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====Kovalev vs. Sillakh, Agnew====
====Kovalev vs. Sillakh, Agnew====
⚫
On 30 November 2013, Kovalev had his first defense of the [[WBO]] [[Light Heavyweight]] title against [[Ismayl Sillakh]]. He found the timing early in round two and in the same round finished Sillakh with a huge left.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.badlefthook.com/2013/11/30/5161900/kovalev-vs-sillakh-results-sergey-kovalev-keeps-krushing-takes-out |title=Kovalev vs Sillakh results: Sergey Kovalev keeps Krushing, takes out Sillakh in two |publisher=Bad Left Hook |date=Nov 30, 2013}}</ref> His first defence averaged 1.25 million viewers on HBO.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=http://www.boxingscene.com/kovalev-pascal-ii-averages-1179-million-viewers-hbo--100960|title=Kovalev-Pascal II Averages 1.179 Million Viewers For HBO - Boxing News|website=www.boxingscene.com|language=en-us|access-date=2017-06-14}}</ref>
On 30 November 2013, Kovalev had his first defense of the [[WBO]] [[Light Heavyweight]] title against [[Ismayl Sillakh]].
⚫
He found the timing early in round two and in the same round finished Sillakh with a huge left.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.badlefthook.com/2013/11/30/5161900/kovalev-vs-sillakh-results-sergey-kovalev-keeps-krushing-takes-out |title=Kovalev vs Sillakh results: Sergey Kovalev keeps Krushing, takes out Sillakh in two |publisher=Bad Left Hook |date=Nov 30, 2013}}</ref>


On 29 March 2014, Kovalev faced undefeated contender Cedric Agnew. Agnew's movement gave Kovalev difficulty at times, and he found himself unable to land the concussive shots for which he was known. Agnew however, simply fought to survive and committed very little to his own offense. Ultimately in the seventh round, Kovalev landed a vicious jab to Agnew's liver that put him down for the count.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://espn.go.com/boxing/story/_/id/10697278/sergey-kovalev-defeats-challenger-cedric-agnew-retain-light-heavyweight-title | title=Sergey Kovalev retains title | publisher=[[ESPN]] | accessdate=November 13, 2014}}</ref>
On 29 March 2014, Kovalev faced undefeated contender Cedric Agnew. Agnew's movement gave Kovalev difficulty at times, and he found himself unable to land the concussive shots for which he was known. Agnew however, simply fought to survive and committed very little to his own offense. Ultimately in the seventh round, Kovalev landed a vicious jab to Agnew's liver that put him down for the count.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://espn.go.com/boxing/story/_/id/10697278/sergey-kovalev-defeats-challenger-cedric-agnew-retain-light-heavyweight-title | title=Sergey Kovalev retains title | publisher=[[ESPN]] | accessdate=November 13, 2014}}</ref>
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====Kovalev vs. Hopkins====
====Kovalev vs. Hopkins====
Kovalev defeated [[Bernard Hopkins]] by unanimous decision on November 8, 2014 in a unification bout in [[Atlantic City, New Jersey|Atlantic City]] to retain the [[World Boxing Organization|WBO]] Light Heavyweight title and win the [[International Boxing Federation|IBF]] and [[World Boxing Association|WBA]] (Super) Light Heavyweight titles.<ref name="Hopkins">{{cite web | url=http://espn.go.com/boxing/story/_/id/11845755/sergey-kovalev-defeats-bernard-hopkins-unanimous-decision | title=Kovalev defeats Bernard Hopkins | accessdate=November 10, 2014}}</ref> In a one-sided fight, Kovalev knocked Bernard Hopkins down in the first round. Kovalev won every single round on all of the three judges' scorecards. The score totals of the fight were 120-107, 120-107, and 120-106.<ref name="Hopkins" />
Kovalev defeated 49 year old [[Bernard Hopkins]] by unanimous decision on November 8, 2014 in a unification bout in [[Atlantic City, New Jersey|Atlantic City]] to retain the [[World Boxing Organization|WBO]] Light Heavyweight title and win the [[International Boxing Federation|IBF]] and [[World Boxing Association|WBA]] (Super) Light Heavyweight titles. In a one-sided fight, Kovalev knocked Bernard Hopkins down in the first round. Kovalev won every single round on all of the three judges' scorecards. The score totals of the fight were 120-107, 120-107, and 120-106. In the fight, Hopkins only landed just 65 of 196 punches (33%), whilst Kovalev, the more busier fighter landed 166 of 585 punches thrown (28%). In round 12, Kovalev landed 38 punches on Hopkins, the most any boxer had ever landed on him in a single round in his 41 fights recorded by Compubox Stats. Hopkins earned a base purse of $1 million whilst Kovalev earned $500,000.<ref name="Hopkins">{{cite web|url=http://espn.go.com/boxing/story/_/id/11845755/sergey-kovalev-defeats-bernard-hopkins-unanimous-decision|title=Kovalev defeats Bernard Hopkins|accessdate=November 10, 2014}}</ref> The fight was considered a hit as it was watched by an average 1.328 million viewers.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.ringtv.com/364025-sergey-kovalev-bernard-hopkins-draws-big-tv-ratings/|title=Sergey Kovalev-Bernard Hopkins draws big TV ratings - The Ring|date=2014-11-11|work=The Ring|access-date=2017-06-14|language=en-US}}</ref>


