TULSA, OK (April 10, 2021) — Joe Smith Jr., the common man with the common name, finally reached boxing’s apex. Smith used a furious late rally to edge Maxim Vlasov by majority decision and win the vacant WBO light heavyweight world title Saturday evening at Osage Casino in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The scorecards — 114-114, 115-113 and 115-112 — represented the nip-and-tuck nature of the bout.

Smith (27-3, 21 KOs), from Long Island, New York, swept the last two rounds on the cards to pull out the victory and joins promotional stablemate Jamel Herring as a Long Island-born world champion. He now sets his sights on the division’s other champions, including WBC/IBF king Artur Beterbiev.

Vlasov (45-4, 26 KOs), from Samara Russia, saw his three-bout winning streak come to an end.

Smith said, “It’s a great feeling. It was definitely a close, tough fight. I give it to Vlasov. Great fighter. He really put on a great show tonight and toughed it out. I believe that round where I hurt him there… I believe he had his head down, and I should’ve got the knockout. I think I would’ve got the stoppage in {the 11th} round, but he pulled it off and made it out on his feet. I believe I got the victory tonight because they saw I landed the harder shots. He landed a lot of punches. It was a great fight.

“I want the other belts. I want the big fights out there. Now I gotta get back in the gym and keep working on my technique and stuff. I believe I’m going to start unifying belts.”

Vlasov disagrees with Smith’s assessment of the fight and believes the world title should be going home to Russia.

“This was a very hard-fought, competitive fight,” Vlasov said. “I thought I was winning rounds and was well ahead. Against the aggressive style of Joe Smith, I came forward the entire fight. I felt confident I was winning and was securing rounds in the bank with the judges. I never felt that I was behind at any stage of the fight. This was my opportunity to show the world I was a world champion, and I did that, and Joe Smith knows I did that.”

(Photo Credit: Mikey Williams/Top Rank via Getty Images)

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Yesterday at Boxing Laboratory in Oxnard, California, former WBO, WBA and IBF Light Heavyweight World Champion, Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev (30-1-1, 26 KOs) opened his training session to the media in advance of his upcoming showdown with Andre “S.O.G.” Ward (31-0, 15 KOs). Below are quotes from this event. Ward vs. Kovalev 2: “The Rematch” takes place Saturday, June 17 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. The championship event, presented by Corona Extra, will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View.

“I don’t like this guy [Ward] and I want to punish him because he puts his nose really up right now. He knows that he lost.”

“I don’t care if [Ward] shows respect to me or not. I know only one thing: I will kick his ass! I want to destroy him. I want to destroy this guy as a boxer, as a champion. For me he is not a champion, he’s a fake champion. He lives right now with this status; he’s a fake champion. He believes in his victory over me and right now he’s trying to get belief of people of this victory. It’s wrong, for me, it’s wrong.”

“It’s not the first fight where I’m angry, I’m always angry when I am fighting, but last two fights were very disappointing for me. Right now, at this point, I am feeling good and I feel not any problem to get back my belts.”

“I was ‘over-trained’ for my first fight against Andre Ward. I did three workouts a day. I tried to do everything faster and stronger. Instead of running five miles, I did eight miles. I did more than I usually do all the time. I over-trained.”

“My preparation right now is doing great, much better than last time because I took care of all the mistakes I did in my last two fights. In those two last fights, I was over-trained, for Chilemba and for Ward, and I fought similar, you saw already. But this training camp I am doing everything very good.”

“Nothing changed with John David Jackson. We are doing same as usual. I just got over-trained last time with physical conditioning, but with boxing we’re doing the same, boxing, sparring, mitts. I do same as I did last fight [with John]; I don’t think I need to change something. I just to get back what gave me success. My two last fights were really not good and I delete these mistakes and I delete this [physical conditioning] coach from my training camps, he’s not a coach that helps me right now.”

“I am happy what’s happening around me, I mean in training camp, my family, my life and my boxing. That I have no belts is for me new motivation to kick more ass because he does not deserve these belts. This is gift for him from the judges for Christmas and Christmas already finished and belts should be back with me.”

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How hard does Ward hit?

