Intense Stare Down at Kovalev-Ward weigh-in

By Boxing News - 11/18/2016 - Comments

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By Michael Montero: A somewhat subdued atmosphere at today’s weigh ins for the Sergey Kovalev – Andre Ward card was broken up during an intense stare down between the main event combatants, which lasted well over 30 seconds before they were broken up. The pro Ward crowd that filled in to the MGM Grand Garden Arena for the afternoon festivities erupted with chants of “USA! USA! USA!” as both fighters appeared to gaze into one another’s souls, expressionless.

For what it’s worth, the Oakland, California native held his stare just a tad longer as the undefeated pugilists were separated.

Both light-heavyweights came in at exactly 175 pounds.

When questioned about their opponent after stepping off the scale, both men held nothing back regarding their feelings. “It’s simple,” said Ward, “he don’t like me, and I don’t like him.” Kovalev not only promised to score a knockout in the toughest assignment of his boxing career, but added “I will put him down multiple times.” One thing was clear, both men respect each other, but there is no love lost here.

Overall, the atmosphere in the arena was somewhat disappointing. There just seemed to be a lack of buzz compared to other weigh-ins for recent events at the same venue. None the less, fans can expect an outstanding bout tomorrow night as both Kovalev and Ward appeared to be in perfect form.

Ukrainian Oleksandr Gvozdyk and South African Issac Chilemba both came in at 174.75lbs. They are scheduled for 10 rounds in the co-feature on tomorrow night’s PPV card.

Middleweights Curtis Stevens and James De La Rosa weighed in at 157lbs and 159.75lbs, respectively. They’re also scheduled for 10 rounds.

Undefeated American prospect Maurice Hooker, of Dallas, Texas, came in at 139lbs, while his opponent, Colombian Darleys Perez, weighed 137.5lbs. They’re scheduled for a 10 round junior welterweight contest tomorrow.

Michael Montero can be found on Youtube, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram via @MonteroOnBoxing

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