====Kovalev vs. Pascal, Mohammedi====
====Kovalev vs. Pascal, Mohammedi====
Kovalev faced [[Jean Pascal]] on March 14, 2015 for [[World Boxing Council|WBC Diamond]] [[Light Heavyweight]] title at the [[Bell Centre]] in [[Montreal]], Canada. He started the fight off aggressively as usual and took control of the fight earlier and eventually knocked Pascal down in the 3rd round. Pascal began to fight back and showed some signs of life in rounds 5 and 6, although Kovalev gained control of the fight again and began to hit Pascal with huge shots, wobbling him and in the 8th round the referee stopped the fight as he felt Pascal had taken too much punishment.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sergey Kovalev stops Jean Pascal|url=http://espn.go.com/boxing/story/_/id/12486569/sergey-kovalev-stops-jean-pascal-retain-three-175-pound-world-title-belts|publisher=[[ESPN]]|accessdate=March 15, 2015}}</ref>
Kovalev fought [[Jean Pascal]] on March 14, 2015 for [[World Boxing Council|WBC Diamond]] [[Light Heavyweight]] title at the [[Bell Centre]] in [[Montreal]], Canada. He started the fight off aggressively as usual and took control of the fight earlier and eventually knocked Pascal down in the 3rd round. Pascal began to fight back and showed some signs of life in rounds 5 and 6, although Kovalev gained control of the fight again and began to hit Pascal with huge shots, wobbling him and in the 8th round the referee stopped the fight as he felt Pascal had taken too much punishment.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sergey Kovalev stops Jean Pascal|url=http://espn.go.com/boxing/story/_/id/12486569/sergey-kovalev-stops-jean-pascal-retain-three-175-pound-world-title-belts|publisher=[[ESPN]]|accessdate=March 15, 2015}}</ref> The fight averaged 1.152 million viewers on HBO.<ref name=":0" />


Kovalev faced [[Nadjib Mohammedi]] on July 25, 2015 at the [[Mandalay Bay|Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino]] in [[Las Vegas]]. Kovalev steamrolled the overmatched Mohammedi, knocking him down once in the second round and one more time in the third round. The second knockdown ended Mohammedi's night and gave Kovalev his 25th knockout victory.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sergey Kovalev KO's overmatched Nadjib Mohammedi in 3rd round|url=http://espn.go.com/boxing/story/_/id/13320163/sergey-kovalev-knocks-nadjib-mohammedi-third-round|publisher=[[ESPN]]|accessdate=July 26, 2015}}</ref>
Kovalev faced [[Nadjib Mohammedi]] on July 25, 2015 at the [[Mandalay Bay|Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino]] in [[Las Vegas]]. Kovalev steamrolled the over matched Mohammedi, knocking him down once in the second round and one more time in the third round. The second knockdown ended Mohammedi's night and gave Kovalev his 25th knockout victory.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sergey Kovalev KO's overmatched Nadjib Mohammedi in 3rd round|url=http://espn.go.com/boxing/story/_/id/13320163/sergey-kovalev-knocks-nadjib-mohammedi-third-round|publisher=[[ESPN]]|accessdate=July 26, 2015}}</ref> The fight was seen by just over 1 million viewers on HBO.<ref name=":0" />


====Kovalev vs. Pascal II, Chilemba====
====Kovalev vs. Pascal II, Chilemba====
On January 30, 2016, Kovalev and Pascal met in a rematch in Montreal. He dominated the fight, both outpunching and outlanding the former champion by wide margins. Kovalev won when Pascal's trainer [[Freddie Roach (boxing)|Freddie Roach]] refused to let his fighter continue after the seventh round. After the fight, Kovalev said his future plans would likely include a fight with former super middleweight champion [[Andre Ward]], but he first wanted a unification bout with reigning [[World Boxing Council|WBC]] and recognized [[lineal championship|lineal champion]] [[Adonis Stevenson]]. Kovalev, who has been desiring this fight for some time but has not been able to get it, called Stevenson "Adonis Chickenson" during the post-fight interview. Stevenson, who was in attendance, responded by confronting Kovalev in the ring surrounded by three bodyguards.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.boxingnewsonline.net/|title=Boxing News - boxing news, results, rankings, schedules since 1909|publisher=}}</ref>
On January 30, 2016, Kovalev and Pascal met in a rematch in Montreal. He dominated the fight, both outpunching and outlanding the former champion by wide margins. Kovalev won when Pascal's trainer [[Freddie Roach (boxing)|Freddie Roach]] refused to let his fighter continue after the seventh round. After the fight, Kovalev said his future plans would likely include a fight with former super middleweight champion [[Andre Ward]], but he first wanted a unification bout with reigning [[World Boxing Council|WBC]] and recognized [[lineal championship|lineal champion]] [[Adonis Stevenson]]. Kovalev, who has been desiring this fight for some time but has not been able to get it, called Stevenson "Adonis Chickenson" during the post-fight interview. Stevenson, who was in attendance, responded by confronting Kovalev in the ring surrounded by three bodyguards.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.boxingnewsonline.net/|title=Boxing News - boxing news, results, rankings, schedules since 1909|publisher=}}</ref> The fight averaged 1.179 million viewers on HBO and peaked at 1.269 million viewers.<ref name=":0" />


