Sergey Kovalev Fight Review & Guillermo Rigondeaux Returns this Weekend

By Donald “Braveheart” Stewart

A few days ago Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev, 30-0-1 26 KO’s, entered the ring against Isaac Chilemba, 24-4-2, 10 KO’s, and left it with the same number of belts with which he went in. In between there were no audible gasps at his power, few observers were convinced that this was a pound for pound King and more than a few doubters over how wise was the setting up of Andre Ward, 29-0, 15 KO’s, as his next opponent.

Prior to the fight the disrespect felt by Chilemba that he was a stepping stone became obvious when he was interviewed but the reality was that this was always a bit of a tune up for better things for Kovalev. Having said that Chilemba played his part and though he came up short against an under par Kovalev, he fought bravely.

For the moment the WBA super, IBF and WBO light heavyweight belts are safely tucked round Kovalev’s waist. The questions is, will Andre Ward cause him any more problems that Chilemba? On the evidence of this fight, anyone could have caused Kovalev problems as he was way off the pace and very under par. He came into this fight as the VERY heavy favourite and as it was in his home country, was expected to put on a spectacle.

When he put Chilemba to the floor in the 7th we perhaps thought, fleetingly that we were going to get that spectacle but it was an illusion. Kovalev was unable to capitalise and finish his opponent off as he faded though managed a fairy comfortable win in the end – but on points. That the knock down came at the end of the 7th helped Chilemba recover but news that Kovalev was ill during his camp has eased some concern that taking on Ward after that performance appeared foolhardy. It is perhaps going to be November when we shall see a fully fit and determined Kovalev in against Ward and we can see his greatness but on the evidence of this there needs to be a massive improvement if people are going to be convinced that Ward was a good idea in the first place.

And so from Russia to Wales! This weekend one of the most intriguing contests of recent times comes to Cardiff as another boxing legend, Guillermo Rigondeaux, 16-0, 10 KO’s, finally gets in the ring against James “Jazza” Dickens 22-1, 7 KO’s, of Liverpool. This was a massive surprise when it was originally announced as Dickens was not mentioned by anyone at any time as a potential opponent at this level. There were immediate Rocky references made as Dickens prepared for a fight that was called off just before it was due to happen a few short months ago. Rigondeaux was unable to settle VISA issues and the sour taste of that episode left many feeling this was more of a publicity stunt than a real fight.

Well, Rigondeaux has laid that to rest by making the fight happen this weekend at the Cardiff Ice Arena. On the line is the WBA super bantamweight title and Dickens certainly feels he has a chance to unseat the Cuban superstar. There are many who feel that Rigondeaux would never have taken it on had he not felt this would be a perfunctory defence. There are even more who know that it has been difficult for Rigondeaux to find any opponents to take him on as his style does not lend itself to a paying/viewing public – broadcasters are therefore hesitant.

In the UK Box Nation which is closely associated with the promoter Frank Warren was the most likely stable to place this horse and that is precisely to where it has bolted. Double Olympic champion and undefeated professional, Rigondeaux is heavily tipped to walk through this defence. As he is not finding any boxers willing to take him on who might be considered to be at his level, he feels he is forced to take on lesser opposition but it does not stop him from calling those that he has labelled as “cowards”.

Rigondeaux has shown his appreciation of Dickens, the promoters and the Welsh fans in interviews not designed to sell the fight but to make it obvious how he is waiting for the so called tough guys to come out from hiding and face him. As for Dickens he believes this is his destiny and no matter what dreams you may have, you should follow them. He does not have anyone on his record at this level or close to this level. His dream is to have his hand raised at the end of the fight with Rigondeaux but the likelihood of that is about on par with Wales making the semi finals of the soccer competition, Euro 2016… wait a minute…

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