“One day in my hometown Chelyabinsk one day a girl, 25-years old, slapped me on my shoulder then Andre Ward punched me in the fight it was same. I didn’t feel any hard punches from him. I didn’t feel his uppercut and so I didn’t block his uppercut. I didn’t feel this punch but judges counted this punch. It is touches it is not punches. Punches is punches his was like a tap. Judges counted any tapping as punches.”

Did you watch a tape of the fight?

“I tried but I saw only six rounds. I don’t have patience to watch it. For me it’s much easier to fight than to watch it.”

“I think I should knock him out and I must to knock him out to get my belts back because anything can happen but I believe in judges. I think first fight they made mistakes but right now there will be other judges, not the same. I think they’re gonna be fair and honest to count our fight.”

Why didn’t you finish him in the second round when you knocked him down?

“I thought that if knock down can happen [once], it can happen again. I tried not to rush. But I didn’t know that my energy will finish in the fifth round. In the fifth round, I lost the speed, I lost the energy and I was empty, 100% empty. My body fought because my heart doesn’t say stop. I’ll be like fighting until I die. Andre Ward got like four rounds of victory with empty Kovalev, we’ll see what happens on June 17. I think will be everything on my side.”

What does this fight mean for your legacy?

“Everything. I want to live from this point of the boxing. It’s the highest level in the boxing. HBO Pay-Per-View was my dream someday be on this level. Everything this fight means to me.”

How do you stay focused at this point?

“It’s my job. I’m boxing since I am 11 years old and nothing can break me. Nothing, only kill me. If somebody will kill me, yes I will stop boxing. If I am still alive, you know I will do my job. God bless me and I have to fight and I’m ready for June 17, to get my belts back.”

“I want to prove that he didn’t deserve these belts and I want to get my belts back. It’s my goal. I want to punish Andre Ward too because he doesn’t deserve this money, these belts, this status and to be champion. He’s not champion. In my eyes, he’s not champion.”

“I have more motivation right now than first fight because I have a goal. Last fight I just had a test. Can I fight Andre Ward or no? But right now, I understand that yes, I can fight Andre Ward and I can beat him. Right now, I have a goal: to get belts back. It’s more to motivate me than any test.”

“My goal was, and still is, to collect all four belts. I got three and left to get just one. Right now, Andre Ward’s in my way to this goal and I should move him from my way to my goal. First of all, I must get back my belts. We’ll see what will happen after this.”

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John David Jackson – Sergey Kovalev’s Trainer

What are your impressions of Ward from the first fight?

“He’s an intelligent fighter. We knew that going in. I’m not too impressed with much more than that. The fact that he didn’t get hit with a flush punch from Sergey, if it was a solid shot, he might not have gotten up. So, if I had to be impressed with anything I’d say it was the fact that he went the distance. He got up in the second half of the fight, he made the fight closer than it should have been, not close to where he should have got a decision, but I was impressed that he did get up and survive.”

There’s been a lot of talk in the aftermath of the last fight. Has that been a distraction to Sergey in training camp?

“I doubt that there’s been any distractions for Sergey from the last fight. He realizes that he lost the fight, not outright, but the judges didn’t give him the decision so you must accept that; it’s part of boxing and he must move on. I think that he’s accepted it and now he just wants to get his belts back.”

What adjustments do you expect Ward to make?

“In the first fight, he did just enough to survive and somehow the judges gave him the decision; he has to be Superman in the second fight. He has to be more aggressive, with less movement and he has to be willing to trade with Sergey. Can he do that? Maybe he can, but will he do it? I doubt that. That’s not his style. Most people have said now that Ward has survived the first fight, he solved the riddle of Sergey Kovalev. I highly doubt that because this wasn’t the best of Sergey Kovalev that you could have seen, not the second half of the fight. I think Andre has to do more than Sergey does to be even more successful in this second go round. Can he do that? We’ll find out on June 17.”

Sergey said he was over-trained in his physical training. You were in Big Bear, did you notice a difference?

