Vinny’s Views: Sergey Kovalev Held Up at Gun Point and Robbed in Las Vegas!
By Vinny “Glory Days” Lucci
Alright sports fans I predicted against logic that Sergey Kovalev would box and win a twelve round decision and I was right. On popular Facebook boxing threads, I challenged Andre Ward’s fans to be on the lookout as such providing the judging was fair. What I witnessed last night was a disgusting and shameful robbery that is a black eye for boxing. The fight was not even close although many rounds were entertaining. The three blind mice who posed as American judges performed a great dis-service to the sport we love.
Before I go any further and draw the wrath of elated Ward fans, let’s be perfectly honest about what the objective was. This isn’t a popularity contest. It should never come down to race, creed, or religion, and since this wasn’t an Olympic event it never should have come down to nationality as to which nation they hailed from. With that being said, it took three pathetic judges to randomly give the great Andre Ward every round they felt he was competitive in, regardless if it was truly enough to win the stanza. The fight of the year has been marred and tainted for the history books. Not blaming Ward at all who showed class in victory nor would I expect him to denounce the treasured belts he just coveted, but fact is the man who never lost was just beaten.
Kovalev was projected to be able to win only by knockout fooled his critics, writers, fans, and Vegas handicappers essentially everyone, but yours truly. Since I have been writing for Ringside Report I haven’t predicted an incorrect boxing outcome and I feel vindicated. That is to say I’d rather my selection be correct than to exult in a victory that was total bullshit. Yes, bullshit. Sadly, I’m saying it for a stunned ex-champion who like myself and unofficial HBO score keeper Harold Lederman gave Ward a handful of game rounds.
Only way to cover this debacle is start backwards. Ringside Report, and its Editor In Chief scored this bout 116 – 112 for Kovalev. After being dropped in the second round and hurt, Ward was already in a 0/3 hole in points and it was only the second round. While the judges “judged,” I am here to judge them. We need to keep garbage like them from polluting the honor of boxers and future matches. Sure, Ward thinks he won, but the expression on his face when the decision was read spoke volumes about what was in his heart. Nobody will ever convince me that the great honorable trainer Virgil Hunter thought his man was winning based on between rounds commentary.
The facts. Friday at weigh in Kovy was lucid, but focused. His trainer John David Jackson was lively, jovial, and appeared to be having a great time cushioned by the indomitable feeling that his man could not lose. Andre had his game face on and was highly impressed with his own ripped physique. Both men weighed in at limit of 175 on the nose. Neither entering the ring looked like they gained an ounce overnight. As I stated before in breakdown coverage of this bout although they both stand 6’ and Kovy only holds a one inch reach advantage he would appear taller with longer jab all night long. Just after fighters were separated for publicity shots Virgil Hunter who uncharacteristically hiding behind sun glasses bent forward and whispered something into Jackson’s ear in which his retort was short, sweet and of the “we’ll see tomorrow variety.” If Virgil was trying to deploy a last minute doubt inside his adversary’s head, it did not work.
Make no mistake about it, I covered this aspect too as the winner of the bout could propel its trainer for year’s best honors. Both men have been highly deserving and over looked in the past. I have so much respect and admiration for MR. Hunter and his abilities as a trainer I would need an entire column just to get started. Just recently he should receive a boxing humanitarian award for his vocal disgust on how his rivals who held the championship belts were treated monetarily in this promotion. While Ward was guaranteed 5 million up front against PPV sales, Sergey was to receive only a 2 million guarantee. Instead of declaring his man the star attraction and the so called oft used term by promoters the “A SIDE” of promotion he publicly denounced the lack of monetary parity. In a highly emotional last press conference Hunter won new fans around the world. Subsequently both he and his charge Ward viewed fight as a 50/50 proposition based on quality of talent and legend. I personally want to see him get his just do, but not off this win. Even Virgil must know the victory is hallow and surely a lucky gift not something to accept trainer of the year accolades on. Virgil is so much better than that.
Yes, RSR has inside information from Main Events that there is a rematch clause in place regardless of Ward’s claim post fight that he would grant a rematch, but needed to see what promotions are ahead after a well-deserved rest. As I write this on laptop in a social club I am surrounded by sixty outraged gents who bore witness to the robbery. Half were Andre fans, but not one playing cards or toasting the action at the bar could find the rounds anywhere to support the verdict. True sportsmen all felt badly for the ex-champion and wondered aloud how this crap still infiltrates boxing on such high levels leaving the question open for debate once again, “Why the hell is there no International commission to govern boxing like other sports?”
