SERGEY KOVALEV may be the Russian wrecking ball in the ring, but outside the squared circle he has nothing but compassion for his fallen comrades. “Krusher” has posted fight-worn/autographed memorabilia from his most recent WBO light-heavyweight title defence against Blake Caparello for auction on eBay. The proceeds from the sales will benefit Magomed Abdusalamov, the Russian fighter who suffered a traumatic brain injury after his fight with Mike Perez on November 2, 2013 at Madison Square Garden.
Abdusalamov, 33, sustained extensive brain injuries following the bout against Perez. He had surgery to remove a blood clot from his brain and was in a coma for several weeks afterwards. Now, more than nine months after the fight, he is confined to a rehabilitation facility in New York State and doctors are uncertain whether he will speak or walk again.
Kovalev, 31, made the third defence of his WBO light-heavyweight title on August 2 against Caparello at Revel Casino Hotel in Atlantic City, New Jersey. His eBay auction includes his fight-worn/autographed gloves, his signature fight-worn “Krusher” shoes and his fight-worn/autographed hand wraps from his bout with Caparello.
About the auction, Sergey said, “I trained with Magomed. He is my friend and a good man. This is a tragedy. I just want to help him and his family.”
