Kovalev only has himself to blame if he doesnt win this time.

[Redd Foxx]

He definitely shouldn't bank on getting a ko. Ward is gonna be extremely difficult to stop. Not saying he shouldn't go for it if it's there, but he needs a better plan to nulify ward's infighting. He won the boxing match on the outside...he just got out fought a bit, especially down the stretch when he was tired from all the clinching.

I agree with this. ^
Kovalev is an excellent boxer. Brawling or getting too aggressive is only going to open up opportunities for Ward. Kovalev has power, even when he's cautiously boxing. He doesn't need to get crazy, just pressure a little more.

I thought the "quick step back" he used to nullify Hopkins was going to be his best asset but he barely used it. If he employs it this time, it might make the difference. Grappling didn't do him any favors. That's not his territory and he's not going to out-Ward the man himself.

[g27region]

Exactly he paid dues and was the champ of the division you can't pitty pat and beat the champ contraversialy that doesn't happen, there was a serious screw job.

Exactly, he wasn't supposed to let his opponent make it close, considering all the things he went through to get these belts