Kovalev vs Ward: 5 keys to victory for Andre Ward

2) Occupy Kovalev’s right hand

Sergey Kovalev’s right hand is his greatest weapon. It only takes one such cross or hook to drastically alter or suddenly end a fight, and Kovalev is one of the few devastating punchers who enhances his natural power with optimal balance and perfect technique. To win this fight, Andre Ward must occupy and negate Kovalev’s right hand.

There are a few ways Ward can do this, and the first method goes back to our initial key to victory: winning the battle of the jabs. If Ward can land his straight left to Kovalev’s body, it will handcuff the Russian, make him drop his hands and keep his right out of position. Ward can also shift his left hand to his waist to draw out Kovalev’s cross (or make him hesitate) and counter with an “up jab” as he’s rolling to his right.

Body punching will also be important for Ward. Jab aside, Ward’s left hook and straight right hand downstairs could prove crucial. Ward can land his right hand against Kovalev’s flank as he moves away from the Russian’s power shot, and a purposeful left hook to the body can again force Kovalev to drop his right as a defensive measure.

A more dangerous approach, but one that Ward is skilled enough to execute, is countering Kovalev’s right hand with a left hook to the head. As stated above, this involves tempting fate by baiting Kovalev into throwing his most dangerous shot while staying in range to return fire. However, this could yield significant rewards for Ward. If he’s able to slip the punch or force Kovalev to start reaching, the openings to counter will be there. (Ward could also hook over Kovalev’s right hand if he senses hesitation.) Although Ward doesn’t possess Kovalev’s power, the left hook he used to floor Sullivan Barrera stands out as a sharp, compact shot that could give Kovalev fits.