Round by Round over view: Fighters are introduced and Max Kellerman calls the moment as it is. The most electricity in the air before a boxing match in a very long time. The HBO cameras were covering the Ward corner suspiciously from beginning to end with only a rare glimpse into the champion’s corner. Last second instructions by MR. Hunter before the bell had him imploring Andre to seek victory as If it were the final round. Referee Robert Byrd warned both combatants he wouldn’t stand for any dirty tactics.
(Round 1) Both fighters circle like sharks in the water seeking a path to least amount of resistance. One minute in to the pawing and measuring and boxers clinch. This power struggle of muscular flesh would be an early sign of what was to come. Every round had 3 or 4 clinches where Andre would usually initiate to tie his stronger foe up while seeking to sneak in a serious left hook to right ribs. Kovy would come back with short right cross to temple and try to fire either a straight right hand or left jab as he exited for position. At half way mark Kovy is gliding across ring effortlessly cutting off the circular footwork Andre has provided and is throwing one/two combos and establishing a boxing rhythm. While there are no fireworks Kovy has clearly controlled round. Kovalev 10/9
(Round 2) Ward circles entire ring with Kovy in pursuit. A pattern that is reflected in every round to come. Kovy is jabbing to body and head when 30 seconds in he lands an awkward right hand that knocks Ward to the canvass. The remainder of round has the champion throwing cautious but heavy leather in hopes of capitalizing on the moment. Replays would show Kovy’s glove hit Andre on nose in a power shot that only half landed but produced the desired effect none the less. Kovalev 10/8
(Round 3) Starts with clinch and dirty tactics inside as Andre tries to bully his way back into the fight and Kovy prepared responds in kind. Ref Byrd warns, “Stop the Bullshit!” Too bad he didn’t turn to judges Glen Trowbridge, Burt Clements, and John Mcaine at the moment and time and warn them too. Ward still continues to bully his way past Kovy when they engage. At midpoint he lands a nice double hook to body and head but not enough action to win the round. His footwork has already become a familiar pattern and Kovy negates it when necessary whenever Ward is close enough on his radar. Kovy’s jab has become a range finder in establishing who is controlling the tempo of rounds as he clearly puts another one in the bank. Kovalev 10/9
(Round 4) Ward misses a mean lead uppercut. They move for position. At halfway mark it’s Ward who is constantly giving ground by backing up or retreating in circular or lateral fashion. While this is unquestionably terrific defensive skills he has yet to establish an offense to win a round. Kovy is parrying Wards footwork with jabs and is now comfortably ahead in fight. Kovalev 10/9
Between rounds Virgil Hunter sensing his man has already fallen far behind is imploring Ward to be smart and set traps. As of this moment the champion who has skills that have been seriously overlooked by fans due to his leverage and power has yet to fall sucker to losing in the “phone booth” when the clinches arise, nor has he over extended his jab and left his chin open for counters.
(Round 5) Finally a fight breaks out inside the boxing match. The pace quickens with Ward sensing a need for urgency. Kovy is throwing long jabs and his left shoulder has dropped a bit exposing his chin. So far and as would be the case throughout fight Ward never switched to southpaw to confuse Kovelev. While the round was more competitive simply because Ward fought harder did not make him more effective. His footwork and lack of forward aggression and failure to stop Kovy’s momentum allows him to foolishly surrender another round. Kovalev 10/9
Between rounds Virgil is commanding Andre to wipe the smile off Kovelev’s face. His fighter is breathing quite heavily and looks to be in serious need of second wind as first one failed him.
(Round 6) With so much on the line Ward has yet to unveil a plan to supersede everything that so far has not worked. The pattern continues. It’s here I must say that in a nail biting intriguing fight as each second passed that notion was based more on the “what if’s” than what was actually unfolding. While I will gladly review this fight again when rebroadcast with clear mind sans the stress of responsibly of reporting, I doubt I would ever watch it again beyond that. Ward has landed a few more punches than previous rounds but that is not a cause to give out charity. Kovalev 10/9
To any qualified judging the champion has now established a 7 point lead on scorecards and would need to be knocked down and lose second half of fight to be declared a draw. If you didn’t see it, stay with me here….
(Round 7) Lots of posturing as tension mounts and it appears Kovy is taking a breather. High point of action came at 1:30 mark of round. Ward lands a beautifully driven power jab, faints, right hand and jab again. Kovy is not stunned as his whiskers are 5 stars but he gives ground and retreats to regain proper footing. Throughout entire fight Kovy has as usual demonstrated the perfect splay of stance distance to move forward or in reverse either cutting ring or negating counters. He closes the gap when punching allowing a greater arch for leverage on his punches.
