What are the keys to victory in the Sergey Kovalev vs Andre Ward bout?

[champion4ever]

What must each man do in order to win? What are some of your thoughts? Please explain.

[From Russia]

Kovalev has to punch.
Ward must clinch, headbutt and run.

[champion4ever]

Kovalev has to punch.
Ward must clinch, headbutt and run.

I'm sorry. If I was coming across as being facetious in posing this question. However, this is one of the most anticipated bouts of the year and I think that it warrants some kind of undivided attention because it's a bout between two undefeated challengers.

Kovalev himself has been very respectful of Andre Ward and has said in the past, that not only Ward would pose the greatest challenge to his undefeated record but also would be the toughest opponent of his career.

Lastly, one doesn't become an Olympic gold medalist on just by clinching, headbutting and running alone. There has to be some kind of skill set present there.

[TheBoxingXpert]

Kovalev's way to victory is to keep on attacking, attacking, attackin and attacking.

And then, we can only hope that Kovalev won't suffer from the "Ward can actually punch!"-syndrome. When guys like Froch, Kessler and Barrera tried to boomrush Ward, they suddenly realized that his punches actually hurt and they were forced to tone down their offense.

If Kovalev doesn't get too nervous to attack Ward, then he has a puncher's chance, but he is up against a much better and faster boxer who has beaten more accomplished boxers than himself.

[wladavit]

Kovalev-pressure
Ward-make him miss

[Citizen Koba]

Kovalev's way to victory is to keep on attacking, attacking, attackin and attacking.

And then, we can only hope that Kovalev won't suffer from the "Ward can actually punch!"-syndrome. When guys like Froch, Kessler and Barrera tried to boomrush Ward, they suddenly realized that his punches actually hurt and they were forced to tone down their offense.

If Kovalev doesn't get too nervous to attack Ward, then he has a puncher's chance, but he is up against a much better and faster boxer who has beaten more accomplished boxers than himself.

Who has Ward beaten that's more accomplished than Kovalev? Froch? Kessler?

Seriously though I think you're underselling Kovalevs boxing ability. I think Ward is the more technically polished of the two and probably has the edge in timing (not so much in speed but probably a bit there too) and punch variation, but Kovalevs range control and footwork may be as good as Andre's and he also shows a real flair for combinations and finding the angles.

Great, great fight - for me the best fight there is to be made in the sport right now - I certainly wouldn't want to call it though I'll probably be rooting for Kovalev.

[$Bullsfam$]

Ward will be a lot tougher then Hopkins who's clock is finally running out. But the key to victory I think is very similar. I think it would be downright ****ing ****** if Kovalev game plan was just apply pressure like Froch. Ward is literally Hopkins but younger and more athletic.

The key for Kovalev is the jab. Just like it was for his fight against Hopkins, and like it was for Jermain Taylor and Chad Dawson against Hopkins. That's how you out work him. Use the jab and don't forget to attack the body to open up your heavier shots up top. It's going to be an extremely long night for Kovalev but if anybody can beat Ward it's him.

If I'm Ward I'd do my best to steal the early rounds to put Kovalev in desperation mode. It'll be easier to pick him off and cruise comfortably to victory if Kovalev is way behind on the cards and has to look for that one punch to even have a chance. Kovalev has to make this a fight early and like I said keep pumping that jab.