By Yannis Mihanos: The first match between Andre “SOG” Ward (31-0, 15 KOs) and light heavyweight world champion Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev (30-1-1, 26 KOs) ended in controversy with Kovalev fuming about robbery after Ward won a 12 unanimous decision on points on November 19 last year in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Andre Ward vs. Sergey Kovalev will be televised on HBO pay-per-view tonight from the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.
One thing that I believe impressed judges opinion was Ward’s indomitable spirit to stay in the fight despite the early knock down.
The 34-year-old Kovalev usually overwhelms his opponents with his impressive power and authority in the ring. The fact is that none of his previous opponents was of the calibre of Andre Ward, including Bernard Hopkins especially because he was well past his prime.
Ward is one of the finest American fighters that has come in boxing for the last 20 years, his boxing IQ along with his excellent technical skills makes a difference from other known fighters.
The big challenge for Ward this time is to do better, if the first time he unofficially lost then there is no other way but try to do better this time to have a chance to win. Behind the scenes and the lights of the cameras, Ward and his team have prepared their plans. From what I have seen so far in his public workouts there is an improvement in physical strength, that comes to no surprise since in the first fight Kovalev almost dictated the fight with his strength.
Now Kovalev promises that he will make no mistakes this time around, he opts to come in for the kill.
Rematches are willingly offered for revenge and justice. When former eight division world champion Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao fought for the second time against Tim Bradley, justice prevailed and Pacquiao won unanimously on points without even having to knock out his opponent.
Ward, 33, is preparing his plan to steal the match on points one way or another without the judges help. Kovalev has worked hard on his stamina for better all-around ring performance, it seems that his anger has increased his willingness for training hard. He wants so much to crush Ward.
Ward can win without the judges help but it will certainly take a high degree of boxing clinic to do that.
This is a very much anticipated rematch that I think will keep all boxing fans glued on their seats until the end of the fight. So, make sure you be there in any way you can.