Mark Breland could use his fights as training films for his charge Deontay Wilder who for a tall fighter who splays his stance too far apart to deliver maximum power. At a crucial clinch Ward rabid punches Kovy behind head, and Kovy responds with one of his own. Ward appears to have gained a new found confidence to engage his adversary by trying to match power punches. Before bell Ward walks into a stiff jab but has done enough to secure his first round. Ward 10/9
Cameras between rounds visits champions corner who is taking a mouthful of water but is yet to be breathing hard.
(Round 8) The clinches continue with singular aim of intent. Inside Ward wants that lean body as a target and focusing on landing shots to hips and ribs. Kovy taking the high road looking to land short right crosses or left hooks to Andres’ temples. Kovy has now tired a fraction as his left hand is lower by comparison to previous rounds. His left side of chin is now open target for right hand counters. While Ward fails to capitalize on target he is more competitive as second half of round heats up. Ward 10/9
Between rounds Virgil is urging victory and giving old school speeches as he senses the momentum shifting. He asks if he feels the champ is slowing down and begs his fighter to step up the pace.
(Round 9) Ward is finally fighting aggressively yet Kovy is still in pursuit. It is apparent that at this juncture Andre has more committed snap on his punches and while the “tit for tat” continues equally it is Ward who is now landing the harder shots. Punch count as declared it his round by land 17 to 11, most he has landed up to this point. Kind of amazing job by Kovelev in retrospect when you consider that many hold Ward as uncrowned title holder of mythical pound for pound status currently extent. It also appears that Ward who lives for the clinches and bullying stronger opponents by smothering stronger fighters has to a degree tired out Kovy who has visibly decelerated. Ward 10/9 (and has just captured 3 in a row)
(Round 10) Kovy is back to snapping his punches and it looks like he has inhaled a proverbial second wind. They trade long jabs in ring center but Kovy has reinvigorated his power and again dominated the round. Kovalev 10/9
Between rounds Virgil in desperation of realizing that Ward needed to win the entire second half of fight and has just given up another round asks a second in his corner to retrieve ice cubes to put down Andre’s trunks on crotch. The desired effect was to illicit a charge of energy, not infuriate his fighter. Desperate times call for desperate measures.
(Round 11) The championship rounds. Oh God call me a sadist, but I miss the glory days of fifteen rounder’s. Ward starts off changing tactic and is fighting smaller from a crouch but he too has lowered his guard. He lands a murderous double left hook to body that just may have brought down several top contenders but not tonight. The strategy is working as he is clearly intent on tiring his tormentor out by chopping down the tree as they call it in gyms. At 2:30 of the round Kovy is pushed to canvass as fatigue sets in. It’s correctly not ruled a knockdown but doesn’t look good none the less. Kovy suffered a nose bleed this round. Ward 10/9
Between rounds Hunter is giving his best Vince Lombardi speech knowing his man needs a knockout to win. He gets to Andre’s ear and repeats “this is it….. Go get it…you be the dog……take it!”
(Round 12) While Ward fans were hoping to see Kovy ripe for the taking and pull a miracle comeback it wasn’t to be, unless of course you were one of the three blind judges. Both combatants looked strong, fresh, and were trading. A tired Kovy would not back down and a visibly marked and facially bruised Ward did not have enough in his own tank to capitalize on previous round. Kovy while still carrying his guard at his waist has still managed to regain momentum with body shots. Kovalev 10/9
Max Kellerman interviewing Kovelev post fight in ring kept up his beliefs that the bout could go either way. …………..What’s the word I was searching for? Oh yeah, Bullshit. I am a huge fan of Kellerman’s encyclopedic sports mind. Truly Bert Sugar must have been impressed but this fight I believe Max at ringside was caught up in the moment too much or possibly just star struck. Sergey was literally smiling in disbelief and expressed in polite manner his disdain for truly pathetic judging from “American” judges. Jim Lampley before going off air asked Roy Jones, JR. his honest opinion, and Roy said he thought Kovelev won. For any Jones, JR. detractors he still can call them as he see them. At weigh in, instead of picking a winner like many boxing celebs who attended did, he gave out a boxing equation instead. Sergey is by far the most powerful opponent Ward has ever faced. Under rated boxer too. Ward is unquestionably the best boxer Kovelev has ever faced. It’s 50/50 and will be interesting to see how they handle each other’s style.
History has spoken. Ward won. Kovalev was robbed.
Hopefully next week’s fistic mayhem between artistic boxing warriors Nicholas Walters and Vasyl Lomenchenko for super featherweight title lives up to expectations and removes the “stench” left behind at T Mobile Arena.
Stay tuned…
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