So 2 judges gave Kovalev 4 rounds out of the first 6,the other 2 rounds being even? And the final judge saw most rounds as even?
No controversy whatsoever in my view. Kovalev took the first 3 including a 10-8, effectively putting him 4 points ahead. He was then comprehensively schooled by a slick fighter who puzzled him and never got caught by a meaningful shot again. Ward deserves a lot of credit because Kovalev can bang and he was hurt early, but he figured out what to do and comfortably won the second half of the fight. Kovalev did nothing after R4, and has no one to blame but himself.
Some extremely close rounds to score but I had Ward just edging it. As per usual, very impressed with Malignaggi on commentary. Glad to see he's a regular for the big shows.
Looking forward to watch the replay later on. Haven't seen it so can't comment on the result but I thought before the fight that Ward hasn't quite been at his peak for a while. Remember him schooling top fighters like Froch, Kessler when winning the Super Six all those years ago? He hasn't looked as super sharp for a while I reckon, so full credit to him beating a bigger, peak form rival who has looked imperious thus far.
Punch stats had Ward landing more punches in rounds 3, 5, 7, 8, 9, & 11. Kovalev won rounds 1, 2, 4, 6, 10 &13. That's 6 rounds a piece. One of Kovalev's rounds was a 10-8. Official cards with Kovelev first. White. 10-9, 10-8, 10-9, 10-9, 9-10, 10-9, 9-10, 9-10, 9-10, 9-10, 9-10, 9-10. Total. 113 -114. Blue. 10-9, 10-8, 10-9, 10-9, 9-10, 9-10, 9-10, 9-10, 9-10, 9-10, 9-10, 10-9. Total. 113 - 114. Pink. 10-9, 10-8, 9-10, 10-9, 10-9, 10-9, 9-10, 9-10, 9-10, 9-10, 9-10, 9-10. Total. 113 - 114.
You can't simply go on punch stats. They can be misleading and I'd like to know what punches they had Kovalev as landing in R5-12 to be honest. I don't remember a right hand landing after the knockdown and the jab began to fall short. With the power that he had he should have been walking through Ward but in the end Ward backed him up with his own offense, which was surprising and decisive. The fact is, after the knockdown, he didn't press on. A rematch is deserved yes, but there is no controversy here. I love Larry Merchant but I don't even know what he is smoking if he thinks Ward got a hometown decision.
Personally I thought Kovalev won Toppy, but I can't fault the decision mate. Just giving an insight to what a lot of people thought about the outcome. Punch stats. Kova. 7. 16. 4. 9. 7. 9. 7. 10. 11. 21. 12. 13. Ward. 5. 3. 5. 7. 8. 8. 11. 11. 17. 16. 13. 12.
So a left jab that just makes contact with the opponent's forehead carries the same weight as a thundering uppercut that wobbles the opponent?
I think in general Ron, the punch has to look solid. But a good jab I think carries as much credit as a power punch when it comes to scoring a fight. Scoring is a very subjective thing. Points are awarded for more than just punches landed. Besides clean punches, rounds are assessed by other factors such as effective aggressiveness, ring generalship and defence. Then there's the problem of judge's positions at ringside. As fighters circle each other, it's possible that at times, two of the judges may actually have fighter's backs to them, so scoring can be a bit of a hit and miss process. I think the problems we're having with the result might come down to things like aggressiveness, generalship and defence. Kovalev gets the nod for aggression because he spent most of the fight on the front foot, but does Ward get the round because of the way he went about his business on the back foot? Who controlled the ring? Was it the man coming forward, who constantly forced his opponent to counter his onslaught, or the gent who showed the talent to stay out of harm's way and score while he did so? Then factor in what the judges miss that the slow motion of the cameras catch, and it becomes quite easy to see why these controversies crop up. It's all pretty interesting stuff.
Proof positive that fighter neurons often misfire between the ears. Lucas "Big Daddy" Browns has just tested positive for the second time this year. After being stripped of his WBA belt for using clenbuterol, he's now tested positive to Ostarine. I guess his title fight against Briggs is now down the toilet. I wonder if Haye gets his chance now. A Briggs - Haye fight would be cool.
Happening far too often nowadays, barbaric 'sport' IMO, bugger-all 'cool' about it: http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-norfolk-38093737
Really sad piece of news Swanny. I'm a boxing fan, but but I wouldn't complain if the sport received a world wide ban.
Promotional fight news of the day, Eddie Hearn announces a Haye - Bellew fight for March next year. It'll be a pay for view on Sky, how it'll sell, God only knows. The lead up to the bout will be heated and protracted as neither man likes the other. I sort of get the feeling though that Bellew has an issue festering deep in his gut and wants to smash Haye. But this looks like a little too much passion and not enough forethought on his part. He's going to have to step up to heavyweight to take on Haye, who is not only likely to be the bigger hitter and have the longer reach, but will also probably be maybe a stone heavier. They are both about the same height, but Haye has the advantage of years of heavyweight conditioning behind him. And Bellew can be hurt. When he fought Adonis Stevenson for the Light Heavyweight title three years ago, he was badly out gunned before Stevenson really hurt him. Of course Stevenson is a freak, but Bellew is going to have to come in about 30 pounds heavier than he was that night, when he clashes with Haye. The good news though, is he'll only have to stick on about 10 pounds now that he a Cruiserweight. To be honest, the whole thing looks terrible. In fact, I think it stinks. I can't help but believe that Bellew is being served up for the slaughter so others can fill their pockets. Probably the only person with the utmost faith in Bellew, is Tony himself. I hope I'm wrong here, but March 4 could be a bit on the painful side for both Bellew and viewers. The only clip I could find that show what Bellew might be in for against Haye is below. Remember Stevenson is a much lighter man than Haye.
Massive clash of personalities in the presser for the Haye - Bellew fight. Haye and Bellew really gave it to each other and at one stage, Haye stuck it Eddie Hearn, causing the latter to fire back. A lot of raw nerves were struck. The highlight of the whole affair was the face off between Haye and Bellew. Bellew couldn't wait to get close, but when he did, Haye went the forehead grind. Bellew shoved and the moment Haye felt hands, he let fly with a lightning left hook. The speed was breathtaking. The fight is three months away and is already a sell out. There is a lot of hate here, and not just between the fighters, but the teams as well.
It shows how much of an absolute bellend Bellew is that it can generate enough Hype for people to forget that this is another piss easy fight for David Haye. To be fair, they've sold it well but it's a load of nonsense. It's over whenever Haye lands a right hand. It could end up being 15 quid for 15 seconds or whatever it costs.
