The top 10 pound-for-pound boxers pre-Andre Ward-Sergey Kovalev II

3. Andre Ward

So much depends on Andre Ward’s critical rematch against Sergey Kovalev. After eking out a controversial unanimous decision by identical 114-113 scorecards in their first fight, Ward (31-0, 15 KOs), after drawing the ire of fight fans by flirting with retirement, did the honorable (and necessary) thing by signing on to settle what has become an acrimonious score with Kovalev.

There are a couple of conflicting and undeniable aspects to the first fight between Kovalev and Ward: while Kovalev was certainly befuddled over the fight’s second half, he proved he can hurt and drop Ward; conversely, Ward figured out how to frustrate and disarm the Krusher, out-boxing and out-fighting the Russian destroyer as the fight wore on and shifted in tone.

Even those who firmly believe Ward didn’t deserve the nod against Kovalev have to concede that he reaffirmed his pound-for-pound standing in the fight. Any foe Kovalev fells typically only rises to absorb frightening degrees of punishment or a swift and brutal demise. Ward, with an educated jab and expert in-fighting, was able to effectively seize control of the contest and stymie Kovalev’s vaunted right hand and overall rhythm.

If Ward can pick up from where he left off in the first fight and win a convincing unanimous decision, he’ll be viewed by many as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world. Of all the boxers on the list, only Kovalev and Ward have fought another consensus pound-for-pound entrant. It brought out the (mostly sustained) best in both of them during their first compelling chess match. And given the way that fight unfolded, early scorecard deficit aside, Ward, at the final bell, had proven to be the more intelligent craftsman.