AFTER steamrolling over Jean Pascal for the second time last weekend, Russian light-heavyweight kingpin Sergey Kovalev, 29-0-1 (26) is still standing tall at the top of the division. On course for an eventual meeting with fellow pound for pound star, Andre Ward, Olly Campbell considers five potential future opponents for the “Krusher”.
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5. Julio Cesar Chavez Jnr, 49-2-1 (32)
Perhaps an odd choice to many, thanks largely to his questionable desire, as well as the fact he’s not really sure where he belongs weight-wise, the name recognition the Mexican legend’s son brings alone would still put bums on seats with regards to any Kovalev fight, particularly from those especially keen to find out how quickly the “Krusher” could finish him. More of a curiosity fight than a serious challenge to Kovalev’s reign, Chavez is currently preparing for a return to action after sustaining an injury in last summer’s 170lbs catch-weight tune up against Marcos Reyes, and claims to want to get back into the world title picture after previously holding WBC honours at middleweight.
4. Artur Beterbiev, 9-0 (9)
A late starter to the professional ranks, the big-hitting 31 year old former amateur standout is no stranger to the “Krusher”, holding two wins over his fellow countryman from the days before both men punched for pay. Arguably equal to Kovalev, if not superior in many areas aside from experience, perhaps the biggest obstacle to any potential showdown would be influential advisor, Al Haymon, who looks after Beterbiev alongside GYM CEO, Yvon Michel. He is unlikely to box on HBO, where Kovalev exclusively appears, it’s no real surprise that a mooted clash between the pair last year sadly came to nothing. As for the future? We can only hope.
3. Eleider Alvarez, 19-0 (10)
Fast rising Canada-based Colombian, Alvarez, is the mandatory challenger to the WBC strap held by Adonis Stevenson and is making waves in the 175lbs division with his big-punching, aggressive style. Never looking more at home than when stood toe-to-toe unloading hurtful punches to head and body, he last squeezed past Isaac Chilemba with a majority decision back in November after a fast and promising start, prompting some questions about his fitness as he was seen to fade down the stretch. Also advised by Al Haymon and promoted by Yvon Michel, one can see a pretty depressing narrative unfolding with regards to many of these fights actually being made, however.
2. Andrzej Fonfara, 28-3 (16)
Another Haymon client, tough, Chicago-based Pole, Fonfara, would certainly make for an interesting challenge as Kovalev moves further toward an eventual Ward showdown. Last seen winning a decision over Nathan Cleverly in a 2015 FOTY candidate last October, the game and gritty ‘Polish Prince’ carries a spiteful left-hook and a deceptive degree of power. He floored WBC titlist Adonis Stevenson when they met in 2014 before dropping a points decision, and also bullied Julio Cesar Chavez Jnr into quitting on his stool after nine rounds, just ten months ago. Whether he possesses enough power to keep the methodical and machine-like Kovalev off of him for 12 rounds is another issue, but it’d surely be fun while it lasted.
1. Adonis Stevenson, 27-1 (22)
Perhaps the figurehead of the ‘fights fans want for Kovalev but are unlikely to see’ club is former lineal champion and WBC titlist Adonis Stevenson, who took it upon himself to storm the ring after Kovalev’s recent win over Jean Pascal, again claiming he desperately wants the fight. Maligned by many fans for his choice of opposition in recent times, the 38 year-old ‘Superman’ was once set for a Kovalev fight on HBO in 2014 before he opted to sign with Al Haymon early that year. The two fighters have traded bitter barbs across social media for many months, with racism allegations, pulled purse-bids and “chicken” slurs among the highlights. Kovalev promoter Kathy Duva is insistent that they will travel to Canada and offer a 50/50 purse split for the fight, with the only stipulation being it must take place on HBO PPV. Talks between the two camps continue, although ‘don’t hold your breath’ is the consensus feeling in the business with regard to the fight actually taking place.
