Sergey Kovalev has come a long way, and he doesn’t allow himself to forget that. The 31-year old boxer had his first child on October 20th, a son named Alexander after his father, and so to him boxing is now more than just a sport he happens to love. It’s now a chance for him to leave a legacy for his son, so that he can understand what his father had to do to make a life for his family.
As I watched Kovalev, one thing was clear. He was ready. Kovalev is so humbled by the opportunity to show his skill at this level of the sport, but then again, he knows there’s no time to be a fan of the great, calculated power puncher Bernard Hopkins. When asked if he’s studied Hopkins at all to prepare for this fight, Kovalev’s answer was simple.
“I don’t study anybody.”
Bold words coming from the man known as “The Krusher,” a name rightfully given. He feels that his time is better spent working on himself rather than worrying about his opponent. In fact, Kovalev recognizes and appreciates the legend of Hopkins, and according to him, that’s all the knowledge of Hopkins that he needs.
Kovalev is undefeated and known for knocking opponents out early in most bouts. Kovalev’s workout regimen seems to have gotten to another level as well. He’s incorporated several drills to work on balance on coordination, and he has a 15-mile daily cardio routine, according to his strength and conditioning coach, Quan Paxton. They’ve also incorporated pilates, plyometrics and speed drills. It shows, too. Kovalev looks as though as he’s in the best shape of his life.
The Kovalev team wants to warn you not to think that this will be what everyone expects; a brawl between two power punchers. Hopkins is a very calculated fighter, so Kovalev has been working on his endurance, according to Paxton. The Krusher’s team is firm that he can go the distance of all 12 rounds if necessary. Hopkins is also known for his ability to get into his opponent’s head. Kovalev is originally from Russia, and although he speaks English, it’s still very limited. This is another quality that the Krusher’s team feels like benefit their fighter. After all, it’s hard to get in someone’s head if they can’t understand what you’re saying to begin with.
When Hopkins vs. Kovalev finally airs, it will be the moment that Kovalev believes he can show the world what he’s capable on the light heavyweight level. I suspect it will be a better bout than many would suspect. Although Hopkins is 49-years old, but his presence in the ring matched with Kovalev’s will be one that boxing fans won’t soon forget.
“This basically comes down to the young lion vs. the old lion,” says Paxton.
“Hopkins vs. Kovalev” is a 12-round unification bout for the IBF, WBA
and WBO Light Heavyweight World titles, presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Main Events in association with Caesars Atlantic City, Corona Extra, AT&T, Hortitsia Vodka and Mexico, Live it To Believe It!. Ali vs. Abregu is a 10-round welterweight bout promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and Top Rank.
The HBO World Championship Boxing telecast begins at 10:45 p.m. ET/PT.
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