Sergey Kovalev vs. Andre Ward

[firstborn]

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.

Ward might not have a cast iron chin but he does have decent punch resistance. I've only seen him seriously hurt once and that was early in his career against Boone. By now everyone knows that Boone can crack and isn't the average journeyman.

What makes you think Ward has an exceptionally weak chin?

[MDPopescu]

Ward might not have a cast iron chin but he does have decent punch resistance. I've only seen him seriously hurt once and that was early in his career against Boone. By now everyone knows that Boone can crack and isn't the average journeyman.

What makes you think Ward has an exceptionally weak chin?

There aren't such things like "weak chin", "strong chin". The "best chin" is the one which doesn't get hit.

[Jubei]

You should make a poll asking if Ward will actually step into the ring with Kovalev, i highly doubt it.

There will be (more) injuries, delays, alot of excuses, alot of bithcing and crying and maybe even lawsuits before we see Ward inside the ring with the Krusher.

If Ward eventually has the balls it will really depend on the judge. Will he enforce the rule of a boxing fight and prevent Ward from headbutting, holding, clinching and spoiling the fight? Then i dont see Ward going the distance.

I can guarantee you Ward and his trainer will try everything possible to get every advantage for Ward thats possible, with the refs, judge, ring size, gloves, money etc. and they rather delay or even boycott the fight instead of giving away anything.

[Avenge Myself]

Fight probably won't happen anyways.

[firstborn]

There aren't such things like "weak chin", "strong chin". The "best chin" is the one which doesn't get hit.

I agree wholeheartedly, avoiding punches is always the best route. But the reality is that in boxing you're going to get hit...and when it happens the fans will be there to critique their ability to withstand a hard punch.

[mick1303]

Fair post.

Ward's inactivity is the only impediment to him beating Kovalev. Otherwise it's BUSINESS AS USUAL for SOG.

Let Ward get two tuneups then it should be GGG and Kovalev back-to-back. Lets see who keeps their zero. I'm picking the guy that proved himself by cleaning out the middleweight division in five straight fights.

Kovalev or GGG are yet to beat a boxer on the level of Arthur Abraham or Mikkel Kessler.

Yet their THIRSTY fans think they'll beat Ward. SMH

No doubt the same batch of fans consistently picking against Mayweather.

Ward is (or was) one of those fighters who can successfully cut weight and therefore he is naturally bigger than almost all his opponents at 168. This "intelligent" boxing is predicated on this fact, because there is a fair share of wrestling involved. Somehow all "analysts" here automatically transfer these attributes to the next weightclass. I think this is a faulty reasoning. Ward will not be a physically stronger fighter against Kovalev. His abilities to disrupt Kovalev's game will be limited comparing to what we used to see in his fights. Still, if he comes prepared, I think he will make it to the final bell, but loses a decision due to lesser punch output.

[Daddy T]

kovalev by decision

[Dr Rumack]

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.

Good points. Closing the distance is dangerous against Kovalev though. His shots are straight and accurate and he can let them go without setting his feet. This is a different ball-game to facing Froch or Kessler.

[MDPopescu]

I agree wholeheartedly, avoiding punches is always the best route. But the reality is that in boxing you're going to get hit...and when it happens the fans will be there to critique their ability to withstand a hard punch.

There are some tricks: never keep the chin in the air, rolling with punches, strong neck muscles (and overall muscle coordination)... But a chin is never able to cope with thunder-like straight punches or hooks (especially hooks)...

[mick1303]

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.

If Ward decides to fight dirty, he will realize that he is messing with a wrong guy. It will get real ugly real quick for him. But by all means, continue to believe what you believe. I just hope this fight happens.