Russian boxer Sergei Kovalev became the champion of the world – the Russian Newspaper

Today early morning Sergei Kovalev in Atlantic City, the US state of New Jersey broke the famous Bernard Hopkins became a world champion in the light heavyweight division by the WBO three , IBF and WBA. This defeat – the seventh in his career Hopkins. Russians also won 26 Victoria in his career and not just a third knockout and remains undefeated.

In case of victory the 49-year-old Hopkins could go down in history as the age defending champions in three versions IBF, WBA and WBO. Actually, the “Alien” as dubbed by Bernard in the ring, has agreed to a fight with a 31-year-old Kovalev only when the Russians took the WBO belt last year.

See also

However, given the age and killer blow Hopkins Kovalev, the favorite in this fight was originally considered last. Reputable bookmaker William Hill gave to win our fighter ratio 1.40 vs. 3.00 in American. But aside Hopkins was not discouraged. As the athlete’s coach Nazim Richardson, “Bernard always looks around in search of the most dangerous situation. Firefighters run into the fire, while others from the fire escape. In boxing Bernard runs to danger, while his colleagues does not reach it.”

Paradoxically, despite the age of the Hopkins experts almost unanimously said that it was Kovalev need to win in the first half of the fight. “If he does not sort out over six rounds, in the second half of the fight will make it almost impossible” – suggested, in particular countryman Sergei Lebedev Denis.

Before the fight was not without a verbal battle. Hopkins made natural provocateur, calling himself “the Ukraine” in front of “Russian hammer.” “He’s still a young, hungry fighter, and like all of my previous opponents, leave the ring without a belt,” – said smugly American boxer. Kovalev, though admitted that he did not consider himself “talker”, the opponent has not conceded. “It is time to send Hopkins to the moon”, “Hopkins – deer, he kept butting” – these are just a few of the sharp frazochek that Kovalev released to the American boxer.

Another indispensable attribute of big fights – the ceremony boxers enter the ring. Hopkins appeared in the hall in the green alien mask, and Kovalev released the song “Forever young, forever drunk.” However, this composition could well accompany old Bernard.

Russian who called for a powerful blow “Homewrecker”, admitted that he did not have a specific plan for the fight. “Going out and break,” so named his tactics Kovalev. Implement it Sergei began in the first round, sending Hopkins knockdown. In response, the American enemy offered wrestling techniques, which resulted in the third round Kovalev was on the floor. Angered by the Russians almost knocked Hopkins in the end of this three-minute. In each subsequent round, our boxer interrupted “alien”. In the eighth round, Bernard, conceding a telling blow, barely keep his balance on his feet. We must pay tribute to the American athletes, in their almost 50 years, he lasted until the 12th round. However, at the last minute Hopkins had all the chances to finish the match in a knockout, but devastating attack Kovalev “foreign” and not getting through.

Another thing is that on points victory remained with the Russian boxer. This decision, as expected, the judges adopted unanimously. The official account recorded a total superiority Kovalev: 120: 107, 120, 107, 120, 106.

After a fight Sergei praised Hopkins, saying that there is a chance that in the battle with the Canadian Stevenson owning championship belt version WBC. However, Kovalev, and he is not averse to enter the ring with this boxer. In case of victory the Russian can become the undisputed champion of the world, that is, all four versions of significant boxing organizations.