This Saturday sees WBO, WBA and IBF light heavyweight champion Sergey Kovalev go into action against French mandatory challenger Nadjib Mohammedi at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, live on HBO (US) /Boxnation (UK)
Speaking to the media via FightHub tv, Kovalev insisted he is confident of victory against Mohammedi, yet could not avoid the topic of bitter rival and WBC boss, Adonis Stevenson, who holds the one title the Russian needs to become undisputed champion.
Clearly frustrated at Stevenson signing with Showtime, and his outright refusal to fight on HBO – where Kovalev fights exclusively – the Russian has conceded he may have to wait until another fighter beats Adonis first before he can get a shot at the WBC title.
“I don’t speak about him (Adonis) at all, he’s not the real champ. He just got lucky once against Chad Dawson. Chad Dawson dropped his title (WBC 168 lb) before their fight against Andre Ward. Andre Ward destroyed him and he didn’t recover for the fight against Stevenson.”
“I hope someone gets Stevenson and the WBC title and then we can fight. Even if it is a harder or tougher boxer, it’s no problem.”
Kovalev has been prepared to offer Stevenson a 50/50 purse split, as well as to box in Canada in “Superman’s” back-yard, yet talks have come to nothing, with Kovalev’s promoter Main Events pulling out of a purse bid as should they have lost as expected, they cannot fight on another network.
“Mohammedi is not a puncher but he’s a good boxer, good at boxing. He’s smart.”
“He is ready for 12 rounds, he has good stamina, good condition. He’s dangerous.”
And Kovalev is cautious over predicting a signature early finish, stating he is ready to go the distance if necessary;
“I make shape for 12 rounds, sure. It’s boxing but you never know what will happen in the ring.”
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