“I noticed that this time around his conditioning coach was a bit different. He has him resting more. The other coach had him doing a lot of things that to me were unnecessary. I don’t get in the way of the conditioning coach’s job and I’m not doing that with this guy, but he seemed more interested in keeping Sergey a little more relaxed and not over-training. If we can just do that, he’s on course. For the next two weeks, if we do the same thing, it shouldn’t be a problem.”

www.fightnews.com/Boxing/kovalev-dont-like-ward-want-punish-405855#more-405855

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Photos: Craig Bennett/Main Events

Yesterday, WBO, WBA and IBF Light Heavyweight World Champion Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev (30-0-1, 26 KOs) held an open workout for members of the media in advance of his upcoming “Pound For Pound” showdown on November 19 against Andre “S.O.G.” Ward (30-0, 15 KOs) at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View. Also in attendance were Curtis “The Cerebral Assassin” Stevens (28-5, 21 KOs) who will take on James “The King” De La Rosa (23-4, 13 KOs) for the WBA Continental Americas Middleweight Title and Oleksandr “The Nail” Gvozdyk (11-0, 9 KOs) who will face Isaac “Golden Boy” Chilemba (24-4-2, 10 KOs) for the NABF Light Heavyweight Title on the Kovalev-Ward HBO Pay-Per-View telecast.

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Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev:
 “I’m excited and everything is going good. I’m waiting for this day, November 19, and I am ready to fight.”

“I don’t have anything personal about him (Ward). I should to win this fight, I only have to prove (to) myself who I am. I am fighting for me first of all, and after this really for boxing fans. This is my boxing career since 11 years old and right now Andre Ward (is) in my way. And he wants to get my titles but I’m still alive.” 

“I don’t have any plans for each fight, just get into the ring and do my job. I must be ready for everything what he (Ward) will bring.”

“I got some experience from my fight against Bernard Hopkins. He showed that never give up. That you should to fight all 12 rounds and hope for your win.”

Question: Do you expect Andre Ward will hold you and use his head?

“Yes I think he will use it and I am ready for this too. It will be wrestling and not fight [laughs].”

“I think he (Ward) will look much better in my fight November 19 because he long time didn’t fight, couple years he had a rest and Sullivan Barrera was first fight when he returned. And with Alexander Brand he was better than against Sullivan Barrera. I accept that he’s going to look much better November 19. In best shape.”

“John (David Jackson) just gives me freedom to do what I want, what I would like to do. You know, just like adjust some things and advice between rounds about technique. Working a lot with mitts. I like work with him and feel comfortable.”

“I don’t think that Andre Ward (will) let me use a lot of body shots because he has great legs and a lot of movements. You know he’s very smart. And I think first part of this fight is going to be a lot mentally, but I should prove that I’m Krusher and that I’m going to do my job. He’s going to do his job, me to do my job.”

“I think my last fight against Chilemba, it was like a similar fight you know, because Chilemba’s a little bit style as Andre Ward. But Andre Ward is Andre Ward, a little bit different and stronger, smarter, undefeated and more motivated than Chilemba. I’m interested what he will bring November 19 to the ring.”

“We agreed two fights before our fight. I was ready last year to fight, but Andre wasn’t ready to fight without two fights at light heavyweight. We sign agreement that two more fights and then let’s fight in 2016.”

“I work out morning time. After this some massage therapy, some treatments, after this some rest, little bit nap, cook the food, take a rest and go again to work out. Today two work outs, this was just the first. My plan was a little broke today because usually my first workout is morning time, but right now already almost 3pm. My interview is a workout [laughs].

 

 

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WBA/IBF/WBO unified light heavyweight world champion was ringside Saturday night for former super middleweight world champion Andre Ward’s one-sided win over #1 rated light heavyweight Sullivan Barrera.

“My prediction is complete,” said The Krusher. “(I said) that it would be easy for Ward. I felt that he would stop Barrera early. But Barrera did better than I expected. I’m very happy that he won and it takes me one more step to our possible fight. It’s possible because we have to win one fight more, then after that our fight.

“I understand that most people don’t love me here because I want to beat him in front of his fans. But it’s not an easy job and I want to beat him in front of his fans in Oakland. And it isn’t easy. I’ll keep working to get a victory over his boxing style.

