The highly anticipated match-up between undefeated light heavyweight world champion Sergey Kovalev and undefeated former super middleweight world champion Andre Ward did not fail to live up to expectations. The two pound for pound elites battled for pound for pound supremacy in a back and forth fight which brought out the best of both fighters. After being dropped early by a devastating left-right combo from the champion, Andre Ward persevered and rallied back to secure the victory in this close and competitive affair. The official judges all scored the bout in favor of Andre Ward by the same score of 114-113.
There were a lot of close and difficult to score rounds in this fight. Many fans were unhappy with the official verdict and believe Kovalev deserved the victory, especially after getting off to a commanding lead in the early rounds highlighted by the 2nd round knock down he scored against Ward. Early in the fight Kovalev was doing a better jab taking advantage of the range, and winning the small tactical battles of positioning. But as the bout progressed, Sergey had less and less success controlling the distance and catching Ward at midrange. Ward had discovered a comfort zone where he was either too close or too far away, and Sergey was no longer able to catch him coming in. When Ward was able to command the distance, Kovalev’s jab became far less effective, which reduced his opportunities to find angles and hit his groove.
It was a brave and admirable effort from both fighters, that should undoubtedly result in an immediate rematch, if not just the next chapter of a brilliant trilogy in the making. Both Ward and Kovalev exhibited great heart, determination, and world class skills and ring smarts. It was truly a dream come true for boxing fans, and it ultimately proved an exception to the rule where big mega fights with high expectations don’t always deliver. This fight did indeed deliver, and did so in abundance. It was a magnificent fight!
This edition of Rummy’s Corner provides a brief recap of the amazing fight that unfolded.