How do you think Ward will fight Kovalev?

[MisterPullman]

Ward isnt 49 years old man

49 year old Hopkins is more like a 39 year old boxer. Don't even try to compare Hopkins to the average 49 year old lmao

[Rip Chudd]

He'll make Kovalev play the aggressor, obviously. When Kovalev lunges and overreaches, which he does have a tendency to do at times, Ward will try to avoid it and smother. Kovalev is pretty vulnerable when he backs off after attacking. That is where I expect Ward to try and capitalize. He can smother, push back, and land.

It won't be easy to do that, but I think Hunter and Ward will notice that opening in Kovalev's game and build a gameplan around exploiting it. It's his biggest flaw, by far.

This^^^^

It's very noticeable when Kov resets after an attack. I think that's the flaw B-Hop saw in him but unfortunately Hopkins is 50 years old and can't move like he used to. I think Ward will pounce after every attack when Kov go to reset and make it a little ugly on the inside, staying within his chest to pound his body for as long as the ref will allow. I don't really know how strong Kov is physically or if he can keep Ward off him while on the inside. Can't wait for this fight!!

[HanzGruber]

49 year old Hopkins is more like a 39 year old boxer. Don't even try to compare Hopkins to the average 49 year old lmao

ward isnt 39

[aldo5408]

By maintaining his composure and dominating

[Joe Beamish]

Should be a great fight if they meet. Slight edge to Ward winning with a countering style that's evasive, collecting rounds and points. I don't see either guy getting hurt or knocked down in this one -- but you never know. Great matchup.

[TRTboy]

Wards lack of a right handed will hurt him big time against kovalev. Ward is pretty much a handed handed fighter like miguel cotto.

I mean he his right hand is accurate and uses it wisely but theres just nothing in it. He even looks weird throwing with that hand. What makes him great is he has such a high fight IQ but i feel like he does not have the arsenal to hold of a top flight boxer/puncher like kovalev with a handicap like that.

[ИATAS]

By maintaining his composure and dominating

lol some very good posts until this.

[Kagami Taiga]

Wards lack of a right handed will hurt him big time against kovalev. Ward is pretty much a handed handed fighter like miguel cotto.

I mean he his right hand is accurate and uses it wisely but theres just nothing in it. He even looks weird throwing with that hand. What makes him great is he has such a high fight IQ but i feel like he does not have the arsenal to hold of a top flight boxer/puncher like kovalev with a handicap like that.

Ward doesnt lack a right hand. And he's definitely not a one handed fighter.

[IronDanHamza]

Strategy is what's so intriguing to me in this fight.

I think out the two Ward is the better strategist with the higher IQ, but, Kovalev has high IQ also, added to the fact his power is freakish.

I think Ward's gameplan will be to tie him up early every time Kovalev steps into range, not let him get anything off, hit him to the body inside. Then when the ref breaks them he will want to box on the outside, jab to the body, straight right hand, tie him up. Kovalev can box himself but I think Ward has the clear advantage there too.

What will be interesting in this fight is adjustments, Kovalev's going to have to adjust, take a half step back and try and prevent Ward from tieing him up, step in with the jab and blind him and then let body shots go, even if they all don't land some will. The jab is key.

Kovalev's the stronger of the two so he's got to use his strength when Ward trys to hold.

I can't wait for this one.

[jas]

Ward didnt throw the right much vs barrera. Probably still has right shoulder problems