Quote Originally Posted by Fenster View Post
Looked like Kovalev underestimated Chilemba, who is not just awkward but a hard bastard (to think Tony Bellew got dogs abuse for not chinning him. Boxing).

Got to admit the fight changed my mind about Ward-Kov. Even though I would expect Kovalev to be much more focused against Ward, he got hit with so many jabs and flush shots. Ward is obviously not a big hitter, like Chilemba, but with his speed, jab, awkwardness and ability to fight on the inside he could make Kovalev look clueless.
I kind of agree with @powerpuncher. Kovalev looked rather uninterested and to me kind of sickly and nonchalant. His offense looked kind of predictable. This looked much different from the kovalev that fought say hopkins? The big difference yesterday being that chilemba didn't lead with his head much or go human octopus on kovalev. Kovalev needs a better understanding of distance and inside fighting. I just hope he gets it before November. Everytime I saw kovalev lead with the jab, i see ward taking it on the right glove then countering with the right straight down the middle, maybe following with a left hook and then slipping under kovalevs right as it goes off course. Then of course tying up and trying to tenderize kovalev on the break.

Kovalev seemed really open down the middle yesterday and was going straight back on his heels at certain points. Lets just hope hes up for ward like he was for hopkins and at least learns to expect that extra left following up (the one chilemba caught him with) and on the inside to turn ward and shift his weight to nullify the inside fighting