A tough closely contested fight between two of the best fighters in the game in 2016. I for one was very excited to see this rematch and finally determine who the best pound for pound boxer in the world is at the time.
Andre "S.O.G" Ward
This former Olympic gold medalist is for many the heir apparent to Floyd Mayweather as best fighter in the sport. Since Floyd retired Andre is hell bent on proving it. Outside the ring he's a quiet, religious, family man and aside from his appearance in the latest Rocky movie he has kept a pretty low profile. But inside the ring he's beaten fighter after fighter with his mauling inside game and slick defense. But like debate, a boxer is only as impressive as his opponents abilities. It's hard to take a guy seriously as a great, if they've only beaten no hoppers and cab drivers. Andre needs a great opponent to show how great he truly is. Enter...
Slide 2
Sergey "Krusher" Kovalev
This unbeaten Russian knockout machine tore through the light heavyweight division. But he has his own tragic story to tell https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Okjr5.... He killed fighter Roman Simikov. Most fighters who have killed their opponent are never quite the same after. Even all-time greats Sugar Ray Robinson and Emile Griffith lost that finishing instinct after such a tragedy. But not this guy. After making the tough decision to continue fighting he went on to knock out his next 8 opponents. He goes into every fight carrying Roman's ghost on his shoulders. Kovalev just uses this as fuel for his fire. He said "I will be champion, for me and for him" He's ranked # 3 pound for pound in the sport, and is in the light blue trunks.
Slide 3
Smothering the inside fighter
Ward is well known for his creative inside fighting and excellent ability to free his hands to land punches. But Kovalev is clearly well prepared for that. Ward uses a body jab to duck in low. Kovalev immediately gets an arm around his head and underneath his far side arm. Wrestlers call this a "Stockade". This position allows Kovalev to smother Ward's offense and gives him the ability to force Ward to carry his weight. This is a very taxing position for Ward as he has no offense from there and has to work hard to escape.
Slide 4
Timing creates a collision
Kovalev starts to figure out Ward's timing a bit here. Every fighter has a certain pace they like to work at, once you figure out this pace you can get a good idea as to when they intend to throw next. If you can predict your opponent's timing you can act to disturb it and catch them with clean effective punches as they step in. Kovalev's reach advantage allows him to punch through his target when Ward can just barely touch him. If you can connect with them the moment they step in even a jab can become a power punch. Kovalev has serious power as is and this perfectly timed counter jab is enough to rock Ward. Ward clinches to avoid taking any more follow up punches and once again Kovalev goes to that physically taxing stockade.
Rhythm Boxing
A Physical Dialogue: Ward vs Kovalev
Slide 1
A tough closely contested fight between two of the best fighters in the game in 2016. I for one was very excited to see this rematch and finally determine who the best pound for pound boxer in the world is at the time.
Andre "S.O.G" Ward
This former Olympic gold medalist is for many the heir apparent to Floyd Mayweather as best fighter in the sport. Since Floyd retired Andre is hell bent on proving it. Outside the ring he's a quiet, religious, family man and aside from his appearance in the latest Rocky movie he has kept a pretty low profile. But inside the ring he's beaten fighter after fighter with his mauling inside game and slick defense. But like debate, a boxer is only as impressive as his opponents abilities. It's hard to take a guy seriously as a great, if they've only beaten no hoppers and cab drivers. Andre needs a great opponent to show how great he truly is. Enter...
Slide 2
Sergey "Krusher" Kovalev
This unbeaten Russian knockout machine tore through the light heavyweight division. But he has his own tragic story to tell https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Okjr5.... He killed fighter Roman Simikov. Most fighters who have killed their opponent are never quite the same after. Even all-time greats Sugar Ray Robinson and Emile Griffith lost that finishing instinct after such a tragedy. But not this guy. After making the tough decision to continue fighting he went on to knock out his next 8 opponents. He goes into every fight carrying Roman's ghost on his shoulders. Kovalev just uses this as fuel for his fire. He said "I will be champion, for me and for him" He's ranked # 3 pound for pound in the sport, and is in the light blue trunks.
Slide 3
Smothering the inside fighter
Ward is well known for his creative inside fighting and excellent ability to free his hands to land punches. But Kovalev is clearly well prepared for that. Ward uses a body jab to duck in low. Kovalev immediately gets an arm around his head and underneath his far side arm. Wrestlers call this a "Stockade". This position allows Kovalev to smother Ward's offense and gives him the ability to force Ward to carry his weight. This is a very taxing position for Ward as he has no offense from there and has to work hard to escape.
Slide 4
Timing creates a collision
Kovalev starts to figure out Ward's timing a bit here. Every fighter has a certain pace they like to work at, once you figure out this pace you can get a good idea as to when they intend to throw next. If you can predict your opponent's timing you can act to disturb it and catch them with clean effective punches as they step in. Kovalev's reach advantage allows him to punch through his target when Ward can just barely touch him. If you can connect with them the moment they step in even a jab can become a power punch. Kovalev has serious power as is and this perfectly timed counter jab is enough to rock Ward. Ward clinches to avoid taking any more follow up punches and once again Kovalev goes to that physically taxing stockade.
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