Unified light heavyweight world champion Sergey Kovalev is widely recognized as one of the best pound-for-pound boxers in the world, and earlier this week news broke regarding not just his next fight, but his next two. On July 11 the champion is slated to defend his titles against Isaac Chilemba in Russia, giving Kovalev his first chance to defend his titles in his home country. But the even bigger news is that Kovalev has now officially signed a contract to face fellow pound-for-pound elitist, Andre Ward later this year, with November 19 looking to be the target date for the match-up. Ward is also expected to have one more fight before his fall showdown with Kovalev.
Just a few short years ago Kovalev was a relative unknown commodity. After signing with Main Events, and become a regular showcase feature on HBO boxing – Kovalev’s star has began to emerge. He is considered one of the most dangerous punchers in all of boxing, and head trainer John David Jackson has helped fine tune his style to the point where Kovalev efficiently utilizes his skills that best play to his strengths while simultaneously exhibiting a high ring IQ. This was best on display in his breakout fight against the ageless wonder, Bernard Hopkins who, despite being two months shy of his 50th birthday when facing Kovalev was still universally recognized as a great talent who held two titles in the 175 pound division.
With the fall showdown against Andre Ward looming, boxing fans have great reason to be excited and have something to look forward to, because the bout between Kovalev and Ward represents one of the very best that can be made in all of boxing, if not the absolute best. This edition of Rummy’s Corner attempts to explore the rise of Sergey Kovalev, his breakout performance against living legend Bernard Hopkins, and his upcoming mega showdown against former 168 pound king Andre “SOG” Ward. Please watch and enjoy the video for one man’s humble opinion on the developing star of Sergey Kovalev.