It was announced on April 23, 2016 that Kovalev would have a warm-up fight on July 11 against 28-year-old [[Isaac Chilemba]] (24-3-2, 10 KOs) in Ekaterinburg, Russia at the Palace of Sports. This will be the first time in five years that Kovalev will be returning to Russia for a fight and will defend his [[International Boxing Federation|IBF]]/[[World Boxing Association|WBA]]/[[World Boxing Organization|WBO]] World Light Heavyweight titles. Chilemba is known for having a similar style to [[Andre Ward]], who Kovalev would meet in the Fall in a big fight.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.boxingnews24.com/2016/04/sergey-kovalev-battles-isaac-chilemba-711-russia/|title=Sergey Kovalev to battle Isaac Chilemba on 7/11 in Russia|date=2016-04-23|website=Boxing News 24|language=en-US|access-date=2016-04-26}}</ref> Kovalev tipped the scales at 174.6lbs, while Chilemba weighed in at 174.8lbs.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.skysports.com/boxing/news/12183/10498375/isaac-chilemba-and-sergey-kovalev-make-weight-for-world-light-heavyweight-bout|title=Kovalev & Chilemba make weight for title fight|last=|first=|date=July 11, 2016|website=Sky Sports|publisher=|access-date=July 11, 2016}}</ref> Kovalev earned a unanimous points decision after a hard-earned battle. Kovalev was forced to go the distance for just the fourth time in his career, as Chilemba recovered from a seventh round knockdown but ultimately lost on points. The three judges at ringside scored the fight 117-110, 116-111 and 118-109 at the end of 12 rounds in favour of Kovalev, who retained his titles. In round 7, Chilemba staggered across the ropes and was down following a straight left with a right to the jaw.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://espn.go.com/boxing/story/_/id/16990731/sergey-kovalev-course-andre-ward-bout-unanimous-points-win-isaac-chilemba|title=Kovalev beats Chilemba, on course for Ward bout|access-date=2016-07-12}}</ref>
It was announced on April 23, 2016 that Kovalev would have a warm-up fight on July 11 against 28-year-old [[Isaac Chilemba]] (24-3-2, 10 KOs) in Ekaterinburg, Russia at the Palace of Sports. This will be the first time in five years that Kovalev will be returning to Russia for a fight and will defend his [[International Boxing Federation|IBF]]/[[World Boxing Association|WBA]]/[[World Boxing Organization|WBO]] World Light Heavyweight titles. Chilemba is known for having a similar style to [[Andre Ward]], who Kovalev would meet in the Fall in a big fight.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.boxingnews24.com/2016/04/sergey-kovalev-battles-isaac-chilemba-711-russia/|title=Sergey Kovalev to battle Isaac Chilemba on 7/11 in Russia|date=2016-04-23|website=Boxing News 24|language=en-US|access-date=2016-04-26}}</ref> Kovalev tipped the scales at 174.6lbs, while Chilemba weighed in at 174.8lbs.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.skysports.com/boxing/news/12183/10498375/isaac-chilemba-and-sergey-kovalev-make-weight-for-world-light-heavyweight-bout|title=Kovalev & Chilemba make weight for title fight|last=|first=|date=July 11, 2016|website=Sky Sports|publisher=|access-date=July 11, 2016}}</ref> Kovalev earned a unanimous points decision after a hard-earned battle. Kovalev was forced to go the distance for just the fourth time in his career, as Chilemba recovered from a seventh round knockdown but ultimately lost on points. The three judges at ringside scored the fight 117-110, 116-111 and 118-109 at the end of 12 rounds in favour of Kovalev, who retained his titles. In round 7, Chilemba staggered across the ropes and was down following a straight left with a right to the jaw.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://espn.go.com/boxing/story/_/id/16990731/sergey-kovalev-course-andre-ward-bout-unanimous-points-win-isaac-chilemba|title=Kovalev beats Chilemba, on course for Ward bout|access-date=2016-07-12}}</ref>

Revision as of 09:56, 14 June 2017

For other uses, see Sergei Kovalev (disambiguation).
Sergey Kovalev
Сергей Ковалёв
Kovalev in 2014
Born
Sergey Alexandrovich Kovalev

