American Andre Ward beat Russian Sergey Kovalev by TKO on Saturday night in Las Vegas, where he retained his World Boxing Association Light Heavyweight Super Championship.

The first round was of little action, both boxers went out to test their fight plans and try to impose them on the ring. During the following rounds, the fight was difficult. Both boxers clinched and exchanged blows, although they were quickly separated by referee Tony Weeks.

After the beginning of the fifth round, Ward became more effective and threw large jabs that hurt his opponent. Also, the uppercuts to the middle zone started to hurt. This became more evident in the eighth round when “SOG” connected a big hook to Kovalev’s face, who looked very bad. The American took advantage of the moment and continued the attack with good uppercuts. Shortly after, with “Krusher” against the ropes, Weeks intervened to stop the fight and declare the TKO.

Thus, Ward retains for the first time his WBA Light Heavyweight Super Championship and keeps his undefeated record, with 32 wins and 16 KOs.

Photo credits: Sumio Yamada.