Sergey Kovalev vs Andre Ward: 5 biggest takeaways

Kovalev surrendered the initiative after scoring the knockdown

Of all the potential outcomes that were offered when breaking down Kovalev-Ward, an early Kovalev knockout — while certainly possible because of the Russian’s vaunted power — would have registered as stunning. Ward, conventional wisdom dictated, was too intelligent a ring general and skilled a boxer to get clipped cold.

And yet, Kovalev-Ward seemed like it would be over inside of three rounds after Kovalev floored Ward with a perfect counter right hand that simply beat Ward’s simultaneous punch to the target. It was an impressive display of power and technique from Kovalev, who had Ward on unsteady legs but didn’t have enough time to follow up. But even though Ward was rescued by a merciful bell, the sense was that it would take every ounce of Ward’s savvy to make it out of round three.

Kovalev should be kicking himself for how willingly he surrendered the initiative as early as round three, permitting Ward to slow the tempo, work behind his jab and clinch. Kovalev only tentatively stalked Ward, and seemed hesitant to let his right hand go with conviction. He also failed to cut off the ring effectively for significant stretches.

Uncharacteristically, Kovalev showed a wounded foe too much respect. Indeed, Ward proved throughout the fight that he could land stinging, accurate shots, but Kovalev was perhaps unnecessarily concerned about absorbing a fight-altering counter.

Although it’s impossible to say that Kovalev could have done anything to guarantee an early knockout, he deserves some criticism for readily falling into a pattern of following Ward and failing to keep the American on the end of his punches.