Sergey Kovalev, BB’s numero uno Light Heavy, returns to make the second defense of his reclaimed WBO belt. Across the ring will be Eleider Alvarez, a highly regarded contender who’s been ringing the title shot bell for some time. The Columbian now has his chance, but it’ll be a major step-up in class. It’ll also be a – post-Andre Ward – step-up for the defending champion himself.
Kovalev vs Alvarez
Sergey Kovalev (32-2-1, 28 KO)
For a guy with such a sinister reputation in the ring – some say even out of it – you’d expect Kovalev to fight a lot dirtier. You know, like this ‘bully’ would be snarling, talking to his opponents, roughing them up, even throwing them around on occasion. But no, Kovalev is actually one of the cleanest, purest boxers in the game today. Even conqueror Andre Ward – who made things frustratingly ‘sticky’ in both their fights – couldn’t force Kovalev to break form and get ugly.
Kovalev, 35, isn’t stylish or flashy, but what he can do he does incredibly well. He has that elite timing down. The fundamentals. Footwork. Distance control. The knowledge of when to throw a simple yet remarkably clean and nasty one-two combination. And, when coupled with some top-drawer vaunted power, the man becomes a formidable beast at 175-pounds.
Kovalev is beatable, however. And, whatever you’re feelings are concerning those back-to-back defeats to Ward in 2016 and 2017 – both still controversial, in my opinion – most would agree that Kovalev showcased flaws. Beating Kovalev is a tall order, but, if Ward proved anything, it is that piling on the pressure, making the fight physical and pounding the body can work wonders in rattling and sapping the Russian.
Outside of this, you’d better be a refined, slick fighter to outbox and bang with Kovalev, especially if you’re chasing a decision. Which leads us to Alvarez, a competent, polished operator hoping to spring one of 2018’s biggest upsets.
Eleider Alvarez (23-0, 11 KO)
With Alvarez, I’m kind of conflicted about ‘what’ exactly he represents within today’s thriving Light Heavyweight scene. Alvarez, 34, isn’t a notable puncher in a class bursting with them, and doesn’t always leave a lasting impression when he fights. The truth is, while decisions over Issac Chilemba and Jean Pascal, plus a breakout TKO versus Lucian Bute, are certainly decent highlights, I’m still on the fence.
However, that’s likely a natural feeling shared by most fans, given how Alvarez still very much wears the contender label. Alvarez just doesn’t appear to be a sleeping giant of the division. Not right now, anyway. With that said, there is much to praise about his spirit and tool set. Alvarez is a hungry, determined boxer. He fights like he means to reach the top. And so far, that tenacity, complemented by fluid movement and a big 12-round engine, has kept him exclusively in the win column.
To wrap up, Alvarez, despite the question marks, is still a worthy adversary to Kovalev – on paper, in terms of rankings, and in my mind also. Now we’ll have to see if the man can rise to the occasion on the biggest night of his career. And if he can topple Kovalev, life-changing spoils must surely follow.
So how about it? Who are you picking in Kovalev vs Alvarez and how do you see the action unfolding? Is Alvarez simply another knockout victim in waiting? Or can this spirited contender get the job done on Saturday night?
