Ward-Kovalev II, June 17th, Las Vegas

Plenty of "Rematch Clauses" have Been Disregarded...

If Ward Didn't WANT this Fight, he Wouldn't Be a Part of It...Like Anthony, REED Didn't Think it'd Happen Either, @ Least Not Right Away...

REED Figured They'd Each Fight a Guy or 2 First....







REED:hammert:

 

from what i gather ward would have had some issues taking another fight and breaking the contract for the rematch. would have been a legal thing and HBO would not have televised him against anyone else. also, who the fuck else is there for him to fight anyhow?

 

He "lost" because he faded so badly down the stretch. I'm not sure if "just throw more punches" really helps him out.

 

Part of the reason Kovalev did so well early is he has a slight herky jerkiness to his style that makes him harder to read but burns up energy. I don't think he can fight the same way and "just have more stamina".

 

Kovalev Faded Because of Ward's SUBTLE Bodywork...

No One's Saying Kovalev Needs to Morph Into Aaron Pryor or Henry Armstrong, but he COULD Afford to UP his Workrate, from Last Fight...If You OCCUPY Ward's Mind w/EVADING the Incoming, There's LESS Time for him to Clinch and Punch Off the Clinch...





REED:kidcool:

 

Kov faded because he fades like in every fight. Had nothing to do with Wards barely there offense. His work rate was fine early and then it dropped like most people said it would coming in.

 

Kovalev Finished the Hopkins Fight VERY Strongly...REED Would Be Shocked if Kovalev DIDN'T Have his Highest Punch Output in the 12th Round of that Bout...

He Maintained a GOOD Workrate in Both Pascal Bouts Too, w/Out Showing Fatigue...

As Muzse Pointed Out, Kovalev Did NATHAN to Ward's Body; he Head Hunted the Entire Fight...Against Guys Like Ward, ACTIVITY is Step 1...Step 2 is Landing WHEREVER; Arms, Shoulders, Bodyshots, etc...





REED:kidcool:

 

That is what i said. Who else would ward fight? Imo, kovalev deserves more credit than ward actually.

 

True. My point is only that Kov is not out of his element fighting Ward outside, and that getting close plays into Ward's hands, where Ward is effective at smothering punches and clinching.

 

Agreed. Getting on the inside and making Kov look like a fool in and out of the clinch was what changed the first fight.

 

Yeah! He really schooled Kov in that fight. Nevermind at least half of people who watched it thought he lost. ::

 

Ward did nothing to make Kovalev look like a fool.

 

Ward crawled his way back into that fight,which was admirable considering the disastrous start he had. But he never made Kovy look like a fool, nor did he win that fight

 

He may not have won the popular vote but he did win the electoral college. Kov won his rounds more convincingly but Ward won more rounds; 7-5 and so even with the KD he wins by a point, which was fair. Also, Ward was the better fighter in the 2nd half of the fight and champions close the show.

Having said all of that....the more I think about this rematch the more I expect a classic! Kovalev is out for revenge and would not want to risk leaving it in the hands of the judges...and Ward's pride is such that he wants to PROVE to the fans that he's the better fighter. It'll be a great fight.

 

I dont think Kovalev has another gear (or he'd have used it) and I think ward will avoid the early turbulence this time. Duller fight and a legit ward win this time

 

I agree with Hut. It's gonna likely be boring. Ward will just look to make it ugly with holding and hitting tactics. Kovalev will probably not get the chance to land his big power shots this time.

I can't see Ward taking too many chances. He's just gonna look to get by here.

 

Hmmm...I can see this outcome too, but I just don't think Kovalev will allow it to be boring.

 

One thing to look out for is the judges possibly compensating in Kovalev's favor this time, due to the last fight being so controversial.

A controversial decision the other way wouldn't shock me in this fight.

 

That's certainly happened before

 

Yup. Barrera-Morales 2, IMO.

 

Lewis-Holyfield II, to a Lesser Degree...





REED

 

word

 

I think Ward will actually win it this time as well.

 

What fight were you watching? Kov started well obviously, but Ward controlled the last 6 rounds of that fight with ease. Kov had zero idea how to score effectively either side of the clinch.

 

With ease?? I think you saw this fight a lot different than most non-biased viewers.

 

Ward mostly backed up all night and did a lot of holding and wrestling.

Kovalev in my eyes, pushed the pace, and landed the harder, more damaging blows. He did fade somewhat late but I still believe he won a deserved decision.

Ward made a fool of nobody.