Comments Thread For: Ward-Kovalev: Release Of NBA Schedule Could Clarify Venue

[j0zef]

Tbh I don't get why they're so hung up on either Oakland or Vegas. Ward barely sells in Oakland even though it's his home, and Kov is an average draw everywhere. They should put it in a world class arena and hype it up heavily. It would sell well in MSG for example.

[MisterPullman]

You know, thats my thinking. I'm wondering why Jay Z would want to have it in NY when there is a large Russian population there that could potentially dominate the crowd and possibly influence the judges. I would think Roc Nation would want the fight as close to CA as possible for a strongly pro-Ward crowd. I dont think Ward KOs Kovalev so he would need the judges favor.

Im also wondering why this is an issue now. Ive been hearing for months now that T-Mobile was going to be the venue and wish this conversation had taken place earlier.

Some of us dont care whether its NV, NY, or a mall parking lot, we just want to see the fight

I just realized this is bad actually. Kovalev mentioned he didn't like being under pressure around his people. A big Russian community might make him fight worse. I hope it happens in Oakland because it will motivate to do better

[mabulkhair]

Ward actually has a great fan base in Oakland and his fights at the Oracle are always energetic. I don't care if they fought in Indonesia, I just want to watch them fight and for it to be a good fight.

[hhs661]

This fight needs to happen. I hope to all the boxing gods that it does. IDC about fan bases or who does this, that or the other. Make this fight. I can not be a fan of Ward if he runs from this fight over the venue

[GGG Gloveking]

Most would say that a decision favors the American anywhere in the U.S. With that said, I disagree with that premise. I also believe that Ward wants the biggest platform he can get. The elites don't feed off the crowd. Especially cerebral boxers.

Believe me, I do have a hard time imagining the Russian getting the nod on American soil, but anything is possible. Especially, if the crowd is cheering for Krusher and influencing the judges in close rounds. Im not saying the boxers would feed off the crowd but rather the judges.

If Im Kovalev, I would want the fight in London or Germany or somewhere like that. Not anywhere in US.

[MrRolltide91]

Thought this fight was a done deal

[The Hammer]

New York would be fine.

But I doubt the insecure prima donna Princess Ward will leave her home town.

Home country advantage isn't enough for Andrea.

[nycsmooth]

Why not Oakland or other sites that have virtually no world class boxing, try Florida, can't remember when a meaningful title fight was held there and I don't mean that 1 w/ wCotto a couple years back...

[Boxing Logic]

Why not Oakland or other sites that have virtually no world class boxing, try Florida, can't remember when a meaningful title fight was held there and I don't mean that 1 w/ wCotto a couple years back...

Because Oakland gives Ward a hometown advantage. Kovalev is the three-belt champ, why would he give Ward an advantage? It's not the crowd that would be the problem, it's all the potential corruption that goes on. Floyd benefited from it in Vegas when Pacquiao couldn't take legal medicine for his shoulder injury but Floyd was allowed an IV that is illegal under WADA rules, not to mention Kenny Bayless favoring him the whole fight letting him hold as often as he needed to, so that would be my concern with Oakland. In Oakland Ward would probably get to pick the ref and 2 of 3 judges himself.

I just want a fair fight on an even playing field. I have no idea where that would be more likely to happen, Vegas or New York. I'd guess New York after what happened with Floyd in Vegas, but maybe that's just for Floyd... All I know is Oakland is a bad idea.

[icha]

Tmobile is too big for kov and ward, plus neither has a fanbase at vegas..