(1983-04-02) 2 April 1983 (age 41)
Kopeysk, Russian SFSR,
Soviet Union (now Russia)
NationalityRussian
Other namesKrusher
Statistics
Weight(s)Light heavyweight
Height1.83 m (6 ft 0 in)
Reach183 cm (72 in)
StanceOrthodox
Boxing record
Total fights32
Wins30
Wins by KO26
Losses1
Draws1

Sergey Alexandrovich Kovalev (Russian: Сергей Александрович Ковалёв; born 2 April 1983) is a Russian professional boxer.[1] He is a former unified light heavyweight world champion, having held the WBO title from 2013 to 2016, and the WBA (Undisputed) and IBF titles from 2014 to 2016. The Ring magazine named him their Fighter of the Year in 2014,[2] and in July 2016 he was ranked as the world's best light heavyweight by The Ring and BoxRec; both of which also ranked him as the world's third best boxer, pound for pound. Kovalev is well known for his formidable punching power.[3]

Amateur career

Kovalev started boxing in 1994 at age 11, and made his amateur debut in 1997 in the Russian Boxing Junior Championship, where he won the gold medal in the middleweight juniors division. One year later he competed with the seniors and reached the final, and a year after that, he won the final fight. For Team Russia, he competed in the European Championships.

In 2004, Kovalev for the first time took part in the Russian Senior Championship, and in his first season, he reached the final and also won the golden medal in the team event. The next year was the most successful in his career as an amateur in winning two titles: the first as champion of Russia and the second as champion among servicemen. In the 2006 championship for servicemen, he won the silver, and a year later, he took bronze in the Russian Championship and gold in the World Military Games in India.

In 2008, Kovalev took part in his final national competition and again made the final; after that, he decided to turn professional. As he once admitted, he had to leave the national team because of the extremely tense competition between him and more successful boxers such as Artur Beterbiev. He finished his amateur career with a record of 195-18.[4]

Amateur highlights

  • 2000 Russian Junior Championships silver medalist at light welterweight
  • 2001 Russian Junior Championships silver medalist at middleweight
  • 2004 Russian Championships silver medalist at middleweight, losing to Matt Korobov
  • 2005 Russian Championships gold medalist at middleweight
  • 2005 World Military Championships gold medalist at light heavyweight, in Pretoria, South Africa
  • 2006 World Military Championships silver medalist at light heavyweight, in Warendorf, Germany
  • 2007 World Military Championships gold medalist at light heavyweight, in Hyderabad, India
  • 2007 Russian Championships bronze medalist at light heavyweight, losing to Artur Beterbiev
  • 2008 Russian Championships silver medalist at light heavyweight

Professional career

Early years

Kovalev started his career with a first-round KO of Daniel Chavez at Greenboro Coliseum in Greensboro, North Carolina.[1] He won his first nine fights with first- or second-round knockout. He faced more serious competition against Darnell Boone in October 2010, when he had to fight all eight rounds, and was dropped en route to a split decision win.

In July 2011, Kovalev won his first NABA belt in a 10-round fight with Douglas Otieno from Kenya. The Russian's next bout against Grover Young was controversial, however, as in the second round, Kovalev threw a left hook to the head, but the judges suggested that it was a blow to the back of the head -– an unintentional infringement. As the American could not continue, the fight was declared a technical draw.[4]

Death of Roman Simakov

In his 2011 fight against Roman Simakov, Kovalev knocked down his opponent in the sixth round and the fight was stopped one round later and Kovalev was awarded a TKO victory. Simakov was taken to the hospital, where he lapsed into a coma and died three days later.[5]

Rise up the ranks

In 2012, Kovalev begun being trained by John David Jackson. He knocked out Darnell Boone in two rounds in a rematch, demonstrating his improvement as a fighter since their last meeting and leading him to be signed to Main Events boxing.[6] On January 19, 2013 Kovalev faced the former WBA Light Heavyweight champion Gabriel Campillo. Kovalev was able to get to the usually elusive Campillo early and often, continually backing him up in the opening round with furious combinations. Campillo, known as a slow starter who looked sluggish throughout the fight, was hurt early in the third round and staggered into the corner. The native of Spain covered up before being dropped with a left hook from Kovalev, one of three knockdowns in the round.

WBO light heavyweight champion

Kovalev vs. Cleverly

On 17 August 2013 Kovalev fought Nathan Cleverly for the WBO Light Heavyweight title. Kovalev, who knocked out most of his opponents within three rounds, came out throwing heavy shots in the first round, hurt Cleverly badly in the third round, dropping him twice and nearly finishing him off. Kovalev picked things right back up in the fourth, throwing bombs to send Cleverly down for a third time and the referee waved things off.[7] This was the first time Cleverly had been knocked down as a professional.

