Ward vs Kovalev II: NSAC backing Tony Weeks’ call

For those hoping there might be a serious review of the Ward-Kovalev II fight from Saturday by the Nevada State Athletic Commission, you might want to give up on that one.

In a report at USA Today, NSAC’s Bob Bennett says the commission is backing referee Tony Weeks’ call, and it doesn’t sound like there’s any intention to give it much more attention, even after the fuming done by Sergey Kovalev’s promoter, Kathy Duva:

“In all fairness to Kathy, she’s upset. It’s her fighter. I felt we had it right the first time. And I thought Tony did a great job this time. ... It’s rather interesting at the end that when Ward hits him in the stomach at the end, he sat on the ropes. And the punch looked good. Weeks was in good position to see where those blows landed and they’re right on the belt line. Are they close? Sure. But do they look good? Yeah. Did he have one or two low blows where Tony told him to keep them up? You could argue that he did. But at the same time you could argue that Kovalev put Ward in numerous headlocks and Tony had to reprimand both of them. I think the stoppage was good.”

Duva has said she plans to file a protest with the commission, but the referee is the sole arbitrator here. In other words, it’s about 99% certain that the call stands as is, despite any complaints from Kovalev, Duva, or anyone else.

Bennett does say that referee Vic Drakulich has, upon further review of the Guillermo Rigondeaux-Moises Flores controversy, recommended a no-contest be ruled in that fight, which is what most were expecting after Drakulich called a knockout on a punch that landed after the bell to end round one. A hearing is expected on Friday.