KOVALOV HYPE TRAIN REACHING PRE-BOARDING CAPACITY
Sergey Kovalov-Cedric Agnew
New York, NY– WBO king Sergey Kovalev (24-0 22 KOs) did what was expected over the weekend and stopped a game but limited Cedric Agnew (26-1 13 KOs) in 7 rounds. This victory has lead to speculation by some that Kovalev is primed to go on a rampage through the light heavyweight (175 lb) division without taking names. Although Kovalev is a great puncher and a solid fighter, it’s likely that anyone on his bandwagon might only be on for a short ride for he still has more to prove.
RESUME OF RUSSIAN LACKING THUS FAR
By taking a close look at Kovalev resume, there isn’t much, besides KO power to suggest that he’s the best fighter at 175. The UBF’s ancient Bernard Hopkins (54-6-2 32 KOs), WBA guy Beibut Shumanov (14-1 9 KOs) and WBC (linear) champ Adonis Stevenson (23-1 20 KOs) are all threats who possess arguably better talent and with the exception of Shumanov, certainly have better resumes. So although Kovalev is a likeable and entertaining fighter, he’s currently more hype than substance considering whom he’s actually beaten. If guys like Tavoris Cloud, Chad Dawson, Lucian Bute and Jean Pascal are available, defeating the likes of a couple of them will add REAL credence to Kovalev’s record.
SERGEY THE BOOGIE MAN TO SUPERMAN ADONIS
The common argument regarding the greatness and potential of Kovalev centers around the choices of a pending opponent turned foe, the aformentioned Adonis “Superman” Stevenson. Stevenson went on a rampage last year, erasing a loss and earning a light heavyweight title relinquished by former champion Chad Dawson via an exciting first round KO. With both Kovalev and Stevenson having great outings on HBO, it appeared a clash between the two was inevitable.
SUPERMAN FLEES BUILDING BUT IS HE SCARED?
To the dismay of salivating fans looking for a combustible showdown, Stevenson opted out of an immediate fight with Kovalev and signed with a new manager/advisor, Al Haymon. Haymon is a key figure for many fighters who have appearances on Showtime, the HBO rival network. This in the eyes of many appeared as a duck, as Stevenson seems to be interested in facing Bernard Hopkins.
STEVENSON NOT LIVING UP TO SIGNED PACT?
While some will speculate that Stevenson wants to avoid Sergey like the plague, a reasonable explanation lies in what he is actually setting himself up for and that is a 175 lb title unification with Bernard Hopkins. In the meantime, Kovalov promoter Main Events say they have a signed contract and may sue. A Hopkins fight for Stevenson, who at 36 would nab the highest purse and career and a defining bout against an well aged legend. It’s reasonable that Stevenson wants to get this out of the way while he still can because win or lose, Kovalev will be there.
KOVALOV KEEPS WINNING & HE WON’T BE DENIED
Kovalev has stopped most of his opponents and has looked relatively good doing so. But that was expected considering the opponents. But what he also did, particularly in his last bout was get touched up a bit and looked lethargic and plodding at times. This is something a defensive wizard like BHOP would eat up and may prove for easy pickings against athletic styles like that of Jean Pascal and Adonis Stevenson. Simply put, Kovalev has to add some more proof to the pudding before he’s ready to be called the best at 175 pounds. Does Sergey Kovalov have the goods? There are several options and time will tell if Kovalev is the real deal or just marketed as one. I for one, am certainly looking to find out.