Kovalev vs. Sillakh, Agnew

On 30 November 2013, Kovalev had his first defense of the WBO Light Heavyweight title against Ismayl Sillakh. He found the timing early in round two and in the same round finished Sillakh with a huge left.[8] His first defence averaged 1.25 million viewers on HBO.[9]

On 29 March 2014, Kovalev faced undefeated contender Cedric Agnew. Agnew's movement gave Kovalev difficulty at times, and he found himself unable to land the concussive shots for which he was known. Agnew however, simply fought to survive and committed very little to his own offense. Ultimately in the seventh round, Kovalev landed a vicious jab to Agnew's liver that put him down for the count.[10]

Kovalev vs. Caparello

On August 2, Kovalev faced undefeated Australian contender Blake Caparello. Caparello started well, scoring a flash knockdown after catching Kovalev with a solid shot while Kovalev was off balance. Kovalev however was unhurt and even appeared enraged, thoroughly dominating his foe en route to a second-round technical knockout.[11]

WBA, IBF, and WBO light heavyweight champion

Kovalev vs. Hopkins

Kovalev defeated 49 year old Bernard Hopkins by unanimous decision on November 8, 2014 in a unification bout in Atlantic City to retain the WBO Light Heavyweight title and win the IBF and WBA (Super) Light Heavyweight titles. In a one-sided fight, Kovalev knocked Bernard Hopkins down in the first round. Kovalev won every single round on all of the three judges' scorecards. The score totals of the fight were 120-107, 120-107, and 120-106. In the fight, Hopkins only landed just 65 of 196 punches (33%), whilst Kovalev, the more busier fighter landed 166 of 585 punches thrown (28%). In round 12, Kovalev landed 38 punches on Hopkins, the most any boxer had ever landed on him in a single round in his 41 fights recorded by Compubox Stats. Hopkins earned a base purse of $1 million whilst Kovalev earned $500,000.[12] The fight was considered a hit as it was watched by an average 1.328 million viewers.[13]

Kovalev vs. Pascal, Mohammedi

Kovalev fought Jean Pascal on March 14, 2015 for WBC Diamond Light Heavyweight title at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Canada. He started the fight off aggressively as usual and took control of the fight earlier and eventually knocked Pascal down in the 3rd round. Pascal began to fight back and showed some signs of life in rounds 5 and 6, although Kovalev gained control of the fight again and began to hit Pascal with huge shots, wobbling him and in the 8th round the referee stopped the fight as he felt Pascal had taken too much punishment.[14] The fight averaged 1.152 million viewers on HBO.[9]

Kovalev faced Nadjib Mohammedi on July 25, 2015 at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. Kovalev steamrolled the over matched Mohammedi, knocking him down once in the second round and one more time in the third round. The second knockdown ended Mohammedi's night and gave Kovalev his 25th knockout victory.[15] The fight was seen by just over 1 million viewers on HBO.[9]

Kovalev vs. Pascal II, Chilemba

On January 30, 2016, Kovalev and Pascal met in a rematch in Montreal. He dominated the fight, both outpunching and outlanding the former champion by wide margins. Kovalev won when Pascal's trainer Freddie Roach refused to let his fighter continue after the seventh round. After the fight, Kovalev said his future plans would likely include a fight with former super middleweight champion Andre Ward, but he first wanted a unification bout with reigning WBC and recognized lineal champion Adonis Stevenson. Kovalev, who has been desiring this fight for some time but has not been able to get it, called Stevenson "Adonis Chickenson" during the post-fight interview. Stevenson, who was in attendance, responded by confronting Kovalev in the ring surrounded by three bodyguards.[16] The fight averaged 1.179 million viewers on HBO and peaked at 1.269 million viewers.[9]

It was announced on April 23, 2016 that Kovalev would have a warm-up fight on July 11 against 28-year-old Isaac Chilemba (24-3-2, 10 KOs) in Ekaterinburg, Russia at the Palace of Sports. This will be the first time in five years that Kovalev will be returning to Russia for a fight and will defend his IBF/WBA/WBO World Light Heavyweight titles. Chilemba is known for having a similar style to Andre Ward, who Kovalev would meet in the Fall in a big fight.[17] Kovalev tipped the scales at 174.6lbs, while Chilemba weighed in at 174.8lbs.[18] Kovalev earned a unanimous points decision after a hard-earned battle. Kovalev was forced to go the distance for just the fourth time in his career, as Chilemba recovered from a seventh round knockdown but ultimately lost on points. The three judges at ringside scored the fight 117-110, 116-111 and 118-109 at the end of 12 rounds in favour of Kovalev, who retained his titles. In round 7, Chilemba staggered across the ropes and was down following a straight left with a right to the jaw.[19]

Kovalev vs. Ward

Main article: Sergey Kovalev vs. Andre Ward

It was announced on June 16, that a contract had been signed between Kovalev and undefeated former super middleweight world champion Andre Ward (30-0, 15 KOs) to take place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on November 19, 2016. Both fighters remained undefeated through interim bouts. This fight marked Ward's first time fighting in Las Vegas.[20]

