Kovalev vs Ward: 5 keys to victory for Sergey Kovalev

Sergey Kovalev defends his IBF/WBA/WBO light heavyweight titles against former super middleweight king Andre Ward in arguably boxing’s most fascinating match-up in a decade. Here’s what Kovalev has to do in order to retain his titles.

The significance of Sergey Kovalev fighting Andre Ward cannot be overstated. World titles, division/pound-for-pound supremacy and legacies are a stake. Matchups like Kovalev-Ward are increasingly rare in boxing’s contemporary landscape, a fact made even starker by the myriad disappointments that have defined 2016.

For hardcore boxing fans, there’s no better fight than Kovalev-Ward. Even a bout like Gennady Golovkin-Canelo Alvarez, which comes with star power to spare, cannot remotely approach Kovalev-Ward when it comes to tactical nuances, stylistic clashes and magnitude (in terms of historical implications).

Sergey Kovalev has emerged as one of boxing’s most feared and skilled fighters during a title reign at 175 pounds that has seen him bludgeon almost all available opposition while reducing lineal champion Adonis Stevenson to a mere afterthought. In particularly devastating performances, Kovalev (30-0-1, 26 KOs) reduced former division ruler Jean Pascal to a punching bag and outboxed Bernard Hopkins — who, despite his advanced age, remains one of boxing’s ultimate craftsmen.

But how will Kovalev cope with Andre Ward’s defensive acumen, which is practically unmatched inside fighter and sophisticated ring IQ? Kovalev, for the first time, may have to cope with being reactive — instead of dangerously proactive — for significant stretches. We know he’s an elite boxer, but is he at Ward’s level? And yet, Kovalev bring his vaunted power, boxing’s great equalizer, to the table.

With that, here’s how Sergey Kovalev solves the puzzle that is Andre Ward (30-0, 15 KOs).

5) Win the battle of jabs

The simplest punch could turn out to be the deciding factor in Sergey Kovalev-Andre Ward, and that’s because both men employ their jabs with purpose and variety. Whether it’s controlling distance, setting up power shots, keeping opponents off-balance or simply scoring, the battle of dueling jabs will set the tone for Kovalev-Ward from the opening bell.

Sergey Kovalev may have the most powerful jab in boxing, particularly when he steps in and harpoons it at an opponent’s midsection. And this is a tactic Kovalev will have to employ in order to stymie Ward’s willingness to close distance and set up shop on the inside. If Kovalev can use his jab like a battering ram against Ward’s belly, he’ll slow the American down and get him to drop his hands.

Kovalev’s vaunted right hand largely depends on the effectiveness of his jab, making his straight left even more essential. If Kovalev is going to hurt ward, his right hand will likely do the damage; so, when Kovalev forces Ward onto his back foot, he’ll want step in with a double jab at key moments to set up his right cross. Too many straightforward one-twos will play into Ward’s hands.

Defensively, Kovalev’s jab will also be critical in terms of maintaining distance. This is crucial because Kovalev needs to fight at an optimal range to impose his edge in natural punching power, and Ward, even moving up in weight, is a nightmare to fight at close range. Indeed, Kovalev’s jab makes his offense tick, but it’s also the weapon that will keep Ward guessing— and, hopefully for Kovalev, at a safe distance.