Two of the world’s best boxers will meet this Saturday - something that’s becoming increasingly rare for the sport. Undefeated super middleweight Andre Ward (30-0, 15 KOs) will move up weight classes to challenge unified light heavyweight champion Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev (30-0-1, 26 KOs) in a fight that pits Ward’s superb technique against Kovalev’s explosive power.
Let’s take a look at your betting options and make a few picks.
Bet on boxing odds at BookMaker.eu now
Light Heavyweight
12 Rounds
Sergey Kovalev +120
Andre Ward -140
Please note, the boxing odds at BookMaker.eu are updated daily. The money lines may have changed since this article was written.
Odds Analysis
Ward has fluctuated as a favorite, from -125 to a low of -152. For now, he’s settled somewhere in between but he has never been an underdog despite the close odds. Kovalev was as high as a +135 underdog at one point, but has dipped slightly in recent weeks to his current +120 money line. It’s difficult to predict which way the sharps swing the line, but the general betting public seems to favor Ward’s superior technique.
Tale of the Tape
Sergey Kovalev
Age: 33
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 174.5
Reach: 72.5”
Stance: Orthodox
Hometown: Kopeysk, Russia
Andre Ward
Age: 32
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 176
Reach: 71”
Stance: Orthodox
Hometown: San Francisco, CA
Fight Breakdown
At 33 years old, Kovalev is one of the sport’s most powerful punchers - that 84% knockout ratio is no joke. But even with that KO power, he’s not a free swinger. Instead, Kovalev sets up his opponents and picks his spots. The question is whether he can set up somebody with as high a ring IQ as Ward.
Still, he is the bigger man and has put together one of the best divisional runs in recent memory. That includes notable wins over Hall of Famer Bernard Hopkins and two brutal victories over former lineal champion Jean Pascal. Most recently, he laid out Isaac Chilemba in a tune-up bout. His power has to be respected.
Ward is a boxing purist - somebody who makes it look so effortless that it can appear like he’s coasting. In fact, he’s so conservative against lesser skilled men that he has an extremely difficult time attracting casual fans. However, it’s obvious that he belongs in the pound-for-pound discussion, but inactivity has further stalled his momentum with the fans.
It’s a shame, because there really isn’t a fighter that is as technically gifted as Ward right now. He can fight at any distance, whether it’s landing straight shots from distance or mixing it up inside. While he’s not as physically powerful as Kovalev, Ward has underrated strength.
Predictions
This might come down to the defensive prowess of both fighters. Kovalev isn’t a bad defensive fighter, but it’s obviously not his strength. Ward is near impossible to hit. He is always moving, and his left jab is a fantastic disruptor that stops fighters mid-combination. While Kovalev might find some success early on, nobody has the mental and physical fortitude to successfully chase Ward for 12 rounds.
Boxing odds: Ward UD Kovalev
How to Bet
With BookMaker Sportsbook, you can bet on boxing all year, from regional cards to pay-per-view events. Access live betting lines from your mobile device at BookMaker Sportsbook. Kovalev vs. Ward takes place Saturday, November 19, 2016 at the Oracle Arena in Oakland, CA. The card will be televised on HBO pay-per-view starting 9 p.m. ET.