Kovalev lost a closely contested controversial decision with the judges all scoring the fight 114-113 in favor of Ward. Larry Merchant stated after the fight, "It was a classic hometown decision, Kovalev won the fight!"[21][22] Gareth Davies, boxing correspondent gave the fight to Kovalev with 115-112, as did Max Kellerman.[23] Kovalev's promoter, Kathy Duva, said, "We got a great fight, which is what boxing needed. But we also got a bad decision, which is not what boxing needed."[24] Still, many boxing experts have applauded the decision. Paulie Malignaggi noted the high degree of difficulty both fighters faced that night and doubted the prospect of a one-sided affair in the case of a rematch. Still, he concluded that Kovalev faded late in the fight.[25] Promotor Eddie Hearn added that Kovalev lacked a sense of urgency after the halfway point.[26] Gennady Golovkin's trainer, Abel Sanchez, noticed how Kovalev allowed Ward on the inside and as a result wore down.[27]

The fight reported to have done 160,000 buys on HBO PPV. A replay was shown on HBO prior to the Lomachenko-Walters title fight, which averaged 834,000 viewers. The event produced a live gate of $3.3 million from 10,066 tickets sold, including complimentary tickets, the full attendance was announced as 13,310. The venue was set up to hold 14,227.[28][29][30]

Kovalev vs. Ward II

See also: Andre Ward vs. Sergey Kovalev II

Kovalev's manager Egis Klimas announced that negotiations had begun for the rematch between Ward and Kovalev. According to the NSAC, The T-Mobile Arena was put on hold for June 17, 2017 on HBO PPV.[31][32] On March 24, 2017 Kovalev revealed via Social Media that he had signed his end of the deal. It was also noted that the rematch would take place at the Mandalay Bay in Paradise, Nevada on HBO PPV.[33] On April 4, Roc Nation Sports and Main Events confirmed that terms were agreed for the rematch to take place on HBO PPV. The fight is being billed as "No Excuses".[34][35] The Las Vegas Sun confirmed the bout will take place at the Mandalay Bay Events Center.[36][37] On April 10, Kathy Duva said that there would be no rematch clause in place for a third fight, meaning the winner would not be obliged to fight another rematch.[38]

