Ward in a rematch knocked out Kovalev

American Andre Ward (32-0) faced off Sergey Kovalev (30-2-1) of Russian Federation on Saturday live on HBO PPV. Referee Tony Weeks did separate Ward and Kovalev twice and advised Ward to keep his punches off Kovalev's trunks, but the shot that began Kovalev's demise in the 8th round landed right on the beltline. He's a good kid, I know him, but I just see things with him in particular.

Last night, WBA, WBO, and IBF Light Heavyweight champion Andre "S.O.G".

"It was a low blow, again another one", said Kovalev.

We wish them well with their combat panto but let's not confuse it with a contest that taps into the best traditions of the fight game, a bout awash with animus, hubris and rage.

Kovalev was known as the big puncher of the pair, so it was a satisfying conclusion for Ward, who unleashed some firepower on the "Krusher" in the final moments of the fight against an opponent who had promised to knock him out and end his career.

Kovalev (30-2, 26 KOs), known for his formidable punching, came out charging in the opening rounds, but was left frustrated by the counter-punching of ward and frequent grabbing. He suggested possibly fighting at cruiserweight or heavyweight if the right opportunity comes up.

Indeed, the win boosted Ward to 32-0 and marked his 16th stoppage in a career that's now six months past its 12th birthday, stretching back to when he came out of the 2004 Summer Games in Athens, Greece, with the only USA boxing gold medal. For both fighters, Saturday's rematch is a chance to move beyond that controversial match, with Kovalev believing he was robbed of a victory and Ward believing he didn't get enough credit for the win. I do really well against big fighters because of my stamina, because I may not physically be the biggest but I'm strong. They can be just as painful as a hard low blow. Ward then connected with a sweet right in the chops, and Kovalev's legs were shaking. The battleground will be the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. I didn't feel it. He's dealt with accusations that some of his social media posts have been racist, with financial negotiation difficulties, with rumors that his trainer was going to leave for Ward's camp, and with Ward saying he gifted Kovalev a rematch (it was mandated in the contract for the first fight). "That's not just talk, that's real", Ward said. I could have still been fighting.

"I could have continued", the Russian said. "I always prepare to go 12 rounds and make sure I put on a handsome fight".

Kovalev complained after the fight that the referee made the wrong choice to step in, but Ward dismissed the growing criticism.

With all of the comments that have been made since the boxers met past year, Ward told TMZ that "He's culturally sound enough to know some of the things he's been doing are racially motivated".

HBO will replay the fight next Saturday, Jun. 24 beginning at 10 p.m. ET. "Heavyweight? I dream big, and everything is possible when you have God". The challenger, Kovalev is a man from another time as well as another place.

Anyone who watched the first fight would have to be intrigued by the rematch.