Kovalev vs Ward results live: Rounds 7-9 results and recap

Tonight is boxing’s most anticipated fight of 2016: Sergey Kovalev vs. Andre Ward in a Light Heavyweight world title showdown. Bloody Elbow will have live fight night coverage all night, including round by round results and recaps.

Rounds 7-9

Round 7: Pace slows and the round starts off looking like it’s going to be something of a placeholder round. But Ward then lands a nice jab, gets inside, and manages some very nice body work. Kovalev comes back with a stiff shot late, but it’s not enough to win him the round. Momentum is with Ward now. 10-9 Ward

Round 8: Kovalev picks up the pace here a bit, but Ward’s defense is working for him and Kovalev doesn’t manage to land any of those heavy, high-impact shots we saw from him earlier. Instead, it’s Ward working the body from the clinch, while also landing nice single shots from outside. This is the fight Ward wanted. 10-9 Ward

Round 9: Kovalev seems to be slowing, as he is no longer coming forward the way he was previously. Ward gets him more toe to toe, and from there, it’s Ward landing the punches and expertly bobbing and weaving to avoid Kovalev’s shots. Kovalev is clearly tired here - the question is how many rounds he has in the bank? 10-9 Ward, 86-84 Kovalev after 9