Sergey Kovalev vs. Andre Ward – Just What The Doctor Ordered

How long have boxing fans been in a near-death sense of shock or a depressed state of mind following the financially fierce and phenomenally fruitful event known as, “Mayweather vs. Pacquiao” ? An event that ironically enough did more damage than it did good seeing as how millions were left disappointed and cheated when the dust settled and the Fight of the Century had failed to live up to the billing. I can guess that well past the 12 months since Floyd vs. Manny took place aficionados are still recouping.

But, there was light at the end of the tunnel when fantastic and fan-friendly fights came to fruition in the last few months quickly resuscitating the masses back to life.

Two noteworthy matches include the certified classics this year of, Francisco Vargas vs. Orlando Salido and the barn burner in, Leo Santa Cruz vs. Carl Frampton. Those matches were at their core pure in nature, systematically gratifying and above all, delivered on the hopes of many.

What we have this weekend live from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on HBO PPV is another one of those “hopeful fights” that should not only live up to the expectations of hardcore followers of the sport but also capture the interest and imagination of the casual boxing fan.

And how can you go wrong with this carefully crafted of a prescription?
When you dissect this match-up between undefeated multiple organization champion “The Krusher” Sergey Kovalev (30-0-1 w/26 KOs) vs. the unbeaten former Olympian Andre “Son of God” Ward (30-0 w/15 KOs) , there comes with it an immediate mystique.

Neither man has lost since turning professional. They both are ranked in the Top 10 pound for pound list by countless boxing media and websites. Both have ruled their respective divisions with an iron fist.

Photo by Armando Romo

Oakland’s own did it by slicing past the Super Six Middleweight tournament like a hot knife through butter when he swam in the 168lbs waters and picking up multiple titles along the way before moving up in weight. It was jaw dropping how casually he walked past then belt holders Mikkel Kessler, Arthur Abraham, Carl Froch and Chad Dawson. His masterful technique and skills were unmatched regardless of who he faced and he stumped heavy hitters Allan Green and Edison Miranda along the way.

Photo by Armando Romo

On the same token, Russia’s Kovalev put on his own artistic display except with allot more violence, by dismantling every possibly style and variation of victims in Gabriel Campillo, Nathan Cleverly, Cedric Agnew and Jean Pascal. For those that think he can’t box however, he showcased great in ring IQ with lopsided verdicts over Bernard Hopkins and Isaac Chilemba.

As far as the predictions go it’s surprisingly cut and dry on the notion of two possible outcomes.
The phrase “Kovalev by KO” seems to be sweeping the boxing nation for those that choose the champion to retain. “The Krusher’s” fight-ending power is otherworldly and his followers are calling for an early stoppage of Ward. One that his supporters calculate has to take place in the first 6 rounds of the fight so that the Californian does not have space to work or the minutes needed to time Kovalev. Also, many suspect that Ward doesn’t have the power to hurt Kovalev and “The Krusher’s” relentless pressure, high output and ring cutting ability will keep his foe in a box, maybe even walking him into a hard shot or two causing a knockdown. Kovalev is without question the naturally bigger man, and that will definitely play a factor this weekend when the two are fighting in close range or tied up and the title holder can lean his weight on his adversary, draining the former gold medalist’s energy round by round.

As for the Andre faithful; the pick of “Ward by decision” has been the go-to response for just about everyone looking at “Son of God” to take the belts back to California. His fans expect Ward to maneuver throughout the ring like the methodical surgeon that he is, jab his way into the clinch and work the body as well as crowd Kovalev preventing him from getting many punches off. By keeping the Russian on his back foot and disabling his offensive output, Ward won’t have to worry about big bombs coming at him. His hand speed is something that Kovalev has never seen before therefore Ward will surely apply the jab as a tool to blind his opponent and set up some serious lefty hooks and right uppercuts up the middle.

When the WBA, IBF and WBO 175-pound titles are on the line on Saturday night for the HBO PPV in this guaranteed classic showdown there won’t be a wrong answer regardless of who you want to win. This is simply because its two men colliding that are in their prime which have never been sent to the canvas or have been seriously hurt and have personified a perfected dominance and prowess throughout their careers. They have thoroughly dominated everyone in their paths and have come to this inevitable collision where only one can be the “Pound for Pound” best inside the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Not just the title to the pay-per-view but, a true statement that has brought casual fans and religious followers of the sport together to witness something special. And if that’s not what the doctor ordered as far as something that can help cure boxing of its nagging corruption and frustrating politics, I don’t know what is.