Sergey Kovalev showed up to Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, and proved to the ‘Alien,’ Bernard Hopkins, that he wasn’t a one trick pony.
Krusher dominated the 49-year-old Hopkins to win a unanimous decision and unified three light heavyweight world titles in the process.
After dropping Hopkins in the first round with a crushing right hand, Kovalev systematically dominated the pride of Philadelphia for 12 rounds.
The fight and the rounds weren’t even close as the judges had it for Kovalev 120-107, 120-107 and 120-106. Kovalev of course was very excited about his huge win.
“I’m very happy,” Kovalev said. “This victory was for my son Aleksandr.”
Kovalev (26-0-1, 23 KOs), who went past eight rounds for the first time in his career, battered Hopkins (55-7-2, 32 KOs) and earned his respect.
“I give him a lot of respect,” said Hopkins, who sought out the fight with Kovalev, who few others have wanted to fight — including lineal champion Adonis Stevenson, who walked away from a deal for the fight to leave HBO for Showtime. “We both would fight anyone and that’s how we ended up here tonight. That’s what brought us together. That’s what the people want to see, one title, one belt, one champion.”
Hopkins offense was nonexistent, as he chose to forgo trading with Kovalev, in hopes of having the powerful Russian punch himself out.
Hopkins landed just 65 of 196 punches (33 percent), according to CompuBox statistics, while Kovalev connected on 166 of 585 blows (28 percent).
Kovalev showed great patience offensively, mixing up his right hands and body shots. For his part, Hopkins said he was unsure if he’d retire or not.
“It’s 50-50,” he said. “I don’t really want to say anything. Everybody will have a long time to talk about my career when it is over. It’s been 50-50 for the last nine years. I’ve done what I had to do. I’m fine. Really, I’m fine.”