to withdraw from the Super Six due to the worsening of the eye injury he suffered in his fight against Ward.