The only thing fans are in agreement on regarding last night’s exciting fight between Sergey Kovalev and Andre Ward (the winner’s name goes first) is there simply has to be a rematch. The razor-thin unanimous decision awarded to Ward instantly became a topic of huge contention, even before either fighter had left the ring in Las Vegas – some even calling the verdict a “robbery,” some saying it is one of the worst they have ever seen.
There was a rematch clause inserted ahead of last night’s bout, so it seems there is a good chance a return fight will happen and soon. Kathy Duva, promoter of Kovalev, is calling for an immediate return. Kovalev, who says he never lost more than three rounds, is not guilty of having sour grapes; he genuinely believes he won the fight. Many millions of fight fans firmly agree with the now former light-heavyweight champ.
Ward, hit more than at any other time in his career (a sure sign he is slowing down at age 32?) says nothing “Krusher” hit him with hurt him and that his late rounds rally won him the fight. Few people appear to be on Ward’s side, although the new 175-pound champ does have his share of supporters who feel he did win the fight, just. But will it be different in a rematch? Can either fighter improve on last night’s performance?
With fan pressure for the rematch at fever pitch already, Ward will have to obey the rematch clause lest he risk losing those fans he does have. But controversy aside, last night’s fight was good enough to warrant a part-two. Despite the controversial nature of his win, this was one of Ward’s most entertaining fights. But this was down to Kovalev, the man who made the fight.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EhSBWngCjuE
It wasn’t as shocking as the infamous draw turned in at the conclusion of the heavyweight title fight between Lennox Lewis and Evander Holyfield back at the tail-end of the ’90s, but we can file Ward W12 Kovalev in the controversial section all the same.
“There is a rematch clause,” Duva said at the post-fight presser. “The only way it’s not immediate is if both fighters agree for it not to be immediate. But we will not be agreeing to that. It will be immediate.”
2017 has one huge rematch to look forward to. Could we even see a trilogy between these two great fighters?
