Weeks ignored motioned him back to fight and then with the Russian's back against the ropes, here came Ward to unleash three thunderous left uppercuts that motivated Weeks to end it before the fourth could be on its way. That doesn't mean, however, that this victory was without controversy.
Many already view Ward as the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter in the world, but it is nowhere near unanimous. The match-up is fascinating; Ward exploited his speed advantage vs Kovalev, but Stevenson's quicker than Sergey. Either way, his hesitation allowed Ward the opportunity to land 2 more left hooks to the body.
Though Kovalev (31-1-1, 26 knockouts) made his mark as a power puncher, he was unable to put Ward away after putting him down in the first fight.
"Only a low blow [hurt me]".
Kovalev said he was hit by a low blow, adding that he wanted another rematch. I sparred 107 rounds for the first fight. Yes, he punched me but I didn't feel it. Yes, he did punch me, but he didn't hurt me. It's boxing. I could have continued fighting, but I don't understand what happened. It doesn't mean you stop a fight every time somebody gets hurt. "I want to prove I belong here". Ward avoiding the big punch. "He was hurt and he wasn't reacting so the referee stopped it".
According to CompuBox, Ward outlanded Kovalev 80-74 in total punches over that span while landing 39 percent of his punches. "Now what he needs to do is be more aggressive and effective in the second half of the fight the way he did in the first half of the fight".
Fakhar, Amir star as Pakistan rout India
His transformation into a hero was complete as his final tally was six overs, two maidens, 16 runs and three wickets. Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur too was a happy man.
"I am looking forward to making a statement in this fight, and removing any doubt that may be out there", Ward said.
Andre Ward has an Olympic gold medal, and the Oakland, Calif., fighter showed the type of world-class professional mettle Saturday night that he believes should entrench his status as the world's top pound-for-pound fighter.
"When I saw him react to the body shots that were borderline, I knew I had him", he said. I got him with the right hand, then I went back to the body a few times. Ask Nate Diaz. During a conference call Wednesday evening officially announcing Mayweather-McGregor, UFC president Dana White was asked about McGregor's fighting spirit. "I know you've got a lot of people who say 'oh, that's suicide.' But there are some things about Anthony Joshua that I see, that makes me think he can outbox Anthony Joshua". Camp was good and we implemented everything.
"I've been through adversity in and out of the ring", Ward said.
On the undercard, reigning WBA super bantamweight champion Guillermo Rigondeaux (17-0, 11 KOs) faces Moises Flores (25-0, 17 KOs) in a 12-round title fight for the WBA junior featherweight title. He also had a plea for his critics. I dream big. Anything is possible when you have God. "I don't have a vote, I keep saying that". He was dazed so I just had to try to find the right shot.
Ward did mention after the fight that he would be open to one day attempting a fight at heavyweight - referencing Roy Jones Jr in the past completing such stellar accomplishments in terms of stepping up from lower weight categories to boxing's glamor division.
Comments