Talkin’ Boxing with Sergey Kovalev

By Scoop Malinowski

Sergey Kovalev, the WBO Light Heavywieght champion (32-2-1, 28 KOs) fielded questions from the media before Saturday’s New York City press conference at the Hard Rock Cafe in Times Square New York City.  The 35 year old Krusher will make his next title defense against Colombia’s Eleider Alvarez (23-0, 11 KOs) on Aug 4 at the brand new Hard Rock Cafe Casino which will open just weeks earlier at the old Trump Taj Mahal site on the boardwalk in Atlantic City. The plan is to hopefully revitalize boxing in AC and Kathy Duva, Kovalev and Hard Rock VP Bernie Dillon are hoping Kovalev can help spark the renaissance.

Question: Have you seen Alvarez fight before?

Kovalev:  “I saw one fight, against Chilemba. I don’t follow anybody because I’m busy with my boxing career, with my life, with my family. Alvarez has earned his title shot but Chickenson dodged him, just like he dodged me. I want to fight the best in my division. Alvarez took the fight with me without hesitation. I respect that and I am excited to face him in my return to Atlantic City.”

Question:  Did you see anything to concern you?

Kovalev: “It was a long time ago. He won unanimous decision, it was a sure victory. Right now I don’t remember details.”

Question: Are you surrpised after all these years Stevenson still hasn’t fought you?

Kovalev: “He’s not a real man, he’s a businessman. He’s already ducking me from a long time ago. Right now he has a scheduled fight with Jack.”

Question: Do you have any doubt you would beat Stevenson?

Kovalev:  “If I get this opportunity I will beat him, yeah.”

Question: How?

Kovalev: “Any price [laughs].”

Question: Would you compare your career to the career of Dmitry Bivol?

Kovalev:  “His career is much easier. He started already fighting in America already on HBO and he’s fighting now under my name. People are getting to know him from my name because he fights on my cards. Right now he’s already on HBO but I have a different history. But we’ll see, he’s a really talented guy. And maybe in future we can make a big fight. Who knows. I’m ready.”

Question: What do you think of Vasyl Lomachenko?

Kovalev: “He’s no. 1. He’s the best. Very talented. He can do a lot of things in the ring. I think he’s the best fighter in the world today. That’s my opinion.”