“He looked very good, but I know that he can look much better. He didn’t show his entire arsenal because he was off so long. It will be an interesting fight when we meet.

“What I saw this night? I saw that I can touch him. In the ring will show exactly what will happen. Congrats to him with a beautiful victory.”

www.fightnews.com/Boxing/kovalev-i-want-to-beat-ward-in-front-of-his-fans-in-oakland-330496#more-330496

Mar 14, 2015; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Sergey Kovalev reacts after defeating Jean Pascal (not pictured) in their light heavyweight championship bout at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports ORG XMIT: USATSI-221882 ORIG FILE ID:  20150314_jla_bb5_689.jpg

Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports ORG XMIT: USATSI-221882 ORIG FILE ID: 20150314_jla_bb5_689.jpg

Light Heavyweights

Sergey Kovalev (27-0-1, 24 KOs) vs. Nadjib Mohammedi (37-3, 23 KOs)

It’s not the Sergey Kovalev fight the masses want, but for now, it’s the fight they’re going to get. The Russian knockout artist will defend his IBF, WBA and WBO belts against mandatory challenger Nadjib Mohammedi at the Mandalay Bay Events Center on Saturday night. The card airs on HBO beginning at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

The relatively unknown Mohammedi is something of a letdown opponent for Kovalev, who is coming off significant triumphs over Jean Pascal and Bernard Hopkins in his last two outings. It’s no secret that Kovalev eventually wants a title unification bout against Adonis Stevenson, but Stevenson’s current alliance with Showtime makes that matchup unrealistic at the moment. In the meantime, the bout with Mohammedi could serve as another addition to Kovalev’s highlight reel.

The Matchup: Kovalev is a devastating power puncher who has knocked out 10 of his last 11 foes. Only Bernard Hopkins was able to make it to the final bell against “Krusher” during that time, and even he was knocked down twice en route to losing a lopsided decision. In March, Pascal displayed admirable toughness after being dropped for the first time in his career in the third round, but he eventually succumbed to a pair of Kovalev right hands in the eighth round. While Pascal was able to find success at times with unorthodox defensive movement and counters, he was ultimately overwhelmed, as Kovalev outlanded him 122 to 68.

The Los Angeles-based Kovalev possesses knockout power in both hands and is most dangerous when he is allowed to establish a rhythm with consistent forward movement. If he can get an opponent to retreat, he is more likely to connect with a fight-altering blow than if that foe elects to stand in the pocket. Once he gets rolling, Kovalev’s combination punching, while not especially diverse, is a sight to behold as he moves forward against a fighter on the defensive. Kovalev is capable of landing punches even if he can’t get his adversary moving backward, but without the proper distance they lack the impact they might otherwise have had.

Kovalev sets everything up with a fundamentally sound jab, and he is effective landing it to both the head and body. He will often start with probing lefts until he senses an opening, and then he will double up on his jab and follow with a hard straight right. If his opponent reacts the way Kovalev wants and gets on his bicycle, Kovalev can quickly transform into a whirlwind of destruction. However, he does have a tendency to get off balance and out of position when he throws his combinations, which could potentially leave him open to counters. Kovalev showed improvement in this area against Hopkins, as he fought with more patience when he was unable to secure a finish.

One of the most popular storylines surrounding Mohammedi is that he will have Abel Sanchez in his corner. Sanchez used to train Kovalev and currently works with middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin. While Sanchez might be able to provide Mohammedi with some useful insight regarding his former charge, the fact remains that the 30-year-old Frenchman is a middle-tier light heavyweight at best. He become the No. 1 contender with a mild upset of Anatloliy Dudchenko in June 2014 and enters the bout on a 13-fight winning streak, but his resume is not as strong as Kovalev’s.

In two of his three losses, Mohammedi was stopped inside of two rounds, and he hasn’t faced anyone with the KO power of Kovalev. When one is accustomed to being the harder puncher, it can be a shock when someone as dangerous as Kovalev connects. To remain competitive, Mohammedi needs to return fire immediately when Kovalev attacks, because the Russian can falter when his rhythm is disrupted. That said, while Kovalev prefers to lead, he is improving as a counterpuncher and will capitalize if Mohammedi becomes careless.

