Kovalev gives Ward his due respect.

[Real King Kong]

Kov IMO is a bully. He usually is in control in his fights. Since rd 6 of the 1st Ward fight, he has not had that control. He has been fatigued and faced with a dude he couldn't intimidate.

This was the 1st time as a pro he was in real trouble and he didn't respond like a pro of his caliber. IMO his reaction is not that of a man that got hit in the balls but that of a man that has had the wind knocked out of him.

If you think it was low blows, obviously I can't change your mind. Saying it was low blows gives Kov and excuse and allows you to take something away from Ward if you so choose.

He talked tough before the fight. The 1st sign of trouble, he wanted out.

he definitely doesn't like it to the body, especially in that borderline area. it's no fun to get hit in the bladder/hip area...most fighters don't like it. whether kovalev was hurt by those or legit body shots is hard to say. I felt he had the right to complain when ward was straying low...but what he needed to do was hit ward low to force the ref's hand if he didn't feel he was getting results. the biggest factor in the fight outside kovalev's conditioning was that right to the head, so the low blow debate could very well be moot. I'm still not gonna pretend there were no low blows and ward didn't push the limits of the rules.

[nghtmr111]

Much respect to Kovalev, as a Kovalev fan I wanted him to be a bit more humble about the defeat. He doesn't have to agree with it which is cool to me, just a tad bit more humble. I can respect that he still believes there is unfinished business. Kovalev still has plenty fight left in him which is why I wanted to see him be humble about it. He is still great and can bounce back for more title shots.

[Mequetrefe]

Well, it was good until the shade at the end. It wasn't Weeks fault Kov, it was your weak mental makeup.

Man, let's take what we can, at least he admitted Ward was better. I was rooting for Kova and even I admitted Ward was on point that fight, none of this BS low blow theory will fly up in here.

[nghtmr111]

By the way I do believe Ward was amazing in this fight. I don't believe he won the first, but he DEFINITELY tore it up this fight! Much respect.

[The Big Dunn]

he definitely doesn't like it to the body, especially in that borderline area. it's no fun to get hit in the bladder/hip area...most fighters don't like it. whether kovalev was hurt by those or legit body shots is hard to say. I felt he had the right to complain when ward was straying low...but what he needed to do was hit ward low to force the ref's hand if he didn't feel he was getting results. the biggest factor in the fight outside kovalev's conditioning was that right to the head, so the low blow debate could very well be moot. I'm still not gonna pretend there were no low blows and ward didn't push the limits of the rules.

I dont think its fair to say Ward pushed the limits of the rules. Those shots weren't intentional.

Kov hasn't had to deal with a body attack like this because opponents couldn't get inside (or maybe were too scared to fight inside). Ward wasn't.

Last fight KOv tried to hold to avoid it. You could argue Kov was pushing Ward's head down when the shot was thrown and thats what caused it to be low. I don't think the ref will give him 5 min in that situation.

Yes, he should have retaliated but I think he didn't have his faculties after the chin shot.

[The Big Dunn]

All good. I'm just pissed because I wanted the actual KO. Watching with my buddies I was acting a fool screaming at the screen to knock that mother****er out. Then that happened and I'm just like wtf.

That is why I am upset too. I really wish Weeks was interviewed post fight.

I think every title fight or any fight that is stopped by the ref, TKO or DQ, the ref post fight interview on TV be mandatory.

[Real King Kong]

I dont think its fair to say Ward pushed the limits of the rules. Those shots weren't intentional.

Kov hasn't had to deal with a body attack like this because opponents couldn't get inside (or maybe were too scared to fight inside). Ward wasn't.

Last fight KOv tried to hold to avoid it. You could argue Kov was pushing Ward's head down when the shot was thrown and thats what caused it to be low. I don't think the ref will give him 5 min in that situation.

Yes, he should have retaliated but I think he didn't have his faculties after the chin shot.

I believe ward knew what he was doing, especially after he saw kovalev didn't like it there...he was flirting with low blows throughout the fight. it wasn't like bowe gloata or anything. I think kovalev should have retaliated earlier when he was complaining and the ref wasn't doing anything...after he was hurt, all bets are off. it's tough for the ref when you got a guy going right on the border and straying a bit below here and there. he's gotta judge the height of the trunks, the intent and make sure he doesn't cheat the other guy out of legit body work. I aslo don't believe a fighter being hurt is any reason to overlook the rules...yea kovalev was folding, but a low blow is a low blow.

[The Big Dunn]

I believe ward knew what he was doing, especially after he saw kovalev didn't like it there...he was flirting with low blows throughout the fight. it wasn't like bowe gloata or anything. I think kovalev should have retaliated earlier when he was complaining and the ref wasn't doing anything...after he was hurt, all bets are off. it's tough for the ref when you got a guy going right on the border and straying a bit below here and there. he's gotta judge the height of the trunks, the intent and make sure he doesn't cheat the other guy out of legit body work. I aslo don't believe a fighter being hurt is any reason to overlook the rules...yea kovalev was folding, but a low blow is a low blow.

Fair points dude.

[sicko]

MOVING ON!