Ward Clowns Kovalev. Kovalev is too slow

[Butt stuff]

Wasn't this what people suggested with Hopkins? Suggesting Kovalev doesn't have great ring IQ is a misconception.

There was a ton of threads saying this exact same thing. Kovalev responded by keeping distance and making Hopkins respect his power so he was hesitant to try and get inside.

His timing is also fantastic and his footwork is simple but massively underrated. Only problem is he goes back in straight lines, against Ward that could be a problem if he doesnt respect Kov's power.

[Redd Foxx]

Wasn't this what people suggested with Hopkins? Suggesting Kovalev doesn't have great ring IQ is a misconception.

Hopkins got by from impending dirty, spoiling fights. Remember how Dawson (the guy Ward murdered) handled Bernard? Why shouldn't Kovalev?

Regarding ring IQ, I made no comment on that. I think his overall ring IQ is strong and he manages distance, energy, evaluating opponent, etc beautifully. What I said was that he's not a quick thinker, in reference to counterpunching and flash responses in general. Not at Ward's level at least, but he compensates by getting off first and getting out of danger. When they start to trade and Ward does his jab, slip, right, gone, how does Kovalev deal with it? I see Sergey's best chance in getting off first and being ready to hop out of danger. His bread and butter. He does not want to trade fire with Ward as that usually results in miss, get tagged, get clinched, eat a body shot, eat a punch as Ward exits. Andre has that game down to a science.

[Redd Foxx]

His timing is also fantastic and his footwork is simple but massively underrated. Only problem is he goes back in straight lines, against Ward that could be a problem if he doesnt respect Kov's power.

^Yes. Though it might be improbable to most, that could indeed be a problem for Kovalev as I've noticed him doing that. Those who don't understand why that might be an issue need only remember Ward backing up Froch (which wasn't supposed to happen either). Kovalev needs to be assertive in order for his game to work.

[Doctor_Tenma]

I'm picking Ward but this whole schooling Kovalev is ridiculous, Kovalev has very good punching technique and his right hand comes in different variations, even downward which could prove lethal against Ward who likes to bend at the waist, with his left hand low and chin tucked. That punch could still hit him high on the head.

[Crazylegs77]

Wasn't this what people suggested with Hopkins? Suggesting Kovalev doesn't have great ring IQ is a misconception.

That was until Kovalev won every round. Then the threads changed to Bhop is shot.

[fourtheboys96]

Well Barrera was able to tag him. Good news for Kovalev.

[Guest]

You can't hit what you can't see.

This is a fantastic breakdown.

You really are a credit to the site.

[bojangles1987]

^Yes. Though it might be improbable to most, that could indeed be a problem for Kovalev as I've noticed him doing that. Those who don't understand why that might be an issue need only remember Ward backing up Froch (which wasn't supposed to happen either). Kovalev needs to be assertive in order for his game to work.

Kovalev also has real problems staying balanced and squaring up, which Ward can take advantage of. Maybe even get a flash KD.

[Guest]

Hopkins got by from impending dirty, spoiling fights. Remember how Dawson (the guy Ward murdered) handled Bernard?

I'm not saying this to make a point on either side of the debate - I'm still deciding what I think on this topic - but you're not seriously suggesting that the Dawson Ward fought was the same version that Hopkins fought?

Dawson looked like a weight-drained zombie against Ward.... he was so drained he made Ward's power look like Thomas Hearns.

[removed]

Amazing breakdown & analysis from the OP.