The Pick: This sets up as a showcase fight for Kovalev, who is bigger, faster and more skilled. Heart, tenacity and a sound game plan will help Mohammedi’s cause, but in the end he will meet a fate familiar to many a Kovalev foe. Kovalev by KO/TKO within five rounds.

http://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/Boxing-Preview-Kovalev-vs-Mohammedi-89441

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WBO Light Heavyweight World Champion Sergey Kovalev (Center) speaks wtih members of the media on October 2, 2014 in Big Bear City, California at his media day for his November 8, 2014 world title unification fight against WBA & IBF Light Heavyweight World Champion Bernard Hopkins at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey which will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing®. Photos by Sergey Kovalev/Hoganphotos.

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Photo by:  Sergey Kovalev/Hoganphotos –

Big Bear City, CA – As current WBO Light Heavyweight World Champion Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev prepares for the fight of his life against Bernard “The Alien” Hopkins next month, he is on the precipice of a life-altering event as his wife, Natalya, is moments away from giving birth to their first child.

The Kovalevs are expecting their son any day now, with the official due date scheduled for October 17. Despite the stress and distractions that come with expectant-parenthood, the 31-year-old Kovalev assured everyone at his media day at Wolf Total Fitness in Big Bear City, Calif. yesterday that his focus is still fixated 100 percent on Hopkins, “I’m living for this fight. Only for this fight. I’m leaving for Florida when my [first] baby is due. I’ll be in training camp in Florida because this is the most important thing in my life right now.”

Sergey is scheduled to conclude his strength and conditioning training in Big Bear on October 9, then he will return to Ft. Lauderdale, FL to begin the sparring portion of his training with his trainer two-division world champion John David Jackson. With this schedule, there is a very good chance he will not be with his wife in Los Angeles when she goes into labor.

“The doctor says my baby is due October 17, but also said that we can plan one week early because in the last week the baby will be one pound more so for my wife it will be harder,” explained Kovalev.

“Right now she’s very afraid she will stay alone in LA. She’s most worried that I won’t see him after [he is born] for one month. She says that for her it’s very important. I said, why? I will see a picture,” joked Kovalev. “I don’t understand yet, but maybe she is 100 percent right that I will see him Thursday and after that I will crush Hopkins. I need to see him first before I give him a name.”

Despite potentially missing out on the birth of his son, Kovalev feels training for this fight is the most important thing he can do for his new family, “I have in my body, I have in my face, I have in my mind, the motivation that I need to get this win because it’s my future.” He added, “My goal still is to be undisputed in this division. This fight is two more titles, it’s my goal. I want all four.”

Sergey knows he is facing no small feat in the 49-year old Hopkins, “Our styles are different. American and Russian boxers are from different boxing schools. Hopkins’ style is old school. He’s doing some things that nobody does. Nobody does it how he does it,” explained ‘The Krusher.’ “This fight for me will be a big test. Hopkins is very good fighter. He is a very tough fighter and very smart. It will be a very good fight. His defense is incredible too. We’re working on everything. I have prepared for twelve rounds because I understand his strategy, what he wants to do and we’ll be prepared for anything.”

Training camp always begins for Kovalev with strength and conditioning in Big Bear. “In Big Bear everything is close. Nobody can touch you, nobody can call you, nobody can disturb you – just you and your mind and your focus on the fight,” said Kovalev. “Big Bear helped me to be focused on my workout, on my job. Florida is boxing training camp. Only boxing, only sparring, not for physical training. Here [in Big Bear] is for strength and condition to be stronger in the ring.”

When asked about his strategy for Hopkins, Sergey said, “I don’t have any strategy. I just go into the fight. What will happen, will happen. I’m not scared to lose, I’m not scared to win. This is a sport. But Hopkins is a legend. He’s a professor of boxing. He’s a very proud man as a boxer. He’s very smart, he’s very technical. It will be very difficult to fight him and for me it will be very big test. I’m ready for any test in my life. I have prepared for this test.”

