Ward/Kovalev 2...who wins?

[Fenster]

I rewatched the first fight (yes, i'm a sicko), had Kovalev winning about 8-4/7-5. On original viewing I overvalued Ward taking control of the 2nd half. I also noticed Ward had the crowd and some seriously loud cheerleaders making noise, which is obviously a great benefit to any fighter.

Overall it was a fight that Kovalev could have won wide on pts or lost a tight decision, the home fighter got "lucky," nothing new.

[Freedom]

I re-watched Froch-Ward and Kovalev-Ward.

- Ward looked better against Froch, he clearly won about 116-112. Froch looked weaker than usual.

- Kovalev was not impressive in rounds 6 to 9, but neither was Ward.
- Both were tired in rounds 10-12. Kovalev found some energy reserves and won the 10th and arguably the 12th.
- I had Kovalev winning 116-111, giving Ward 4 close rounds and giving Kovalev 2 close rounds. 117-110 is also a good scorecard, giving each of them 3 of the 6 close rounds.
- If you give Ward ALL of the closer rounds, Kovalev still wins 114-113.
- The rounds Ward won were all close, while 6 of the rounds Kovalev won were clear.

[Master]

I think that is how I had it Kov just winning and the knock down making the difference. Ward did get stronger as the fight progressed. Kov slowed down.

[Ron Swanson]

Man, I don't buy into pre fight psyche jobs but there are a few things to suggest Kovalev might be psyched out.

At the last press conference now he pointed to Ward and said "get ready" but he said it a bit meekly. And Andre said back to him "don't you point your fniger at me" strong like a father chastising their kid and no reply from Kovalev. In fact he simply left the press conference. I noticed at another when Ward talked directly to him he put his head down.

Probably nothing but something feels off. Like talking more about he deserved the last fight than what he will do this fight. Just seems strange. I get this feeling we will find out after the fight something is wrong. An injury, sickness. Something. I hope I am wrong and both are at their best.

[Freedom]

This is the sheet from the commission with the purses and officials for Ward vs. Kovalev.

Ward $6.5 Mil
Kovalev 0

http://www.espn.com/espn/now?nowId=1-19648334

Kovalev's purse will be listed as zero. His money is strictly a percentage of tickets and PPV revenue - which explains why Roc Nation hasn't been doing much to promote the fight.

[Ron Swanson]

This is the sheet from the commission with the purses and officials for Ward vs. Kovalev.

Ward $6.5 Mil
Kovalev 0

http://www.espn.com/espn/now?nowId=1-19648334

Kovalev's purse will be listed as zero. His money is strictly a percentage of tickets and PPV revenue - which explains why Roc Nation hasn't been doing much to promote the fight.

That's offensive

[Freedom]

That's offensive

It's an injustice.