Professional boxing record

32 fights 30 wins 1 loss
By knockout 26 0
By decision 4 1
Draws 1
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
33 — — United States Andre Ward — – (12) 17 Jun 2017 United States Mandalay Bay Events Center, Paradise, Nevada, US For WBA (Undisputed), IBF, WBO, and vacant The Ring light heavyweight titles
32 Loss 30–1–1 United States Andre Ward UD 12 19 Nov 2016 United States T-Mobile Arena, Paradise, Nevada, US Lost WBA (Undisputed), IBF, and WBO light heavyweight titles
31 Win 30–0–1 Malawi Isaac Chilemba UD 12 11 Jul 2016 Russia DIVS, Yekaterinburg, Russia Retained WBA (Undisputed), IBF, and WBO light heavyweight titles
30 Win 29–0–1 Canada Jean Pascal RTD 7 (12), 3:00 30 Jan 2016 Canada Bell Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada Retained WBA (Undisputed), IBF, and WBO light heavyweight titles
29 Win 28–0–1 France Nadjib Mohammedi KO 3 (12), 2:38 25 Jul 2015 United States Mandalay Bay Events Center, Paradise, Nevada, US Retained WBA (Undisputed), IBF, and WBO light heavyweight titles
28 Win 27–0–1 Canada Jean Pascal TKO 8 (12), 1:03 14 Mar 2015 Canada Bell Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada Retained WBA (Undisputed), IBF, and WBO light heavyweight titles
27 Win 26–0–1 United States Bernard Hopkins UD 12 8 Nov 2014 United States Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, US Retained WBO light heavyweight title;
Won WBA (Super) and IBF light heavyweight titles
26 Win 25–0–1 Australia Blake Caparello TKO 2 (12), 1:34 2 Aug 2014 United States Revel Casino Hotel, Atlantic City, New Jersey, US Retained WBO light heavyweight title
25 Win 24–0–1 United States Cedric Agnew KO 7 (12), 0:58 29 Mar 2014 United States Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, US Retained WBO light heavyweight title
24 Win 23–0–1 Ukraine Ismail Sillakh KO 2 (12), 2:12 30 Nov 2013 Canada Colisée Pepsi, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada Retained WBO light heavyweight title
23 Win 22–0–1 United Kingdom Nathan Cleverly TKO 4 (12), 0:29 17 Aug 2013 United Kingdom Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff, Wales Won WBO light heavyweight title
22 Win 21–0–1 United States Cornelius White TKO 3 (12), 1:45 14 Jun 2013 United States Sands Casino Resort, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, US
21 Win 20–0–1 Spain Gabriel Campillo KO 3 (10), 1:30 19 Jan 2013 United States Mohegan Sun Arena, Montville, Connecticut, US
20 Win 19–0–1 United States Lionell Thompson TKO 3 (10), 0:14 21 Sep 2012 United States Sands Casino Resort, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, US
19 Win 18–0–1 United States Darnell Boone TKO 2 (8), 1:32 1 Jun 2012 United States Sands Casino Resort, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, US
18 Win 17–0–1 Russia Roman Simakov TKO 7 (12), 0:47 5 Dec 2011 Russia DIVS, Yekaterinburg, Russia Won WBC–ABCO light heavyweight title
17 Draw 16–0–1 United States Grover Young TD 2 (8) 27 Aug 2011 United States Playboy Mansion, Beverly Hills, California, US Young unable to continue after an accidental foul
16 Win 16–0 Kenya Douglas Otieno Okola KO 2 (10), 2:39 29 Jul 2011 United States Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, Paradise, Nevada, US Won vacant NABA USA light heavyweight title
15 Win 15–0 United States Terrance Woods KO 3 (8), 1:54 6 May 2011 United States Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, Indio, California, US
14 Win 14–0 United States Julius Fogle KO 2 (8), 1:16 1 Apr 2011 United States UIC Pavilion, Chicago, Illinois, US
13 Win 13–0 United States William Johnson TKO 2 (6), 1:53 12 Mar 2011 United States Hilton Towers Ballroom, Lafayette, Louisiana, US
12 Win 12–0 Russia Karen Avetisyan UD 6 15 Dec 2010 Russia Casino Vodoley, Yekaterinburg, Russia
11 Win 11–0 United States Dallas Vargas TKO 2 (8), 1:16 19 Nov 2010 United States UIC Pavilion, Chicago, Illinois, US
10 Win 10–0 United States Darnell Boone SD 8 9 Oct 2010 United States Metro Fitness, Atlanta, Georgia, US
9 Win 9–0 United States Kia Daniels KO 1 (6), 1:58 11 Sep 2010 United States Playboy Mansion, Beverly Hills, California, US
8 Win 8–0 United States Harley Kilfian TKO 2 (6), 1:24 19 Jun 2010 United States Emerald Queen Casino, Tacoma, Washington, US
7 Win 7–0 United States Nathan Bedwell TKO 1 (4), 2:15 19 Mar 2010 United States Derby Park Expo, Louisville, Kentucky, US
6 Win 6–0 United States Francois Ambang KO 2 (6), 2:23 6 Mar 2010 United States Patriot Center, Fairfax, Virginia, US
5 Win 5–0 United States Micky Stackhouse TKO 2 (4), 1:07 10 Oct 2009 United States Coliseum Complex, Greensboro, North Carolina, US
4 Win 4–0 United States Ayodeji Fadeyi RTD 1 (4), 3:00 12 Sep 2009 United States Playboy Mansion, Beverly Hills, California, US
3 Win 3–0 United States Michael Birthmark RTD 1 (4), 3:00 29 Aug 2009 United States Emerald Queen Casino, Tacoma, Washington, US
2 Win 2–0 United States Darryl Johnson TKO 1 (4), 2:06 8 Aug 2009 United States Metropolitan Convention Center, Columbia, South Carolina, US
1 Win 1–0 United States Daniel Chavez TKO 1 (4), 0:55 25 Jul 2009 United States Coliseum Complex, Greensboro, North Carolina, US Professional debut

