Kovalev vs Ward: 5 keys to victory for Sergey Kovalev

3) Use a variety of feints

Sergey Kovalev is not some reckless, destructive freak of nature. Yes, the mere thought of his vaunted power can shrivel any opponent’s ambition and confidence, but much of that has to do with how Kovalev is capable of both ending a fight with one punch and systematically breaking foes down.

Kovalev’s jab, and by extension his boxing skills, have already been touched on, but his ability to feint, and more importantly, consistently feint, will serve to create the openings to hit Andre Ward with clean, effective power shots. And when Kovalev is able to feint fighting off his front foot, it’s usually game over.

Kovalev’s feints, though, don’t simply take the form of posturing with his punches. The “Krusher” is adept at befuddling with his feet and making it seem as if he’s about to pounce, which inevitably creates that split second of hesitation in a flinching fighter that facilitates an actual attack. Also, don’t discount the way Kovalev shifts his weight, lulling even clever opponents to sleep and then launching, say, a right hand counter or lead.

In fact, have a look at the way Kovalev scored his opening round knockdown against Bernard Hopkins. Kovalev ever so subtly dipped his lead left shoulder, making it seem as if he was about to lunge in and smother Hopkins, who promptly rushed forward looking to land a counter left hand. A completely balanced Kovalev then took a half step back and tagged Hopkins — who swung at air —- with a pinpoint right hand. These are the kinds of traps Kovalev will need to set against Ward, especially if the challenger is attempting to quickly work his way inside.