Sergey Kovalev vs Andre Ward: 5 biggest takeaways

Both Ward and Kovalev can be equally confident in a rematch

In a sense, the ideal outcome of Sergey Kovalev-Andre Ward was a fight that necessitated a rematch. Well, mission accomplished. It’s reasonable to argue that the wrong man won, but controversy aside, Kovalev-Ward was ultra compelling and highly competitive — with multiple momentum swings and raging debate about whose style was ultimately more effective.

Kovalev has unsurprisingly exercised his rematch clause, and Andre Ward, despite his caginess, appears game. What’s fascinating, though, is that there was nothing definitive enough in the first fight to be able to pick an obvious winner in a return bout.

Much like the analysis heading into Kovalev-Ward, there are so many offsetting and mitigating factors to consider: Kovalev did knock Ward down and had him reeling, so conventional wisdom suggests he can replicate this. However, Ward, once he settled into the fight, sapped Kovalev’s energy and power with body shots, and he started to outbox the “Krusher.”

In a rematch, Kovalev may take more risks and commit to throwing his right hand with consistent authority, leading to a stoppage. Or, Ward, after tasting Kovalev’s power, will quickly settle into the rhythm he discovered during the fight’s second half and box his way to a clear points win.

Any of these scenarios are possible. Kovalev’s vaunted power remains the matchup’s greatest variable, and Ward’s ruggedness and crafty boxing may not befuddle the Russian to such a paralyzing extent next time. Ward, though, did manage to negate Kovalev’s right hand for much of the fight — a stunning development for which Kovalev had few answers. Will Ward simply build off his strong finish, or will Kovalev correct the mistakes that saw him surrender his early dominance? Luckily, boxing fans will get to find out.