Sergey Kovalev vs Artur Beterbiev: A collision course for the Russians!
WBO light heavyweight champion Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev has answered the challenge from IBF champion Artur Beterbiev. He responded to the man who has been calling him out since he regained his title by saying he wants the unification to happen as early as May.
This is a mouth watering fight in the red hot light heavyweight division. “Krusher” looked rejuvenated on February 2 when he got revenge on Eleider Alvarez and regained the WBO title. Since, the boxing world has been buzzing about what’s next for the 4 champions of the division.
WBA and WBC champions Dmitry Bivol and Oleksandr Gvozdyk are currently booked for fights in March. Therefore, with Kovalev pursuing a unification bout, the timing is all too perfect for clash with Beterbiev.
The Road to the Ring
Both men hail from Russia, but have taken different paths. Kovalev was a run-of-the-mill amateur who found much more success in the pro ranks. He quickly found himself a unified champion and top three on many pound-for-pound lists.
Beterbiev was a stand out amateur and former Olympian. In fact, he beat Kovalev twice in the amateur ranks. Although a champion, his success as a professional is not as profound as Kovalev’s. The main culprit involving promoter/managerial issues that produced points of inactivity.
In October 2018, the GYM promoted fighter survived near disaster. Beterbiev was knocked down by Callum Johnson, but got off the canvas to finish his opponent in four rounds. He had been linked to a fight with contender Joe Smith Jr for December, but that fight ended up going to Dmitry Bivol as Beterbiev couldn’t be prepared for such a quick turn around.
At 34 years old, the time is now for the Montreal-based Russian.
While there are still many hurdles to clear before this fight becomes official, it is certainly something boxing fans should keep their eye on. What is clearly evident, these two warriors are eager to get in the ring once more!
By: Tanner Gill
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