Who won? Kovalev or Ward?

[TitoFan]

Even the ref agrees with the majority.

[Freedom]

Doug Fischer (from The Ring website)

I think we need to be outraged when judges play favorites. I don’t think it should be a problem when American judges are assigned to a fight between an American and foreign fighter. It shouldn’t have to come down to nationalities.

Boxing officials should be professional and fair regardless of where they are from. We just need better, more honorable judges.

Amen.

[Gandalf]

It was a close fight. In a situation like that everyone needs to be paying close attention, but it does say something when the vast majority of writers and posters think Kovalev won and yet 0% of the judges think Kovalev won. There is a discrepancy there and frankly it is all too common in an unregulated and probably corrupt sport like boxing. You saw it on the undercard more glaringly and then in the main event too. Where there is money the cards are likely to follow.

[p4pking]

Is Ward really that much more marketable than Kovalev though? I don't know why he'd be worth putting the fix in for when you look at how often the guy's been fighting, who else is out there for him to fight, the numbers he's previously done etc.

[Spicoli]

What really sucks is I've had no inclination or want to rewatch it. Not the norm for a fight of this magnitude. No matter my fan favorite still think Kovalev earned the victory.

[Gandalf]

Is Ward really that much more marketable than Kovalev though? I don't know why he'd be worth putting the fix in for when you look at how often the guy's been fighting, who else is out there for him to fight, the numbers he's previously done etc.

Probably so based upon being the great American hope. Now he has the win his stock is back up, people are saying how amazing he is, and now he can go and have a rematch. If Kovalev won the demand for a rematch would be much less. With Ward winning and many not thinking he won, there is also a narrative to drive up the hype again. Personally I thought it was dull, but if you can make more money with yet more clinching, then you have to take it. Ward has made the bigger share of the money, has the win, and American boxing is winning too. What's not to love? I hope Kovalev destroys him next time out.......oops, I am falling for it already.