SERGEY Kovalev will have one more fight before hanging up the gloves. Once known as the ‘Krusher,’ Kovalev is scheduled to box German-based Kazakh Artur Mann on April 19 as part of the IBA Champions tournament.
The bout will take place in Kovalev’s home region of Chelyabinsk, rounding off a 16-year career that started in 2009 and saw Kovalev reign as unified light-heavyweight champion. The version of Kovalev that last graced the ring was a pale impersonation of his pomp. The Florida resident lost a 10-round decision to Robin Sirwan Safar, hitting the deck in round 10 of a Riyadh card.
Kovalev first put the wider boxing community on notice when he travelled to Wales in 2013 to smash WBO champion Nathan Cleverly in four brutal rounds. His two losses to Andre Ward across 2016 and 2017 signalled a swift career demise. Wins over Jean Pascal, Bernard Hopkins and a revenge outboxing of Eleider Alvarez remain the highlights. The 41-year-old veteran is currently sporting a 35-5-1 (29 KOs) record.
“I’m happy with what I’ve achieved in my career, so I’m leaving boxing with a peaceful heart,” Kovalev stated at an IBA press conference.
“Right now, I’m focused on my fight against Artur Mann, who is still a very live opponent. I’m also glad that my last fight will be in my hometown of Chelyabinsk, and I’m grateful to the organizers for making it happen.
“It’s time to hang up the gloves and move on to the next chapter of my life.”
