Boxing Interviews

KOVALEV MANAGER: ‘WHEN YOUR WELSH FANS START TO SING, SERGEY WILL JUST PRETEND THEY’RE SINGING FOR HIM!’

So what to we know about Sergey Kovalev, the formidable Russian destroyer who challenges Welshman Nathan Cleverly for the WBO World Light-Heavyweight strap at Cardiff’s Motorpoint Arena this Saturday?

Known as ‘Krusher’, the 30 year old was born in the city of Chelyabinsk, an ice hockey stronghold, in April 1983. He began boxing aged 11 after following a friend to the gym and knocked up a hugely impressive 193-22 amateur slate which included national titles and international singlets at both junior and senior level.

He was the Russian representative at the 1999 European Cadet championships and captured two gold medals at the World Military Games. Twice he was victorious in dual international meets between Russia and the USA.

KOVALEV: “I’VE TRAINED TO GO THREE ROUNDS, BUT NO ONE CAN GUARANTEE THAT THIS FIGHT WILL GO PAST THREE.”

At today’s media workout in Newport, Russian KO King Sergey Kovalev had some fierce words for the WBO Light Heavyweight Champion Nathan Cleverly, who he faces on Saturday night at Cardiff’s Motorpoint Arena, live and exclusive in the UK on BoxNation (Sky Ch. 437/Virgin Ch. 546).

Undefeated Kovalev, who has destroyed 19 of his 21 opponents with 18 coming inside the first three rounds, is predicting a similar outcome for the Welsh hero.

“Cleverly is my toughest test, he’s a good, fast fighter who throws a lot of punches, but I think it will be a similar outcome on Saturday night.” Said the “Krusher”.

NATHAN CLEVERLY: ‘I WIN BECAUSE I BRING THE BETTER ALL ROUND PACKAGE. I EXPECT TO STOP KOVALEV MIDWAY TO LATE.’
 
For some time now, WBO World Light-Heavyweight king Nathan Cleverly has been putting himself on offer as the finest 175lb prizefighter on this planet.
 
On Saturday evening, at Cardiff’s Motorpoint Arena in his native Wales the 26-year-old from Cefn Fforest finally gets his chance to convince others of the veracity of his claim when he makes a sixth defence of his belt against formidable Russian Sergey Kovalev.
 
Remaining tickets are available from the Cardiff Motorpoint Arena Box Office on 02920 224 488 or Eventim on 0844 249 1000 or www.eventim.co.uk

With less than 60 rounds on his slate, mammoth hitting WBO World Light-Heavyweight title challenger and world ranked Sergey Kovalev might be shy on professional experience when he fronts up to defending champion Nathan Cleverly at Cardiff’s Motorpoint Arena this Saturday.

However the presence of John David Jackson in the unbeaten Russian’s corner should certainly act as a buffer.

A globetrotting two time-two weight world champion in the late 80s and early 90s, the Denver born, Florida based southpaw is now one of the most coveted coaches in the US. His client list includes world champions such as Shane Mosley, Bernard Hopkins, Randall Bailey and Nate Campbell and recently ‘Action’ Jackson was recruited as head trainer at Mike Tyson’s Iron Mike Productions.