Something that's being overlooked in the Kovalev/Ward fight.

[John Locke]

You may be right, but he will still lose to Andre Ward because Andre Ward is superior to Kovalev in every category, including punching power. What strikes me about the Hopkins fight is that Kovalev couldn't put Hopkins away, even though he knocked him down twice. You may attribute that to Hopkins great chin.

However, I attribute it to the fact that Kovalev, like most punchers, can KO the B-level opponents but never seems to have enough power to KO the A-level opponents. There is no doubt in my mind that, if Hopkins had been five years younger, he would have beaten Kovalev.

you've got to be the most person on this forum. Everything you post is complete garbage.

[frantic fighter]

You may be right, but he will still lose to Andre Ward because Andre Ward is superior to Kovalev in every category, including punching power. What strikes me about the Hopkins fight is that Kovalev couldn't put Hopkins away, even though he knocked him down twice. You may attribute that to Hopkins great chin.

However, I attribute it to the fact that Kovalev, like most punchers, can KO the B-level opponents but never seems to have enough power to KO the A-level opponents. There is no doubt in my mind that, if Hopkins had been five years younger, he would have beaten Kovalev.

Kovalev would have given Bhop problems at anytime. He had never faced anyone remotely like him before. Ward has the speed advantage and is a better inside fighter,but to say that he has more power is Ludicrous. If Kovalev had went twelve with Ward's last opponent I guarantee that guy would be in a body bag right now.

[stuff jones]

If you had read my post in its entirety, you would know that I placed very little value on the ko of Silahk.

Don't expect him to read it all.

[Weebler I]

In November of 2013, Kovalev, then a budding star squared off against former amateur rival Ismael Sillahk. What most may remember from that fight was a brutal second round ko, followed by an unusual celebration and post fight interview. Which shouldn't be glossed over,however is what took place during the first round. Sillahk, who for all of his shortcomings in the chin department, was thought to be the better technician of the two, was handily out jabbed and overall outboxed by the supposed"puncher" in the first stanza. I know it's a small sample size,but he followed that feat up with a complete wipe out of the aging great Hopkins, who old or not still has enough wit to cause anybody problems. Kovalev could potentially be a rare (Thomas )Hearns like fighter, who not only packs a potent punch, but also has next level technical prowess should he need it.

I gave Sillakh the first round. Power changed the bout imo.

[Mike D]

Without power Kovalev is nothing.

Yeah and without Trump's 3.7 billion dollars, he's not a billionaire.

[TRTboy]

Ward can win without power.
Kovalev cannot.

Just look how he squares himself up....
The way he drops his hands to his waist after he punches.

The way he stands around after he fires like he's posing for the cover of overrated boxer magazine.

If Kov didn't have power he would be a slick boxer. People don't realize that guys who don't have power are forced to work on defense, that's why most feather fisted fighters who are good usually are very good defensive fighters.

If Ward had Kov's punch he wouldn't be as good defensively. But you wouldn't know cuz YDKSAB!

Kovalev is not just a puncher anyway. If he wanted to be boring he could box guys without getting touched.

[Citizen Koba]

No way, Silakh won the first round fairly easily.... Kovalev didn't touch him that round because if he had it would have probably been a first round KO, the first half decent connection seperated him from his senses.

First round was fairly even as I recall. Lot of exploratory movent and jabbing from Sillakh, some body jabs from Kovalev I think...

Let's drag it up.



EDIT: yeah fairly even. Forgotten how well Sillakh moves - guys really light on his feet for the size, but that chin.... Notable however is about a minute inwhen Kovalev seems to be clipped with a hook or something whilst pursuing Sillakh and kinda stumbles a bit... I've mentioned before I think Ward has the timing to catch him on the move for flash knockdown - Sergei can cover ground fast, but as for most movers it's also a point of vulnerability.

[Madison Boxing]

In November of 2013, Kovalev, then a budding star squared off against former amateur rival Ismael Sillahk. What most may remember from that fight was a brutal second round ko, followed by an unusual celebration and post fight interview. Which shouldn't be glossed over,however is what took place during the first round. Sillahk, who for all of his shortcomings in the chin department, was thought to be the better technician of the two, was handily out jabbed and overall outboxed by the supposed"puncher" in the first stanza. I know it's a small sample size,but he followed that feat up with a complete wipe out of the aging great Hopkins, who old or not still has enough wit to cause anybody problems. Kovalev could potentially be a rare (Thomas )Hearns like fighter, who not only packs a potent punch, but also has next level technical prowess should he need it.

honestly call me crazy but i dont rule out this fight looking too dissimilar to that. People will genuinely think im saying this stuff as a 'i hate ward' post but ive said it all along, this could be a demolition job. Maybe i'll be left with egg on my face and get it wrong, but i really think kovalev could just walk straight through him. Ward is way way more hittable than people think

[i'm a fun haver]

agreed. anybody who thinks kovalev is just a power puncher with no skill are morons.

There are a lot of those morons.

[NaijaD]

First round was fairly even as I recall. Lot of exploratory movent and jabbing from Sillakh, some body jabs from Kovalev I think...

Let's drag it up.



EDIT: yeah fairly even. Forgotten how well Sillakh moves - guys really light on his feet for the size, but that chin.... Notable however is about a minute inwhen Kovalev seems to be clipped with a hook or something whilst pursuing Sillakh and kinda stumbles a bit... I've mentioned before I think Ward has the timing to catch him on the move for flash knockdown - Sergei can cover ground fast, but as for most movers it's also a point of vulnerability.

Okay upon watching it again perhaps it wasn't easy but I still feel like the better work came from Silakh and yeah he caught Kovalev off balance using good movement to lure him in. Ward isn't as light on his feet though but I think he has enough in his legs to make those openings.

You're right about Silakh though, he boxes beautifully but that my goodness that chin ....... just goes to show that you can have the skills and be well schooled but you still need those physical attributes to make it in this sport.