Re: Kovalev Ward Nov. 19
Ward by Stinkage -- As ludicrous as it may sound, Wards better at spoiling than Kovalev is at knocking people out. Ward can't block all of Kovalev's punches but he will stay out of range, land the first punch, tie up and ambush on the break, step back then lead with his head and then ambush again when Kovalev realizes hes been butted. Its a real estate game with Ward. Ward can out box in 2 ranges-- Pot Shotting Kovalev on the first counter and on the inside (hug n' slug)-- sounds crazy, but he'll be the stronger on the inside as Kovalev doesn't like to wrestle and if he obliges ward, he'll be worn out after 8. So all of wards training till the fight will focus on controlling the distance to keep the fight in those two places. The danger for Ward, exists in being hit by consecutive shots after he counters the first (So id look for him to counter with right hand leads as it puts his head in a position off to the side on the follow through. He'll also practice that shoulder roll and right hand counter on the inside that pascal landed a few times.
I've hoping Kovalev is upping his game, though he admitted before he doesn't watch tape and goes in and just fights. Maybe JDJ will watch the tape, because wards concentrating on staying out of the way and tying up so you have to look at his stylistic flaws to recognize where hes going to give you the best looks. You can't just hope to corner him and grind him down (he'll counter or come out head fist and clinch before that happens). This isn't the typical kovalev fights where its a question of time and sooner or later Kovalev will catch them in a blitz. Wards plan is to avoid getting hit with punches at all costs... You can't run a rabbit down in a tank, you have to know where the rabbits gonna be before the rabbit does.
If its close on the cards, Ward gets the benefit of the doubt because he American and the USA needs a dog in the boxing race again (probably believing that boxing's been taken over by non Americans). Till Spence and Crawford are peaking and making big noise.
Just my opinion but God, I hope i'm wrong!!!
They want your @$$ beat because upsets make news. News brings about excitement, excitement brings about ratings. The objective is to bring you up to the tower and tear your @$$ down. And if you don't believe that, you're crazy.
Roy Jones, Jr. "What I've Learned," Esquire 2003
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