Kovalev vs Ward: 5 keys to victory for Sergey Kovalev

MONTREAL, QC - JANUARY 30: Sergey Kovalev of Russia celebrates his victory over Jean Pascal of Canada by way of TKO during the WBO, WBA, and IBF light heavyweight world championship match at the Bell Centre on January 30, 2016 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images) /

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MONTREAL, QC – JANUARY 30: Sergey Kovalev of Russia lands a punch on Jean Pascal of Canada during the WBO, WBA, and IBF light heavyweight world championship match at the Bell Centre on January 30, 2016 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images) /

1) Cut off the ring and throw confident combinations

Sergey Kovalev isn’t the type of fighter to overwhelm with five-punch combinations (unless he has an opponent badly hurt). Indeed, Kovalev has the technical ability to pull off such dazzling offensive displays, but he’s generally more restrained in his approach and judicious with his shot selection. Plus, Kovalev can afford to be selective because of his thunderous power.

What Kovalev must avoid against Andre Ward is throwing single shots or too many predictable one-twos. Ward is an exceptional counter puncher, and the American will figure out how to time Kovalev’s jab if the “Krusher” doesn’t double it up, throw it consistently to the body and bring his vaunted right hand behind it.

Also, when Ward jabs to the body, he tends to duck to his right, which against Kovalev would serve to negate the power of his cross. To counteract this, Kovalev should make use of his left hook to corral Ward and then follow up with his right hand. The important thing, though, is that Kovalev is putting these punches together and doesn’t get caught up in trying to tag Ward flush with a knockout blow; otherwise, he’ll end up reaching and exposing himself to return fire.

Ward also expertly changes levels with his punches and disguises shots well (his stinging “up jab” comes to mind). Luckily, so does Kovalev. Kovalev needs to vary his combinations, but, more importantly, he must cut off the ring and force Ward to engage. Kovalev can only exploit his power advantage if he can make Ward stand his ground and fight, which will only happen if Kovalev traps Ward and then draws him into throwing combinations of his own.

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Sergey Kovalev-Andre Ward is uniquely fascinating. For every slight edge each fighter holds, there’s a negating factor to consider. Because of his power, Kovalev may actually have a greater margin for error, but he’s also never tried to solve a puzzle as complex as Ward. Do you think the “Krusher” will be able to pull if off? Let us know in the comments section below.

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