WBO Light Heavyweight Challenge
Last night, at the Ford Center at the Star, in Frisco, Texas, Sergey Kovalev (33-3-1, 28 Kos) successfully avenged his previous loss to Eleider Alvarez (24-1, 12 Kos) by defeating him by unanimous decision.
With new trainer Buddy McGirt in his corner, Kovalev was a completely different fighter then the one who fought 6 months ago and lost his title to Alvarez. Real Talk!
This version of Kovalev who stepped into that squared circle last night was laser focussed with controlled aggression and a very effective jab that was on point throughout the entire bout. Kovalev stuck to the “game plan” at hand and never wavered. He showed patience with no signs of stamina issues well into the second half of the bout.
I was impressed and surprised by his discipline in this bout. Sergey controlled the fight from start to finish while being mindful of Alverez’s effort of trying to land something significant all night.
Alvarez’s approach in this bout was confusing to say the least. Alvarez was hoping to catch Sergey slipping in the second half but to his surprise Kovalev actually stepped it up and finished stronger than expected. Alvarez had no real answers for Kovalev’s strategic approach. Alvarez’s low punch output was definitely the most unexpected to me. Alverez’s overconfidence this time around cost him to succumb to his first professional defeat and his WBO Light Heavyweight Title.
With this win Kovalev now becomes three-time WBO Light Heavyweight Champion of the World and is now anxiously looking for a unification bout with either Titleholder in the 175-pound Division.
I’m curious to see which of the Champions is going accept the challenge.
Until then, congratulations on regaining your Championship Belt, Kovalev. Job well done.
Blaze