Sergey Kovalev vs Andre Ward: 5 reasons to watch

It’s a rare 50-50 match-up of contrasting styles

We’ve already examined the five keys to victory for both Sergey Kovalev and Andre Ward. Tactically, the match-up is a virtual stalemate, with every perceived advantage being negated by some other attribute. And yet, Kovalev-Ward is a classic test of hellacious puncher versus master boxer.

Few making predictions for Kovalev-Ward are doing so with genuine confidence because there are so many factors to consider. How will Ward fare when he tastes the full extent of Kovalev’s power for the first time? Can he still replicate his 2011-2012 form? Conversely, will Kovalev even be able to reach Ward with a fight-altering punch? Is he actually a skilled enough boxer to solve the puzzle that is Ward?

Because Kovalev-Ward is so even, every element of it becomes fascinating, right down to their duelling jabs. Frankly, the tension will be almost unbearable. As both men jab, feint and deftly maneuver about the ring looking for angles to attack, the bursts of offense will explode faster than they can be absorbed. It’s the kind of action— the omnipresent threat of Kovalev’s power, and the depth of Ward’s ring craft — that promises to captivate from the opening bell.

There will also be an epic struggle to dictate the terms of engagement, which promises to be absorbing. Andre Ward will want to get inside of Kovalev’s power and set up shop in the trenches, but getting there is no straightforward task. Sergey Kovalev, on the other hand, needs to keep Ward at the end of his punches to maximize his power. Essentially, the winner will the one who bends the other to his will, and both are equally capable of succeeding in this regard.