Sergey is known as “The Krusher” because of his uncanny ability to secure the knockout; 92 percent (23 of 25) of his victories have come via the stoppage. However, according to Kovalev, that is not his game plan going into each fight, “I don’t have a goal to knockout anybody. I just go into the ring and make a fight. When it happens, it’s good for me. Less work, less job in the ring, more happy and more happy for my fans. I don’t have a goal that I need to knock him out.” He added, “When you want to knockout somebody, you can’t do it because your opponent can see your punch. I just go in to do boxing.”

http://www.boxingscene.com/kovalev-not-focused-on-ko-aims-crush-hopkins–82812

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By Ryan Burton

WBO light heavyweight champion Sergey Kovalev (23-0-1, 21KOs) continues to hold out hope that he will be able to unify titles with WBC light heavyweight champion Andonis Stevenson.

The two fighters fought on the same card on November 30th in Quebec City, Canada. Kovalev stopped Ismayl Sillakh in two rounds while Stevenson stopped Tony Bellew in six. Kovalev fought in the co-featured fight and said that he made a point to watch Stevenson’s fight which immediately followed.

“He did a good job but I didn’t see anything special. He calls himself Superman,” Kovalev said with a smile.

Kovalev’s manager Egis Klimas said that effective immediately they have a new nickname for Kovalev.

“We are changing Sergey’s nickname. Instead of Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev it is going to be Sergey “Kryptonite” Kovalev,” Klimas told BoxingScene.com.

Klimas also said that Kovalev will remain inn the light heavyweight division for the foreseeable future. He said Kovalev doesn’t have any problems making weight so there is no reason to move up.

“I am comfortable at 175. I make the weight easy,” Kovalev stated.

“He will fight any cruiserweight at 175 though,” Klimas chimed in.

 http://www.boxingscene.com/kovalev-mocks-stevenson-call-me-kryptonite-kovalev—72933

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By Bill “Two Scoops” Emes-

WBO light heavyweight champion Sergey Kovalev (22-0-1, 20KOs) plans to impress when he faces dangerous challenger Ismayl Sillakh (21-1, 17KOs) at the Pepsi Coliseum in Quebec City, Canada. Kovalev makes the first defense of the title he captured in August from Nathan Cleverly. He wants to make a statement against Sillakh, and then hopes to secure unification bouts against the likes of IBF champion Bernard Hopkins, WBA champion Beibut Shumenov and WBC champion Adonis Stevenson.

 

“This is very important for me to get a win and get a great win. I want to show the people a very good fight, the people who will spend money on tickets and the people who will be watching on TV, I want to give them a good fight,” Kovalev told BoxingScene.com

 

“This division is more interesting. Hopkins, at 48-years-old, he just got a win over Murat. That would be an amazing fight. I like this fight. Beibut Shumenov, for a long time I haven’t seen him in the ring and I’m wondering when he will get in the ring to show what he can do. And then there is Stevenson. Right now Stevenson is very popular. A lot of people want this fight [between me and him] and I want this fight and I hope it can happen in the future.”

http://www.boxingscene.com/sergey-kovalev-aims-impress-eyes-unification-bouts–71310

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“I will have a holiday now and recover and see where I go from here and see what I want to do in life now,” dethroned former WBO light heavyweight champion Cleverly told the BBC after his devastating KO loss to heavy-hitting Sergey Kovalev. “I will go away and live a normal life for a bit now. Just leave boxing for a bit – it has been an intense period. You know six weeks into that where you want to go. Your instincts tell you if you are missing boxing, or are you going to find another career path. Who knows where my heart is going to lie?”

Promoter Frank Warren stated to the Daily Mail that there’s no reason Cleverly can’t come back. “It’s early days. We’ll let him have a break. It’s all a bit raw at the moment so we’ll have a chat in a few weeks and see where we go…at this stage I’m not even thinking about a rematch. The most important thing now is for him to go and have a holiday and when he comes back we’ll chat and see what is the way forward…he’s only 26 years of age and it’s not the end of the world. Worse fighters than Nathan have lost and come back and there’s no reason why he shouldn’t do. But he’s got to learn from it and we’ll see where we go from there.”

http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/cleverly-talking-possible-retirement-my-career-could-go-wither-way-219729

 

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CARDIFF, WALES – Nathan Cleverly, the WBO light heavyweight champion, poses alongside two deadly Russian agents at the Grosvenor Casino in Cardiff to promote his forthcoming fight against uneabten dangerous puncher Sergey Kovalev of Russia. Cleverly (26-0, 12KOs) will defend his title against Kovalev (21-0-1, 19KOs) on August 17th at the Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff. The match will be televised by HBO and BoxNation.

