Comments Thread For: Andre Ward: Referee's Actions, Stoppage Are Not My Fault

[big_james10]

First of all, no one could look at those last three punches and say for sure they were low. The replays were not good enough to tell if they were low. Second, Kovalev voluntarily bent before Ward three all three of those punches. If he got hit low, it is Kovalev's fault for bending over. Third, the stoppage was justified and right because Kovalev was out on his feet, he was not protecting himself and he was crouched between the ropes.

[Ake-Dawg]

Kovalev didn't double over until he gets hit square in the nuts. This isn't rocket science. Weeks should have caught the fouls and gave up to 5 mins to recover like the rules say, not jump in and stop the fight.

One of the worst stoppages I've ever seen. It's annoying. Boxing needs instant replay.

Only the last shot was low. Kovalev started doubling over after the 1st hook. The 2nd and 3rd landed while he was doubled over with the 3rd causing him to sit on the ropes.

[big_james10]

I didn't think any of the final three punches Ward threw were low and as I have stated, the replay does not decisively prove anything.

However, when a fighter voluntarily chooses to bend over, any punch his opponent hits him with, even if it is in the back of the head, is legal. Kovalev chose to bend over before Ward threw those last three punches.

If a fighter choose to turn his back on an opponent as the opponent is throwing a punch and gets hit in the back of the head, it is not an illegal punch. This situation is no different.

I watched the fight several times. I only saw one punch from Ward that could legitimately be considered low and that was the one in the 7th round. Even that punch was not low enough to bend Kovalev over. The so-called low blow in the second round was on the belt line and was legal. The first body shot that hurt Kovalev in the eighth round was on the belt line and was legal.

[Califire209]

I saw the replay multiple times and Kovalev did not bend over until Ward hit him with a left hook directly under the "Hublot" writing of his trunks,, it was Wards he low blowed him but not his fault that Tony Weeks made a horrible decision during a Pay-Per-View prize fight, he should have gave him a standing 8 count or a 5 minute break to get himself back together at the least

[TheThirdEye]

Ward vs Stevenson for the Undisputed title

You guys should know, Ward didn't choose Kovalev, Kathy Duva invited Ward to come up in weight to fight Kovalev for the number 1 position in the pound-for-pound list. She did it to wipe-off Stevenson from the equation. But by ducking Stevenson with this plan, Karma bust the ish on their face. By using Ward name, they thought Ward would've been an easy fight to glory, but it wasn't.
Kovalev always had a weak point in that spot, Caparello knock down Kovalev on that same spot (on the belt), but it was seen as a low blow. John D Jackson gave way to much information about Kovalev weaknesses points to Ward clan, when Hunter played Jackson with the idea of recruiting him.
But about fighting Stevenson, Kovalev was playing all along and Ward carefully does everything to avoid the Stevenson subject. If he smiles in the interviews, as soon as Stevenson name comes up, the charismatic smile's gone.
He says he wants to go up to cruiseweight, but we know it's a blattant lie, just to avoid talking about the only subject which make sense; I mean making history by fighting for the Undisputed title against Adonis Stevenson. Which is the real pursuit of legacy.
Max Kellerman already gave his opinion about the logical matchup of Ward vs Stevenson.
*Quote: (Stevenson should go in the ring against Ward, Sure!)...
HBO will have the last word on who should he fought, Smith Jr, Beterbiev, Browne, Gvozdyk or Stevenson have a GO, but all other names will be rejected if they aren't sanctionned as mandatory to Ward. HBO wont waste their money with small defenses, and if Rocknation decides to knock Haymon PBC Showtime door, Ward will have to face Stevenson first. Let's not forget HBO & Showtime are now working together on major events.
Anyhow, Crawford will take that Pound-for-pound number 1 spot when he'll become Undisputed, by fighting Indongo, because HBO will decide so. Means, Andre Ward may preach as long as he wants about fighting Cleverly, by pretending how he likes UK and wants to fight there, but Mayweather X-Factor Badou Jack strategically blocked this avenue.
Once the sanctionning bodies like IBF or WBA will begin to tell him to defend his titles, Ward will have 2 choices, high risk no reward guys like Beterbiev-Gvozdyk or high risk high reward Stevenson. Will he lose his "legacy, position and reputation" by vacating few Belts, will he turn down his own chance to make history by retiring, will he suddenly push the clock by faking an injury hoping Stevenson loses in the process; or will trust faith and fight Stevenson.
Anyways, Kal-El Stevenson will become the next Undisputed LHW champion, which will have to defend all his titles against Badou Jack. A Haymon-Mayweather win win...

[elfag]

ward threw weeks under the bus after weeks was in on the fix. blacks sure really know how to eat their own.

[Schwejk]

Kovalev didn't double over until he gets hit square in the nuts. This isn't rocket science. Weeks should have caught the fouls and gave up to 5 mins to recover like the rules say, not jump in and stop the fight.

One of the worst stoppages I've ever seen. It's annoying. Boxing needs instant replay.

First and the only qualified opinion in this thread.
I can't believe what I am reading here, it's ridiculous. Ward was hitting low since round 2, you guys should check your eyes. This was part of his plan and it has worked.
I don't even talk about this stoppage, Weeks has already said he was wrong. What else do you need?

[PunchyPotorff]

Andre Ward: "Referee's Actions, Stoppage Are Not My Fault"

Well son, the low blows sure as he!! ARE your fault, you worthless chump! STOP FOULING!!!! THEN you may be respected more. Sick of this ego blown-out ee-diott ALWAYS fouling.

EVERY fight!

To be as talented as he obviously is, WTF he does that b.s. for is beyond any reasoning.

[hitking]

Kovalev didn't double over until he gets hit square in the nuts. This isn't rocket science. Weeks should have caught the fouls and gave up to 5 mins to recover like the rules say, not jump in and stop the fight.

One of the worst stoppages I've ever seen. It's annoying. Boxing needs instant replay.

Ward landed three shots at the end that ultimately resulted in the stoppage. The first one was clean, which doubled Kovalev over. What fight were some of you people watching???

[Liondw]

Time to omit Tony Weeks from these big fights. His best refereeing days are over. He stops fights too quickly and allows too many low blows to go unchecked. And I'm not biased towards Kovalev or Ward. Why didn't they have Kenny Bayliss as the ref.