Ward vs Kovalev
Ward vs Kovalev 2
Boxing fans will get to witness the sport at its highest level on Saturday with a much-anticipated rematch, as Sergey Kovalev (30-1-1, 26 KOs) looks to get revenge against Andre Ward (31-0, 15 KOs) in a light heavyweight title contest.In November of last year, Ward stormed back from an early knockdown to nick the powerful Kovalev on the cards, with all three judges scoring it 114-113 in the American's favor.
Ward used every bit of his intelligence, skill and accurate counter-punching to come up with the result, which saw him win the WBA, IBF and WBO world light heavyweight titles in just his third fight in the division.
Ward vs Kovalev 2 PPV
Ward vs Kovalev 2 Fight
Kovalev, who one could make a compelling case for
having deserved a win against Ward, will get a chance to avenge the only
loss of his career to this point.
Both
fighters' unimpeachable talent, determination, power and speed will be
on display in the boxing mecca of Las Vegas on Saturday night. Here's
how to view the fight.
Ward vs Kovalev Rematch
Sergey Kovalev vs Andre Ward 2
There is more on the line than pride and three
world titles for Ward, who only just a couple of years ago faded from
the sport's spotlight as he dealt with injuries and a contract dispute.
Of course, those who watched his ascent through the super middleweight
ranks couldn't forget his calculating, precise style and ability to
pinpoint opponents' weaknesses.
Sure enough,
after a 19-month layoff from November 2013 to June 2016, Ward returned
with a stoppage win over Paul Smith, and three more fights later, he
reached the pinnacle of the sport with his win over Kovalev.
Ward vs Kovalev 2 Live
Ward vs Kovalev 2 Live Stream
Ward vs Kovalev HBO Bxoxing
Indeed, Ward is Ring's top pound-for-pound boxer, with Kovalev right behind him. Other outlets have Ward very near the top, so a loss to Kovalev would mean relinquishing his titles and his spot as boxing's top dog in any division. After barely surviving an early onslaught from Krusher to win by a close unanimous decision in their first meeting, Ward hopes to deliver a more clear-cut victory this time out.Ward vs Kovalev Free Streaming
Watch Ward vs Kovalev 2 Fight
"I expect a hard, tough fight and I predict a tremendous victory. I've got to have it and I want to do it in a better fashion this time," per SkySports.com's Mark Crellin.If Ward can avoid hitting the canvas this time around, he'll certainly have a much easier time of it. He was certainly behind on the cards early on, as Kovalev's powerful punching and occasionally overlooked technical ability saw him control the first few rounds, with his second-round knockdown the obvious highlight.
Kovalev vs Ward
Kovalev vs Ward 2
The Oakland native had to dig deep to pull out a win, pressuring Kovalev to close the distance and prevent him from winding up his crushing right hand. CBSSports.com's Brian Campbell analyzed the first fight, detailing how Ward used his skill, tactics and psychology to defeat Kovalev:"Ward not only proved to be Kryptonite for Kovalev's offense once he adjusted, he kept coming back after getting up off the deck, which can have a hand in playing against a big puncher's psyche when he's unable to finish an opponent off.
"It's because of this that Kovalev has more questions to answer in their second fight. To do so, he has promised to be more aggressive, which should make the first half of the fight in particular a tense game of chess for Ward."
As for Kovalev, he will have no shortage of motivation to pummel Ward, knowing his power is far greater than his opponent's.
Kovalev vs Ward Fight
Kovalev vs Ward PPV
Kovalev vs Ward Rematch
If he gets another knockdown, look for him to apply even more pressure in the aftermath as he looks to end the fight early and avoid a repeat outcome, one that left him with a hollow feeling in the immediate aftermath of his lone defeat to this point, per ESPN.com's Dan Rafael:Kovalev vs Ward 2 Live
Kovalev vs Ward 2 Live Stream
Kovalev vs Ward 2 Live Streaming Free
"Yes, I was quiet because I was empty. I had
no emotions, no energy to do something, you know? I was empty and I was
just killed by [the] decision. I shouldn't do something. I couldn't
change something. What happened has happened. I just understood that I
was robbed and I don't have any more belts now. I already thought, "When
will be the rematch?'"
There is so much
on the line for these two highly accomplished boxers. If Ward wins
again, he will be able to dictate how he handles the rest of his career,
with potential opponents having little to prevent him from making
fights on his terms (of course, that is if top contenders dare to
challenge him). A fight with the powerful Adonis Stevenson could be in
the making.
Should Kovalev win, he too could
take on Stevenson, or perhaps prepare for a rubber match against Ward,
which would no doubt be something to look forward to no matter his
manner of victory on Saturday.