References

  1. ^ a b Boxing record for Sergey Kovalev from BoxRec (registration required). Retrieved 27 June 2016.
  2. ^ Rosenthal, Michael (11 February 2015). "Sergey Kovalev named The Ring Fighter of the Year". The Ring. Retrieved 27 June 2016.
  3. ^ Donovan, Jake (28 January 2016). "Sergey Kovalev Motivated To Finish Business, Destroy Pascal". BoxingScene. Retrieved 27 June 2016.
  4. ^ a b "Biography". Kovalboxer.com. 2013-04-26. Retrieved 2015-04-23.
  5. ^ "Russian boxer dies after bout loss". RT. 8 December 2011. Archived from the original on 3 March 2012.
  6. ^ "Kovalev: The Next "Next Big Thing"". Boxing.com. Retrieved 2015-04-23.
  7. ^ "Sergey Kovalev Blows Through Nathan Cleverly in Four – Boxing News". Boxingscene.com. Retrieved 2015-04-23.
  8. ^ "Kovalev vs Sillakh results: Sergey Kovalev keeps Krushing, takes out Sillakh in two". Bad Left Hook. Nov 30, 2013.
  9. ^ a b c d "Kovalev-Pascal II Averages 1.179 Million Viewers For HBO - Boxing News". www.boxingscene.com. Retrieved 2017-06-14.
  10. ^ "Sergey Kovalev retains title". ESPN. Retrieved November 13, 2014.
  11. ^ "Sergey Kovalev knocks out Caparello". ESPN. Retrieved November 13, 2014.
  12. ^ "Kovalev defeats Bernard Hopkins". Retrieved November 10, 2014.
  13. ^ "Sergey Kovalev-Bernard Hopkins draws big TV ratings - The Ring". The Ring. 2014-11-11. Retrieved 2017-06-14.
  14. ^ "Sergey Kovalev stops Jean Pascal". ESPN. Retrieved March 15, 2015.
  15. ^ "Sergey Kovalev KO's overmatched Nadjib Mohammedi in 3rd round". ESPN. Retrieved July 26, 2015.
  16. ^ "Boxing News - boxing news, results, rankings, schedules since 1909".
  17. ^ "Sergey Kovalev to battle Isaac Chilemba on 7/11 in Russia". Boxing News 24. 2016-04-23. Retrieved 2016-04-26.
  18. ^ "Kovalev & Chilemba make weight for title fight". Sky Sports. July 11, 2016. Retrieved July 11, 2016.
  19. ^ "Kovalev beats Chilemba, on course for Ward bout". Retrieved 2016-07-12.
  20. ^ "Kovalev-Ward to take place Nov. 19 in Las Vegas". ESPN.com. Retrieved 2016-06-18.
  21. ^ Fight Hub TV (2016-11-19), Larry Merchant "It was a classic hometown decision, Kovalev won the fight!", retrieved 2017-02-27
  22. ^ Katzowitz, Josh. "Andre Ward Beats Sergey Kovalev By The Slimmest Of Margins: Live Results And Reaction (VIDEO)". Forbes. Retrieved 2017-02-27.
  23. ^ "Sergey Kovalev v Andre Ward: Russian Kovalev disgusted at 'politics' as American Ward pulls off decision win for title". The Telegraph. Retrieved 2017-02-27.
  24. ^ http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2677133-andre-ward-and-sergey-kovalev-deliver-drama-controversy-and-an-instant-classic
  25. ^ "[VIDEO] PAULIE MALIGNAGGI DETAILED ANALYSIS OF KNOCKDOWN AND ANDRE WARD'S VICTORY OVER KOVALEV || FIGHTHYPE.COM". www.fighthype.com. Retrieved 2017-02-27.
  26. ^ http://www.fighthype.com/videos/clip8684.html
  27. ^ Dontae's Boxing Nation (2016-11-25), GOLOVKIN TRAINER STILL HAS WARD WINNING AFTER WATCHING AGAIN, TALKS REMATCH AND GOLOVKIN-WARD, retrieved 2017-02-27
  28. ^ "Ward-Kovalev draw 160K PPV buys". MMA PAYOUT. November 29, 2016. Retrieved December 1, 2016.
  29. ^ "Ward/Kovalev does just less than a million viewers on HBO replay". November 30, 2016. Retrieved December 1, 2016.
  30. ^ "Ward-Kovalev produced live gate of $3.3m". Boxing Scene. December 7, 2016. Retrieved December 7, 2016.
  31. ^ "Ward vs. Kovalev Rematch Talks Finally Underway - For June 17? - Boxing News". www.boxingscene.com. Retrieved 2017-02-27.
  32. ^ "Duva and Roc Nation start talks for rematch of Ward-Kovalev June 17 - The Ring". The Ring. 2017-02-27. Retrieved 2017-03-01.
  33. ^ "Sergey Kovalev indicates he signed deal memo for Ward rematch - The Ring". The Ring. 2017-03-24. Retrieved 2017-03-25.
  34. ^ "Andre Ward set to defend title vs. Sergey Kovalev in June - ESPN". ESPN. Retrieved 2017-04-16.
  35. ^ "Andre Ward vs. Sergey Kovalev rematch set". Yahoo Sports. Retrieved 2017-04-16.
  36. ^ "Ward agrees to give Kovalev rematch in June". ESPN.com. Retrieved 2017-04-05.
  37. ^ "Andre Ward, Sergey Kovalev agree to rematch June 17 in Vegas". LasVegasSun.com. 2017-04-04. Retrieved 2017-04-05.
  38. ^ "Ward vs. Kovalev II: No Rematch Clause For Third Fight - Boxing News". www.boxingscene.com. Retrieved 2017-04-11.

External links

Sporting positions
Regional boxing titles
Vacant
Title last held by
Byron Mitchell 		NABA USA light heavyweight champion
29 July 2011 – December 2011
Vacated 		Vacant
Title next held by
Anatoliy Dudchenko
Preceded by
Roman Simakov
 WBC–ABCO light heavyweight champion
5 December 2011 – July 2013
Vacated 		Vacant
Title next held by
Robert Berridge
World boxing titles
Preceded by WBO light heavyweight champion
17 August 2013 – 19 November 2016 		Succeeded by
Preceded by WBA light heavyweight champion
Undisputed title
8 November 2014 – 19 November 2016
Super title until March 2015
IBF light heavyweight champion
8 November 2014 – 19 November 2016
Honorary boxing titles
Preceded by WBC Diamond light heavyweight champion
14 March 2015 – present 		Incumbent
Non-transferable title WBO Super champion
January 2015 – present 		Non-transferable title
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Sergey_Kovalev&oldid=785584573"