Boxers experience fear when Russian Sergey Kovalev name is mentioned.
His record speaks for itself, Kovalev is undefeated in 29 fights, with 26 K.O’s.
Kovalev is the current WBA Super World light heavyweight, IBF World Light Heavyweight and WBO World Light Heavyweight champion. Now those titles are put on the line in his home town Ekaterinburg against Malawian Isaac Chilemba on July 11.
Despite Kovalev’s perfect record, somehow it does not bother the challenger, all he has in mind is to take the Russian crown.
Speaking from Johannesburg at TopBox gym where the Malawian trains, he elaborated on how he will capitilise on the advantages he has over his opponent to emerge victorious.
“I’m going there as a smart fighter and will use my hands speed. I don’t care if he knocked almost every opponent he fought but he won’t get that chance since I have good footwork that will frustrate him through out the fight.”
Sadly, Boxing is now a business to other boxers where they pick easy opponents enabling to shine over them. This will help pugilist to climb the rankings in a short period of time.
But Chilemba is one of the few who believes in fighting the best to be regarded a true champion. He sighs as he acknowledges the problem.
“Yes most boxers tend to fight easy opponents and that is because managers are the ones who chooses those challengers. I personally believe if you want to make history you have to fight the best.”
“Come fight day, I will be setting history that will go down in many years.”
Chilemba talks a little about his preparations for the biggest fight of his career. “I have been doing strong sparring with different champions, each brings different style in the table making me ready for the fight,” Chilemba said.
Chilemba’s manager Jodi Solomon is determined bringing those titles to South Africa “Chilemba has everything to beat Kovalev, boxing is a game of chase and Chilemba knows how to play it. He has Speed, movement, how to process and analyse a fight and those tactics will help him to win.” - Independent Media