How do you think Ward will fight Kovalev?

[ИATAS]

We've seen a few different styles from Ward over the years, whether it's his aggressive smothering tactics like against Alan Green or more of his traditional hit and don't get hit fighting at range, among other variations. With Kovalev it's extremely intriguing since he's big and rangey with a hard jab and difficult to deal with from the outside, and yet trying to out muscle him by clinching and smothering can end up equally as bad since he's been known to hurt people with short shots. So with that said, what kind of gamelan do you think Ward would implement against Kovalev and how do you see it working out?

[-PBP-]

One thing Kovalev does well is maintain his distance. When you step forward, he steps back. His defense is controlling range. Even when Hopkins threw a feint, he jumped out of range. As with most power punchers he likes to stay at a distance where he can land his power. But the difference with Kovalev versus a Froch or a Kessler type is that he is not flat footed. He can take that step back and time you on your way in with a left hook or that short chopping right hand that he caught B-Hop with. I haven't seen much of an inside game from him (and as with most amateur superstars I doubt he has one) but he has the ability to shorten his shots.

This is why I don't see Ward being the aggressor and trying to get inside in this one. He's going to be using lateral movement and he's going to have to lure Kovalev in, make him commit and counter punch. Ward counters and neutralizes his opponents jab in a number of different ways (pull counter with a right hand or a left hook, slip and return his own jab to the body, etc.) If he can neutralize Kovalev's jab and have a jab or a left hook waiting for him every time he commits he will have a lot of success.

So to answer your question, I think Ward's strategy will be to play the role of the counter puncher, set traps, pot shot and smother.

[ИATAS]

No one wants to talk strategy? I guess people prefer the "Ward schools Kovalev, fact!" threads a lot better!

[MisterPullman]

I am more sure that Kovalev beats Ward than wilder beating povetkin.

That being said I feel like Ward will try to get on the inside and smother..

[HanzGruber]

ward schools him and sends him back to mother russia in a body bag, fact

That being said I feel like Ward will try to get on the inside and smother..

and this most likely, try and catch him with a shot he doesnt see coming like barrera

[RussB23]

Probably going to try and smother him on the inside with bodyshots then use his footwork a little bit.

[Larry the boss]

I think it would be wise to smother him and stay close as possible so Kovalev cant get full extension on his shots..Ward needs to make it as ugly as possible

[Larry the boss]

One thing Kovalev does well is maintain his distance. When you step forward, he steps back. His defense is controlling range. Even when Hopkins threw a feint, he jumped out of range. As with most power punchers he likes to stay at a distance where he can land his power. But the difference with Kovalev versus a Froch or a Kessler type is that he is not flat footed. He can take that step back and time you on your way in with a left hook or that short chopping right hand that he caught B-Hop with. I haven't seen much of an inside game from him (and as with most amateur superstars I doubt he has one) but he has the ability to shorten his shots.

This is why I don't see Ward being the aggressor and trying to get inside in this one. He's going to be using lateral movement and he's going to have to lure Kovalev in, make him commit and counter punch. Ward counters and neutralizes his opponents jab in a number of different ways (pull counter with a right hand or a left hook, slip and return his own jab to the body, etc.) If he can neutralize Kovalev's jab and have a jab or a left hook waiting for him every time he commits he will have a lot of success.

So to answer your question, I think Ward's strategy will be to play the role of the counter puncher, set traps, pot shot and smother.

I agree that Ward will have to get him to come to him and counter, but after he counters he will have to try and stay on the inside as long as possible,rough him up, rinse and repeat

[Larry the boss]

Kovalev has a very educated strong jab so Ward will have to try to slip it and attempt to get inside of his reach. Make Kovalev abandon the jab and that will take away a little of his offense.

[Lester Tutor]

One thing Kovalev does well is maintain his distance. When you step forward, he steps back. His defense is controlling range. Even when Hopkins threw a feint, he jumped out of range. As with most power punchers he likes to stay at a distance where he can land his power. But the difference with Kovalev versus a Froch or a Kessler type is that he is not flat footed. He can take that step back and time you on your way in with a left hook or that short chopping right hand that he caught B-Hop with. I haven't seen much of an inside game from him (and as with most amateur superstars I doubt he has one) but he has the ability to shorten his shots.

This is why I don't see Ward being the aggressor and trying to get inside in this one. He's going to be using lateral movement and he's going to have to lure Kovalev in, make him commit and counter punch. Ward counters and neutralizes his opponents jab in a number of different ways (pull counter with a right hand or a left hook, slip and return his own jab to the body, etc.) If he can neutralize Kovalev's jab and have a jab or a left hook waiting for him every time he commits he will have a lot of success.

So to answer your question, I think Ward's strategy will be to play the role of the counter puncher, set traps, pot shot and smother.

Ward is just as smooth as Kovalev on the defensive back jump, and both like to dive in body shots, so I agree it will be a counterring game. I think we will see Kovalev struggle on many offensive opportunities. Unfortunately, Pascal is horrible at rope a dope nor did he show any confidence to counter properly. If Kovalev is the offensive draw and favorite that means it's expected for Kovalev to consistently gain points as he usual does, if his compubox % is compromised by the 5th round, then I think Kovalev will be frustrated on shots landed. Kovalev is a reacher, which Ward is great at counter ducking offensive attacks. I don't think Kova will knock out Ward, and as said by others, Ward wil use the ring so the judges can see how affective Kovalev is in cutting off AGAINST Ward.

When Kovalev put the old Alien on the canvas he tried to finish him off in Rd 1, replay the tape. Bernard knew he lost the round, so he just decided to move around the ring. The puncher's chance is in favor of Kova, but I'm still leaning on Ward winning the fight on points. People will say Ward was running and still refuse to acknowledge compubox.