My call on Kovalev vs Ward

[SN!PER]

It depends on what version of Ward and Kovalev show up.

I'm not betting on it, but Kovalev has the advantage.

[daggum]

Although Kov has power, he's not really a one punch KO artist. I think his underrated timing and jab will cause Ward more trouble than sheer power. I don't think Kov will be able to catch Ward with anything big but if he is accurate with is jab, Ward will be in for a long night and likely a loss.

Ward also has a great jab but I think stamina will be his key to victory. He'll have to make Kov second guess himself by using his opponent's aggressive nature against him to set traps. Ward must utilize his superior footwork to angle himself in and out of danger when transition from defense to offense. He'll also need to use feints, stutter steps and lots of quick lateral movement to make Kov hesitate on throwing. Also, Ward has the advantage in hand speed but his timing/accuracy looks to slightly off therefore he needs to keep his offense simple in order to remain responsible on defense.

IMHO, Ward will have to be perfect for the majority of the fight. I think Ward is the underdog but something about his champion mindset and approach to the sport makes me think he can pull it off.....

yeah because kovalev(the guy who killed a man in the ring) has a loser mindset.

[Jayallday9]

I predict Ward will dominate Kovalev..He gets bloodied, but still wins decision...

[j0zef]

I gotta disagree with you. While Kovalev is quicker on his feet, it comes at the expense of balance. He lunges a lot, which will leave him open to counters from someone like Ward.

The other thing that will really hurt him is that when he's not lunging, he NEEDS to set up in order to throw. Someone like Ward will force him to reset up very often, which will result in limited amount of punches thrown, and will frustrate him.

I do give Sergey the edge, but this is gonna be a very, very frustrating fight for him.

[bojangles1987]

I gotta disagree with you. While Kovalev is quicker on his feet, it comes at the expense of balance. He lunges a lot, which will leave him open to counters from someone like Ward.

The other thing that will really hurt him is that when he's not lunging, he NEEDS to set up in order to throw. Someone like Ward will force him to reset up very often, which will result in limited amount of punches thrown, and will frustrate him.

I do give Sergey the edge, but this is gonna be a very, very frustrating fight for him.

I don't feel as confident picking Kovalev as I do Ward because of Kovalev's balance. I imagine Ward will spend most of the fight keeping him constantly off balance and could even score a KD that way. It's by far Kovalev's biggest flaw and one that Ward is brilliant at taking advantage of.

It is vital for Kovalev that he control distance in this fight or he's looking at a bad, bad night. Ward will keep him lunging and looking ****** all 12 rounds.

[DreamerUSA]

Initially I thought Kovalev puts it on Ward for 12 hard and possibly Kovalev stops him.

Ive spent the day watching each of these guys last 4-5 fights. Ive always said Golovkin technically is better than Kovalev and he his but Kovalev moves better on his feet. This is key, Kovalev is quick moving in or out and Ward isnt going to be as strong as him on the inside. Kovalev will use his legs and that stiff jab to break Ward down. Ward will get caught in the first or second and shut down, Sergay will dictate this fight. If Ward opens up too much he will get stopped.

Dont get mad at me, go watch their fights.

The bolded part is what I've been saying for quite some time. If Ward can't consistently get inside and land some good hooks to the body, quick short uppercuts and turn Kovalev, I don't think he can, I don't see how Ward wins this fight.

[MisterPullman]

Kovalev is gonna win UD or late T/KO I think.

Wouldn't be shocked in the slightest if he wins by early KO either.

Ward is simply not well accustomed to LHW..

[Nay_Sayer]

Initially I thought Kovalev puts it on Ward for 12 hard and possibly Kovalev stops him.

Ive spent the day watching each of these guys last 4-5 fights. Ive always said Golovkin technically is better than Kovalev and he his but Kovalev moves better on his feet. This is key, Kovalev is quick moving in or out and Ward isnt going to be as strong as him on the inside. Kovalev will use his legs and that stiff jab to break Ward down. Ward will get caught in the first or second and shut down, Sergay will dictate this fight. If Ward opens up too much he will get stopped.

Dont get mad at me, go watch their fights.

It's obvious that YDKSAB.

Ward disarms Kovalev by taking his jab away. The TOMATO KAN Krusher isn't an inside fighter and Ward has ALL of the advantages when the fight is on the inside. Kovalev may be quick on his feet but his speed pales in comparison to Ward's AND Kovalev's balance is garbage. This is why Caparello was able to put Kovalev on the canvas with a jab.

The TOMATO KAN Krusher has a puncher's chance. He AIN'T winning a decision...

[MisterPullman]

It's obvious that YDKSAB.

Ward disarms Kovalev by taking his jab away. The TOMATO KAN Krusher isn't an inside fighter and Ward has ALL of the advantages when the fight is on the inside. Kovalev may be quick on his feet but his speed pales in comparison to Ward's AND Kovalev's balance is garbage. This is why Caparello was able to put Kovalev on the canvas with a jab.

The TOMATO KAN Krusher has a puncher's chance. He AIN'T winning a decision...

I'm sure you said the same **** about Hopkins.

Caparello stepped on Kovalevs lead foot you idiot, rewatch it

[hhs661]

Initially I thought Kovalev puts it on Ward for 12 hard and possibly Kovalev stops him.

Ive spent the day watching each of these guys last 4-5 fights. Ive always said Golovkin technically is better than Kovalev and he his but Kovalev moves better on his feet. This is key, Kovalev is quick moving in or out and Ward isnt going to be as strong as him on the inside. Kovalev will use his legs and that stiff jab to break Ward down. Ward will get caught in the first or second and shut down, Sergay will dictate this fight. If Ward opens up too much he will get stopped.

Dont get mad at me, go watch their fights.

I don't think either stops the other but I see Ward as the better prepared fighter, mentally. He's seen it all and adapted in every fight. Power and strength isn't Andre's bread and butter so I don't think he cares to rely on that in this fight. However, that's what I think Kov will be integrating into the fight moreso than his jab and footwork. Then again I thought the same thing when he fought hopkins and I was completely wrong.

I see angles, a variety of attacks and defensive looks as being what Ward will use to his advantage. Footwork wise, Ward might be the better of the two. I think the punch that will tell a lot is Ward's short, but accurate, left hook. If he can establish that as a consistent weapon then I think he can dictate a lot and cause Kov to second guess his attack. Ward by UD