Comments Thread For: Roach: I Think Kovalev Will Be Too Big, Strong For Andre Ward

[MDPopescu]

Kovalev will keep Ward at bay with that jab to the body. After two or three rounds of that, ward's hands will be very low to catch those punches, that's when the jabs to the face start breaking Ward's face down. When he tries to grab, Kovalev will PUNISH the left side of his ribs in the clinch, which will put an end to that.

Either Ward quits on the stool, quits claiming an injury or he gets caught with a big punch and he's knocked out cold.

These kids here think that Kovalev is "sloppy". He isn't -- Kovalev is able to finish his opponents in 3-4 rounds tops. But, lately, he chose to go some more rounds with those with no punch power, because he needed rounds into the ring.

Ward would have to try to jump in and out and fight mostly from inside, in order to deny Kovalev the long and mid range (from where the Russian is punching very sharp and deadly). And we all know what will happen immediately after Kovalev catches Ward with a big punch...

[doom_specialist]

I see Ward smothering Kovalev all night, like he did Kessler. Inside game all night, with clinching at long range to stay close to him in order to take away his power at mid to long range. Dirty shots right after breaking the clinch, lots of hitting and holding, etc. It's gonna be an ugly, mauling fight that Ward will win by keeping Kovalev in the phone booth. UD 117-111.

[petegrif]

"I see Ward smothering Kovalev all night, like he did Kessler. Inside game all night, with clinching at long range to stay close to him in order to take away his power at mid to long range. Dirty shots right after breaking the clinch, lots of hitting and holding, etc. It's gonna be an ugly, mauling fight..."

Completely agree.

The referee is crucial whenever Ward fights.

If the ref lets Ward leap head down into clinches all night (as he did against Kessler - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDEBCoaR_lU) then unless K catches W coming in with uppercuts to stop that game, then Ward will be able to spoil all night. But if the ref stops him doing it, the fight will be completely different and will be much more favorable for Kovalev.

[Bronx2245]

Roc Nation needs to stop the bullsh**t:

Dan Rafael of ESPN

But despite some reports swirling that Ward-Barrera is a done deal, it is not yet. They’ve been at it for about six weeks to make a fight that is now seven weeks away. It should have been done weeks ago, although both fighters are in training camp in anticipation of it being finalized some day.

Duva is as frustrated as anyone.

“Believe it or not, we are still talking. Leonard-Hearns, Holyfield-Foreman and Whitaker-Chavez all put together didn’t take this long to make,” Duva told ESPN.com, invoking three megafights her company was involved in promoting.

Those were complicated fights that legitimately took time to make. They were not Ward-Barrera.

Duva, who has about 35 years of experience in the fight game, is not too happy with the way Roc Nation/Ward are conducting their business.

“It is literally a different issue every day,” Duva said. “It’s a wonder that these people can put a four-rounder together.”

Roc Nation declined to comment on the he negotiations but, ideally, they’ll get around to finalizing the 12-rounder for March 26.

http://espn.go.com/blog/dan-rafael/p...still-not-done

[kiDynamite92]

I agree with Roach to an extent. Imo the fight is Ward's to win but it all depends on how he looks after that long lay off. If he comes back at his best, I see another shut out for Ward.

[kiDynamite92]

Anyways I'm REALLY looking forward to this fight! I hope it happens later this year. This is the best fight that can happen in boxing.

[HarvardBlue]

This would be a more compelling argument if Ward had KO power at LHW.

Ward didn't have much punching power at 168. Ward is a different fighter than anyone Kovalev has faced. Sure Kovalev can hurt him but if he fights smart, slow the pace down, and use some of his tricks to smother Kovalevev's offense he can win. It won't be easy but he can do it.

[MisterPullman]

Ward didn't have much punching power at 168. Ward is a different fighter than anyone Kovalev has faced. Sure Kovalev can hurt him but if he fights smart, slow the pace down, and use some of his tricks to smother Kovalevev's offense he can win. It won't be easy but he can do it.

"Everyone has a plan 'til they get punched in the mouth"

The only person I see beating Kovalev is Beterbiev.. I think the only way to beat this man is with power. Power verse power, show Kovalev you are dangerous so he won't push you around.. unfortunately in this case, Ward wasn't ever a big puncher.. not even in 168

[twosweethooks]

Kovalev is too good to dismiss , Ward has never been with such a strong puncher ,,,,oops how bout Boone !!! Boone had Ward down and hurt badly, Kovalev destroyed Boone in two!

K needs to stay away from the inside like he did with Hopkins and use his length like he always does and Ward will last about 7 rounds!

This may ruin Ward

[simms601]

You do know that Boone dropped Kovalev as well, right? And he knocked out Adonis Stevenson....