Sergey Kovalev vows to not overlook Isaac Chilemba with Andre Ward on horizon
Sergey Kovalev is fast approaching what's likely to be a career-defining fight.
At the very least, Kovalev's scheduled bout with Andre Ward (planned for Nov. 19) should determined pound-for-pound supremacy. In order to build interest in the HBO PPV fight and get the inactive Ward one more much-needed tune-up, each man will take interim bouts this summer.
These stay-busy fights can be pitfalls of course. Lennox Lewis was upset by Hasim Rahman with a mega fight against Mike Tyson on the horizon. But Kovalev, who returns to Russia for a Monday light heavyweight title defense (same-day tape at 10:15 p.m., HBO) against promotional stablemate Isaac Chilemba, says he won't make the mistake of focusing on Ward too soon.
"I really don't want to be overlooking the fight against Chilemba," said Kovalev, 33. "I believe I should earn the right to face Ward. Chilemba is a very uncomfortable opponent. He throws a lot of counter-punches staying defensive throughout the fight.
"He is extremely motivated for this fight because there are three belts on the line. This opportunity that is given to him surely makes him a dangerous fighter."
Kovalev (29-0-1, 26 KOs) last fought in his home country in December 2011, when he stopped Roman Simakov in the seventh round. Simakov later died from injuries sustained in the fight.
That was long before Kovalev established himself as one of the most fearsome punchers in the sport and reached the acclaim that secured him an exclusive contract with HBO and pound-for-pound status.
He calls the opportunity to stage a big fight in Russia a "dream come true." A fall summit meeting vs. Ward is far greater.
Kovalev's career-best victory remains a wide-decision over a then-49-year-old Bernard Hopkins. Sure, Hopkins was still a top fighter, and Kovalev took care of the defensive wizard with no problem.
Ward is a different beast altogether. The former super middleweight champion is perhaps the best inside fighter in the game and is incredible at neutralizing offenses. Kovalev should add to his great knockout ratio with Chilemba, a top-10 contender who is a capable fighter but isn't on the elite level.
Lesser fighters than Chilemba have upset the apple cart before, though, and ruined the best laid plans of HBO. If Kovalev wants to maintain his status and fight with Ward, he'll have to get past Chilemba, preferably in impressive fashion.
Then after Ward gets past Alexander Brand on Aug. 6, assuming the Californian stays healthy, all roads lead to Nov. 19 and the best matchup that can be made in boxing.
(Photo of Kovalev by Ryan Remiorz/The Canadian Press via AP)