T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas – Andre Ward (31-0, 15KOs) got off the floor to win a twelve round unanimous decision over SergeyKovalev (30-1-1, 26KOs) to capture the IBF, WBA, WBO light heavyweight titles. All three judges scored it 114-113 for Ward.
Kovalev and Ward were picking their spots in the first round. Ward seemed to get knocked off balance when Kovalev landed two stiff jabs that landed flush. There was a lot of wrestling and holding with both fighters blaming the other.
Ward started well in the second, but Kovalev tagged him with a few good punches and then caught him with a big counter that put him down. Ward got up and then Kovalev worked him over for the remainder of the round, but never landed anything flush.
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A lot of wrestling to start off the third. Kovalev landed a few punches before Ward tied him up. Ward was boxing well in spurts, with a lot of wrestling that seemed to come from both boxers. Ward was starting to find his range and caught Kovalev with a few accurate shots.
Kovalev was controlling the pace in the fourth, pushing Ward back and was dominating the range. Ward was lunging in with pinches, but unable to land anything of note. Kovlav was also working a very good jab.
Ward had a better fifth, as he was circling and landing at range. Kovalev had some success as well, with Ward answering back. Kovalev was still landing harder and seemed to move Ward with his shots.
They were picking their spots in the sixth. Kovalev was pressing the action and pushing Ward back at all times. Ward was connecting well in the seventh, which got the crowd to their feet. He was landing some accurate punches and grabbing Kovalev when he tried to come forward to counter back.
Ward was digging to the body in the eight. There was a lot more wrestling. Kovalev was attempting to land more shots, but he was having some trouble landing anything flush. The ninth was close with each fighter having some success, but Ward really stole it in the final minute when he started landing good shots to the body and head as the entire crowd stood on their feet.
They were both throwing and landing a stiff jab in the tenth. Ward seemed to outhustle Kovalev with more of the accurate shots while avoiding Kovalev’s big counters. Kovalev was pawing at his nose which was bleeding and possibly injured. The eleventh was very close and could have gone either way, but Ward seemed to have the edge.
Ward continued to box smart, picking his punches and making Kovalev miss in the twelfth round. Ward lack of power was apparent as he hit Kovalev flush with a counter-hook and Kovalev walked right through it. Ward still continued to box and frustrate Kovalev until the fight closed out.
