Kovalev more likey to KO Ward then Decison?

[BEEHOP]

I'm not saying I think Krusher beats Ward, I'm more referring to the Odds on the fight outcome. Krusher to win by KO is 3-1 odds while a decision is 6-1. They did the same thing with B Hop saying it would be less likely a decision win and more likely a KO for Krusher.

I 'm just wondering what you guys think. I personally think a decision is more likely than a KO for either guy. IF Sergey wins I'd imagine it something like the Hopkins fight with him hurting Ward and then pressuring him til the final bell. What do you guys think is most likely if Sergey wins? I just don't see either guy getting finished especially since Sergey couldn't finish B-Hop or Chilemba and Ward has never really been badly hurt, and has amazing defense.

I actually like both guys (hard not to respect Sergey after seeing him beat Hopkins in that fashion) so it'll be tough to see one lose, I was thinking Ward by decision, but at 6-1 odds for Krusher by decision it might be worth putting a few dollars on Krusher by decision. I could see him hurting Ward once or twice and get him to hold back and beat him similar to Hopkins.

Thoughts ? Is Krusher by Dec at 6-1 a good bet.?

[Redd Foxx]

People see Krusher smash dudes so they think 'KO' but if you're betting on him, smart money would be decision. Chilemba showed a slight bit of defence and was able to last 12 rds. Even the shell of Hopkins was able. Ward has far greater defense than both and you can't ko a guy you're not landing cleanly on. Couple that with the fact that Kovalev is going to be fighting cautiously to minimize counters, since Ward is a master at that. I'd go for Kovalev by decision if I was going that direction.

[BEEHOP]

People see Krusher smash dudes so they think 'KO' but if you're betting on him, smart money would be decision. Chilemba showed a slight bit of defence and was able to last 12 rds. Even the shell of Hopkins was able. Ward has far greater defense than both and you can't ko a guy you're not landing cleanly on. Couple that with the fact that Kovalev is going to be fighting cautiously to minimize counters, since Ward is a master at that. I'd go for Kovalev by decision if I was going that direction.

I agree. I personally am leaning towards Ward, but at 6-1 I can put 50$ and make 300$ and I feel that's more likely an outcome than a KO. Other than Boone when has Ward ever been hurt? He's been in there with big punchers too. Kessler, Abraham, Froch, Miranda.

[.:: JSFD26 ::.]

I agree. I personally am leaning towards Ward, but at 6-1 I can put 50$ and make 300$ and I feel that's more likely an outcome than a KO. Other than Boone when has Ward ever been hurt? He's been in there with big punchers too. Kessler, Abraham, Froch, Miranda.

Wtf? Yea... do it! I'm going for Ward but if I was betting I would do it.

[Redd Foxx]

I agree. I personally am leaning towards Ward, but at 6-1 I can put 50$ and make 300$ and I feel that's more likely an outcome than a KO. Other than Boone when has Ward ever been hurt? He's been in there with big punchers too. Kessler, Abraham, Froch, Miranda.

Some here have colorful imaginations about that but the clean shots landed by Kessler, Froch, Abraham, Dawson, didn't ever rock him or slow him. Getting dropped by Boone (who dropped Kovalev too) and being able to still win the fight handily is almost a positive thing when evaluating his chin. I think the biggest factor will be if Kovalev can adapt as well as give a variety of looks which will force Ward to constantly adapt. When Ward is allowed to play his game, the opponent is reduced to having a puncher's chance.

If I were betting, I might follow your lead there as Kovalev via D isn't unreasonable at all, probably the 2nd most likely outcome IMO, and I'm imagining the most likely option (Ward UD) isn't paying much.

[yngwie]

You can expect a Hopkins type performance, but i doubt it considering the capacity of Ward to do adaptations during the fight.

[Redd Foxx]

Another way of looking at it is; do you think Ward WON'T be able to clinch Kovalev if he gets hurt? We're talking about a fighter in Kovalev who is powerful, but not a 1-punch ko artist vs a guy who can work his way in and grapple guys like no one else in the sport.

[bigtyivier2k2]

I agree. I personally am leaning towards Ward, but at 6-1 I can put 50$ and make 300$ and I feel that's more likely an outcome than a KO. Other than Boone when has Ward ever been hurt? He's been in there with big punchers too. Kessler, Abraham, Froch, Miranda.

Yeah but that was 5 years ago and at 168 lbs when he was active full time and had younger legs. He hasnt looked phenomenal at 168 in my opinion.

[YellowDragon]

i really only see kovalev winning by ko so im not surprised by the odds in the least

[SN!PER]

Kovalev UD is very possible.

Kovalev's power and aggression often cause his opponents to shell up. We might see Ward more defensive than he has ever been before. When he's in that high-defense mode, he's throwing less punches.

If the judges favor Kovalev's output and aggression, he's going to be winning rounds. Ward might adjust, but what if he doesn't get comfortable until the middle rounds? If he doesn't sweep the second half, they could have him behind on the scorecards. What if Kovalev scores a knockdown? That's another round in his bank. Ward is most likely not going to score any knockdowns.

Maybe I'm wrong and Ward puts on the greatest performance of his career. It could be the fight of the year.