Yarde had a game plan to catch him late on when he was tired but...

[Ray*]

After that 9th round, nobody can question Kov's heart IMO. I didn't expect him to answer the bell with fire in his eyes.

Watching it live I thought Kovalev was done, but something changed in that 8th round for me, Yarde missed with a wild/wide left hook, his whole body pumped into the ropes, Kovalev then land a punch or two. At that point Yarde looked spent. And for me the way Buddy used reverse psychology on Kovalev worked.... Basically made him upped his game and box with his jab, Yarde came back and ask his corner what to do about Kovalev’s jab and the reply was “Lions in the camp”.

[_Rexy_]

Watching it live I thought Kovalev was done, but something changed in that 8th round for me, Yarde missed with a wild/wide left hook, his whole body pumped into the ropes, Kovalev then land a punch or two. At that point Yarde looked spent. And for me the way Buddy used reverse psychology on Kovalev worked.... Basically made him upped his game and box with his jab, Yarde came back and ask his corner what to do about Kovalev’s jab and the reply was “Lions in the camp”.

Funny you mention this. I came in here to say that I rewatched that round and Kov wasn’t nearly as hurt as I thought he was. He was battling back and like you mentioned, even Yarde fell into the ropes and looked done. Good call.

[Eff Pandas]

Horrible plan to not start your gameplan to victory late in the fight when you've never seen the 8th round. No clue why the effort wasn't made early to touch Kov's body more.