Darnell Boone Favors Kovalev to stop Ward!

By Boxing News - 11/14/2016 - Comments

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By Michael Montero – The biggest fight of 2016 takes place this Saturday in Las Vegas, as Russian born Sergey Kovalev puts his light heavyweight titles on the line against former American Olympic gold medalist Andre Ward. Boxing pundits from around the world seem to be split on their predictions, but one man in particular may bring the best perspective of them all. Youngstown, Ohio native Darnell Boone, a veteran that’s fought a who’s who of the sport over his twelve year career, has faced BOTH Ward (2005) and Kovalev twice (2010, 2012). He gave his thoughts on the highly anticipated match up, where he favors the Russian to remain undefeated.

For starters, Boone doesn’t like the tune-up bouts Andre Ward took to prepare for the most important fight of his career. “I don’t think Ward really wants this fight,” he said, “because if you’re fighting the #1 guy at a weight you’re not used to yet, why would you fight the guys you were fighting (Paul Smith, Sullivan Barrera, Alexander Brand) to get ready for Kovalev?” Although Ward was dominant in his three fights at light heavyweight, much was made about the level of his opposition. Boone agrees. “Those guys aren’t near the caliber, or have the fundamentals or similarities in style to Kovalev.”

Boone, who dropped Ward in the fourth round of their bout more than a decade ago, also believes this current version of the Oakland, California native is easier to hit than he was at super middleweight. “I think Andre’s skill set is superb,” he said, “I just don’t think his body is up for this task. He won his last fights but was getting caught way too much. When Kovalev hits him with those same shots, he’s gonna react.” Boone sees a more stationary fighter in Ward. “He’s not moving, he’s not using subtle movement the way he used to,” he said, “he’s sitting in the pocket too long and he’s flat-footed. (Sullivan) Barrera was so inexperienced; he should have never been able to touch Ward (in their bout this March).”

When Boone first locked horns with Sergey Kovalev in Atlanta, Georgia, he lost a very competitive split decision over eight rounds. When they fought again less than two years later, ‘Krusher’ stopped him in two rounds. He noticed differences in Kovalev over that time. “He was more mobile, and his power had a huge difference.”

Boone, who now is a regular of the Gennady Golovkin camp in Big Bear, California, also fought Adonis Stevenson a few years ago. Should the current WBC light heavyweight titlist be willing to face the Kovalev-Ward victor, Boone doesn’t see either man having much trouble. “They’d both beat him,” Boone said, “he’s nothing special. Kovalev by KO, Ward by decision.” On a side note, another man Boone has faced, Erislandy Lara, has been mentioned as a potential opponent for his Big Bear stablemate. When asked about a potential Golovkin-Lara match up, Darnell kept it short and simple. “Lara will get stopped by GGG.”

When it comes to his official prediction for Kovalev-Ward, Boone doesn’t pull any punches. “If Ward can’t muster up anything close to what he used to be, he’s gonna get knocked out by ten rounds. I got Kovalev stopping Ward late or winning a decision.”

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