Kovalev v Ward Discussion thread

Andre 3000 · 28-04-2016 11:06AM #1

Kovalev and Ward have signed a contract agreeing to fight later in the year. Venue and date yet to be confirmed but November 19th is being thrown around. Fantastic news and it's some testament to Andre Ward agreeing to this fight so soon.

Johner · 28-04-2016 11:29AM

How would people see it going? I think Ward wins a decision. I've a strong dislike for Kovalev though so maybe that's clouding my judgement but I just think Ward might be a little too slick for him.

walshb · 28-04-2016 11:36AM

Johner wrote: »

How would people see it going? I think Ward wins a decision. I've a strong dislike for Kovalev though so maybe that's clouding my judgement but I just think Ward might be a little too slick for him.

Slick is Ward's key to victory. In close, rugged and rough and stealing shots in close. If he stands off and expects to win I think he gets beaten. Big question is how Ward gets in close enough to do his best work, plus, what if Kovalev gives better on the inside? I think Kovalev could well give as good as he gets in close. Ward may find that up close and personal vs. Kovalev is every bit as dangerous as giving Kovalev space and distance. Kovalev's team should be working on their inside game, and Ward's team should be working on movement/defence and pot shotting steals.

For me it's Kovalev's to lose. He has size, power and beautiful punch technique. Can Ward take Kovalev's power should Ward fail to avoid it? I think he needs to be ultra slick and defensive. Problem being that this may take away from his offense, and see him spending more time worryiong about Kovalev's power

Neither man has faced this type of challenge. That's what is so intriguing and great here.

It could boil down to Kovalev not being near as bothered or concerend by Ward's power as Ward will be concerend and bothered by Kovalev's. This is what will allow the more relaxed and confident man to excel at his gameplan.

Andre 3000 · 28-04-2016 12:56PM

Ward's ability to not get knocked down is the only doubt I've in my mind for the fight. Ward is too clever and too skillful to lose to any boxer on points once knockdowns are out of the equation... It's hard to see him not tasting the canvas once though as Kovalev's power is freakish. I'd love if Ward won, he gets awful stick from people which is completely undeserved. I'm also getting a little fed up of all the Eastern European lads with deadly power dominating.

walshb · 28-04-2016 01:12PM

Andre 3000 wrote: »

Ward's ability to not get knocked down is the only doubt I've in my mind for the fight. Ward is too clever and too skillful to lose to any boxer on points once knockdowns are out of the equation... .

Are you underestimamting Kovalev's boxing ability? He's an excellent balanced boxer. I think he can box with Ward all night if he wants.

Henno30 · 28-04-2016 01:29PM

I favour Ward. He's very hard to hit. But after the Barrera fight I do wonder about his offensive capability. Slipping shots and back-pedalling won't be enough to beat Kovalev. He's going to have to put himself in harms way. Kovalev is fairly hittable given his style but he is fast and accurate. Physically dominating him is a world apart from physically dominating the likes of Carl Froch who swings like a rusty gate.

Andre 3000 · 28-04-2016 04:17PM

walshb wrote: »

Are you underestimamting Kovalev's boxing ability? He's an excellent balanced boxer. I think he can box with Ward all night if he wants.

Not at all, Ward is just night and day ahead of any other boxer from 168-175 in terms of IQ and overall technical ability.

walshb · 28-04-2016 04:26PM

Andre 3000 wrote: »

Not at all, Ward is just night and day ahead of any other boxer from 168-175 in terms of IQ and overall technical ability.

But in this instance I don't think he is night and day ahead, and Kovalev's skills won't see him lose a clear decision. He's also a very competent boxer and tactician. Technically Kovalev for me is right up with Ward, and in terms of technique as regards delivering punches I think he is superior.

FTA69 · 28-04-2016 04:31PM

Ward wins a stinker on a narrow points decision I think. Kovalev can box but he's not on the same level as Ward in the skills department and relies on other attributes to look impressive.

walshb · 28-04-2016 05:37PM

FTA69 wrote: »

Ward wins a stinker on a narrow points decision I think. Kovalev can box but he's not on the same level as Ward in the skills department and relies on other attributes to look impressive.

Never really a fan of this skills department issue. What skills has Ward got that Kovakev doesn't have to a similar level. They both have skillsets, as well as strengths and weaknesses. Tactically maybe Ward is better, but up until now Kovakev has never had to use tactics and craftiness. His talents and his physical presence have seen him dominate. Ward uses the craftiness and ring IQ more.

boxer.fan · 28-04-2016 06:18PM

The move up in weight will be interesting. Kovalev is fairly mobile for a big fella but he has looked slightly vulnerable when put under pressure (the very few times we have seen him take a back step).
I reckon Ward might attempt to spoil the s**** out of Kovalev. Ward has shown that he can spoil better than most, even though he will be in with a bigger man. He should be faster to the punch. Leaning towards a points win for Ward but that may change in time. I'm gonna replay some of Wards fights as I've kinda forgotten how good he is he's been so inactive.

titan18 · 29-04-2016 10:42PM

Kovalev wins imo, might not manage to knock Ward out as Ward is skilled enough to avoid taking too many clean shots, but he'll get hit enough. Not sure how Ward can generate enough offense against Kovalev to win this. He'll have to focus on defense and hope to spoil Kovalev, as if he goes too offensive, he'll get hit, and good luck at that point.

