One of the best talent’s in boxing today, Sergey Kovalev, laces them up tonight on HBO in Las Vegas, Nevada. There seems to be some dissatisfaction amongst the boxing community in regards to Sergey’s opponent, Nadjib Mohammedi.
It is understandable if Mohammedi does not get the juices flowing for fans, however, it is unfair to rip Kovalev for the choice of opponent. Nadjib is Kovalev’s mandatory for his IBF Light Heavyweight Champion, taking the choice out of Kovalev’s hands about whether or not Mohammedi is a legitimate fight.
If there is a grip with this fight it should be with the IBF for making Nadjib the mandatory. I am told that the IBF is one of the more respectable, honest, sanctioning bodies, so perhaps the ranking is legitimate. Making the fight one we should embrace.
After all, Nadjib Mohammedi has stopped his last 11 opponents. In the boxing era of W12, that is impressive, regardless of the opponents he has faced.
Even if you might not think so in the ring, this is a hard fight for Sergey Kovalev. I say this because Sergey is expected to walk right through this guy, there is no way he can lose, so, regardless of what the outcome is, Sergey stands to face only criticism with no praise. It is very hard to prepare mentally for a fight of that nature.
However, Kovalev is professional enough not to fall for the hype that Mohammedi does not belong in the ring with him. I think.
Fans of Kovalev, as well as Main Events, better hope that The Krusher is taking this professional approach because anything sort of that kind of preparation can result in a loss tonight. Making an intriguing view for the boxing fans.
Sergey Kovalev has big fights ahead of him, but as an active champion he has to take care of his mandatory business as well. Kovalev should not be criticized for wanting to hold onto his titles, remember he does not make up the rankings.
Kovalev has also proved he is up for any challenge. He was willing to fight Nathan Cleverly & Jean Pascal in their own backyards. If you are quick to dismiss that because you felt that Kovalev was the superior fighter, allow me to mention Roy Jones; when the boxing world wanted to see him face Darius Michelcewski.
Roy Jones was considered the best fighter of all time in many circles, yet he would have nothing to do with a fight against The Tiger in his own backyard. If you are not willing to take these kinds of risks, how can you be considered the best? How can you truly evaluate yourself?
Sergey Kovalev has shown already he is willing to take the risks and wants to take the title as champion seriously. All he can do is his part. If he gets past his mandatory tonight once again we will clamor over a super fight with Adonis Stevenson. Is it all that bad?
