Unified light heavyweight champion Andre Ward (31-0, 15 KOs) will rematch Sergey Kovalev (30-1-1, 26 KOs) on Saturday, June 17, 2017 at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, Nevada. The fight will be televised on HBO pay-per-view. Bet on the latest boxing odds now at BookMaker.eu!
One of the most anticipated boxing matches of the year goes down this Saturday, when Andre Ward meets Sergey Kovalev in rematch of their classic 2016 encounter. In their first tilt, Ward fought back from a second-round knockdown to outpoint the Russian and walk away with two major light heavyweight titles. Now, the pair will run it back again, with Kovalev looking to reverse the outcome.
Let’s take a look at the boxing odds at BookMaker.eu and break down the championship match from a betting angle.
Bet on boxing odds at BookMaker.eu
Sergey Kovalev +128
Andre Ward -148
Odds Analysis
Ward is the favorite at -160, with Kovalev only a slight underdog at +135. There were many who felt that Ward wouldn’t be able to handle the Russian - assuming that he got too used to feasting on inferior competition - but Oakland native’s technical skill eventually took over. It appears that oddsmakers are expecting Ward’s abilities to prevail again, although it was hardly easy for him the first time around.
Tale of the Tape
Andre Ward
31-0, 15 KOs
Height: 6’0”
Reach: 71”
Stance: Orthodox
Age: 33
Sergey Kovalev
30-1-1, 26 KOs
Height: 6’0”
Reach: 72.5”
Stance: Orthodox
Age 34
Matchup Preview
As was the case in the first fight, this is all about whether you have faith in Kovalev’s power or Ward’s technical abilities. That’s not to say that “Krusher” doesn’t have skills, but Ward is just on another level when it comes to staying ahead of his opponent. Kovalev was able to surprise Ward, but it’s doubtful he can do it again.
Kovalev will have to switch up his game plan a bit to win his belts back. He will have to keep Ward at the end of his punches and not get lured into a clinch-heavy game. If the Russian can cut off the ring and take away Ward’s ability to circle away from his power, he only needs a few successful flurries to seriously damage his opponent.
But if Ward can smother Kovalev’s offense by staying inside, he’ll likely walk away with another victory. What he can’t do is give Krusher any room to operate or time to get into a rhythm. This is where Ward’s high boxing IQ will be the most impactful.
How You Should Bet
Ward stepped up his game bigtime against Kovalev and proved why he’s one of the best fighters in the sport today. And right now, his money line isn’t too expensive to lay some coin on. Take Ward to outbox Kovalev in the rematch, but prepared for a few scares along the way.
Boxing odds pick: Ward to win at
Bet on boxing odds at BookMaker.eu now
With the boxing odds at BookMaker Sportsbook, you can bet on boxing all year, from smaller cards to pay-per-view events. Access live betting lines from your mobile device at BookMaker Sportsbook. Kovalev vs. Ward 2 takes place on Saturday, June 17, 2017 at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, Nevada. The fight will be televised on HBO pay-per-view.