I just don't see how Ward deals with Kovalev's power. Outside of Golovkin, I think he's the most dangerous fighter in any weight class.

Diddley Squat · 30-04-2016 02:18AM

Henno30 wrote: »

the likes of Carl Froch who swings like a rusty gate.

Brilliant ....... I'm going to use that quote one day

nacho libre · 05-05-2016 07:16PM

At first i thought Ward would win this, but now i'm not so sure.
Ward usually has the strength advantage in his fights, i don't think that will be the case in this bout, so i forsee Ward being unable to spoil effectively against Kovavlev, i also don't think he has the power to deter Kovavlev coming forward, which means Ward, despite his superior skills, will likely be caught at some stage. I don't think Ward will be able to take it.

SHOVELLER · 17-09-2016 10:04PM

Tickets got. Looking forward to this mega fight in this new venue:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNfZad1umCw

DylanAFC · 22-09-2016 08:40AM

Being shown on Sky Sports as well.

TheNap · 22-09-2016 10:02AM

A genuine super fight

Can't wait

walshb · 22-09-2016 10:42AM

I have kind of switched. Originally I went with Kovalev. I think Ward is just going to find a way. The key to victory is Ward's faster feet and hands. Whatever way he utilises this advantage he wins. He will need to be very careful that he doesn't get hurt or knocked out. Kovalev's hands are heavy enough to drop Ward.

TheNap · 22-09-2016 10:59AM

walshb wrote: »

I have kind of switched. Originally I went with Kovalev. I think Ward is just going to find a way. The key to victory is Ward's faster feet and hands. Whatever way he utilises this advantage he wins. He will need to be very careful that he doesn't get hurt or knocked out. Kovalev's hands are heavy enough to drop Ward.

I'm the complete opposite . I started with Ward but now i think Kovalev will win . I suppose thats the beauty of this fight a real pick em

Johner · 22-09-2016 11:13AM

I really think Ward will make Kovalev look ordinary.

walshb · 22-09-2016 11:42AM

Johner wrote: »

I really think Ward will make Kovalev look ordinary.

That wouldn't surprise me.

DylanAFC · 22-09-2016 11:48AM

Is the winner of this fight the P4P number 1?

walshb · 22-09-2016 12:25PM

DylanAFC wrote: »

Is the winner of this fight the P4P number 1?

Depends what organisation you reference. Ring have Kovalev at 2 and Ward at 4. Maybe they just swap depending on the result. Roman Gonzales is number 1, and will likely remain so no matter what happens in this fight.

walshb · 23-09-2016 01:49PM

Freddie Roach is fairly confident that Kovalev is too big and too strong for Ward.

boxer.fan · 23-09-2016 02:16PM

This is a great match-up. There isn't much between these fella's when they are side by side. Similar height, similar reach. Undefeated.
It will be great to see Ward in with a genuine opponent for the first time in ages. My head is telling me that Ward will win this, but i can hardly remember how good he really is. Kovalev has looked vulnerable on the back foot & I have a feeling Ward will find a way of putting him back.

i hope it turns out to be very competitive

walshb · 23-09-2016 02:45PM

Johner wrote: »

I really think Ward will make Kovalev look ordinary.

Interesting comment. Ordinary in a close fight, or ordinary in a clear cut win? Will Ward look to be the real deal, and Kovalev look ordinary?

Johner · 23-09-2016 04:13PM

walshb wrote: »

Interesting comment. Ordinary in a close fight, or ordinary in a clear cut win? Will Ward look to be the real deal, and Kovalev look ordinary?

I just think Ward is the much superior boxer, too slick and too clever for SK. Kovalev has never been in with someone as good as Ward. I don't actually think Kovalev has fought anyone of real note. His biggest win is a UD over a near 50 year old Hopkins. This is obviously Ward's toughest test as well and Kovalev might be too big and strong but I just don't see that happening. I can see why people think that Ward won't be able to spoil and rough him up on the inside. I don't think it will be a classic I just think Ward will really frustrate Kovalev and win a UD. I'll be having a nice wedge on Ward to win.

walshb · 24-09-2016 11:56AM

Johner, no doubt Ward is SKs toughest test, but you could say the same for SK being Ward's toughest test. SK destroyed a very capable and strong Pascal. No way is an old veteran spoiler, Hopkins, SKs biggest win. Maybe in terms of name recognition, but not at all in terms of opposition quality.

I think a key area may be the clinch. Ward may find that SK us a whole lot stronger and more durable than anything he's ever faced. This fight is mid range and it's Kovalev's to lose...

HigginsJ · 26-09-2016 09:56AM

This is such an interesting fight. I think Ward has the skills to win and will prevail in the end but would love to see Kovalev KO him as he is just such an exciting fighter to watch.

DylanAFC · 13-11-2016 09:56PM

Next Saturday. Get hyped son.

TheNap · 14-11-2016 01:26PM

I thought Ward from the start but now im think Kov .

Just dont see Ward keeping him at bay for 12 rounds.

Eventually he will get inside and 1 punch from him can change the fight.

Kovalev v Ward Discussion thread

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