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http://www.boxingscene.com/photos-cleverly-looks-dapper-with-deadly-russian-agents–68014

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WBO light heavyweight champion Nathan Cleverly (26-0, 12 KOs) spoke to the press today about his showdown against Sergey Kovalev (21-0-1, 19 KOs) at Cardiff’s Motorpoint Arena. “August 17th can’t come quick enough for me,” said Cleverly. “Kovalev has built this reputation of fear for his devastating knockouts, which to anybody looks pretty impressive. When I saw the KOs it excited me and I said ‘I’ve got to have this guy.’ I’m actually looking forward to getting in the ring with him and seeing what he’s got. He’ll be looking to take my head clean off and I Iove that feeling of having the adrenalin surging around my body. I’ll have the fans watching in the arena and the viewers watching live on BoxNation in the UK and on HBO in America, it’s a lot of pressure, but I thrive off it and the better I’ll perform. He won’t be able to hit what he can’t see and I’ll be throwing five, six, seven punches to every one punch he throws. One things for sure this will be an exciting fight and I’ll have a new army of fans on both sides of the Atlantic after it.”

Cleverly defends his title for the sixth time against Kovalev.

http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/cleverly-kovalev-wont-be-able-to-hit-what-he-cant-see-211666

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A press conference took place to officially announce the August 17th event, featuring WBO light heavyweight champion Nathan Cleverly (26-0, 12KOs) in the main event, defending his title against undefeated challenger Sergey Kovalev (21-0-1, 19KOs) at the Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff, Wales. The fight will be packaged with HBO telecast of Daniel Geale defending his IBF middleweight title against Darren Barker in Atlantic City.

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http://www.boxingscene.com/photos-nathan-cleverly-sergey-kovalev-press-conference–67493

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Photos: Eroll Popova / SES Boxing –

WBO light heavyweight champion Nathan Cleverly (25-0, 12 KOs) and Robin Krasniqi (39-2, 15 KOs) faced off at the pre-fight press conference for Saturday night at Wembley Arena in London. Referencing the three times the fight was postponed by the Cleverly Camp, Krasniqi presented Cleverly with a skirt with “Princess” written on it.

Nathan Cleverly: When I’m prepared mentally 100% and physically ready, there’s no way this guy can beat me. I’ll make sure of that on Saturday night. I’m going to take this guy out and move on to bigger and better things,

Robin Krasniqi: I’m not coming to London for a holiday, I’m coming to win the title….I will be flying back to Germany with the belt and the title.

http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/cleverly-krasniqi-heats-up-187472

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WBO World Light-Heavyweight Champion Nathan Cleverly weighed-in just under the limit at 12st 6 1/2lbs (174lbs) and mandatory challenger Robin Krasniqi came lighter at 12st 5lbs (173lbs) for their big fight tomorrow night at Wembley Arena.

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WBO European Lightweight Champion Liam Walsh hit the scales at 9st 8 1/2lbs (134 1/2lbs) with challenger and former two-time WBO World Featherweight Champion Scott Harrison coming in at 9st 8 1/2lbs (134 1/2lbs).

Dereck Chisora weighed in at 18st (252lbs) with his opponent in the ten-round international contest, Hector Alfredo Avila at 15st 8lbs (218lbs) .

Paul Butler was 8st 2 1/2lbs (114 1/2lbs) for his Commonwealth Super-Flyweight title challenge against the champion Yaqub Kareem who came in at 8st 2lbs (114lbs).

Cleverly v Krasniqi headlines a massive fight card, live and exclusive on BoxNation (Sky Ch. 437/Virgin Ch. 546) with coverage starting at 7pm.

http://www.boxingscene.com/photos-cleverly-krasniqi-get-very-tense-weigh—64596