Two Light-Heavyweight giants faced off on the 8th November in Atlantic City to decide who would become the top fighter in the division. Bernard Hopkins was willing to risk his IBF and WBA super Light-Heavyweight Titles while Kovalev put his WBO title on the line.
Many felt as though Hopkins would use ring experience, intelligence and overall ability to defeat the hard-hitting Russian. Others thought that Kovalev would simply out work and eventually stop the much older Hopkins. As to much suprise, neither prediction would prove to be true.
Hopkins entered the ring with a record of 54-7-2 (32) and 2 NC. Kovalev entered with 25-0-1 (23). With a record like Kovalev's, it is easy to see why somebody might think he could simply trample all over Hopkins.
Kovalev gained Hopkin's respect immediately as he floored the tricky 49 year old in the 1st round. Kovalev timed the shot so well it appeared that Hopkins had slipped or lost his footing but a the punch still connected and Hopkins was given the count by the referee. As the round went on, Kovalev looked the much stronger of the two as he manhandled Hopkins in the clinches.
Round after round, Kovalev continued to stalk The Alien around the ring and all the while, land jab and right hand combinations. Even while missing the scoring shots, Kovalev would find anywhere else to land his shots; whether on the shoulder, arm, hip. Each shot Kovalev threw was thrown with force and each time Hopkins was hit clean, his head would snap back and it would appear that the 1st would be repeated. Each time Hopkins tried to get in close and hold Kovalev, he would find himself underneath Kovalev's armpit with the hard-hitting Russian using all of his weight to try and weaken the 49 year-old.
Hopkin's almost fell in the 8th round when Kovalev connected with a big right hand but somehow the veteran managed to stay up and see the end of the round. Many in the crowd thought that Hopkins might be making a comeback in the 10th round when he landed with two counter hooks. This slight burst was short-lived.
The 12th round was a difficult one to watch as Kovalev would continously land with powerful right hands. Hopkins was being thrown around the ring like a ragdoll but the referee allowed the fight to go on. The judges scored the fight 120-107/120-107/ 120-106
In with the old and out with the new. Hopkins showed his massive heart and proved to fans that he is an All Time Great. Kovalev silenced critics as he showed fans around the world that not only can he punch but he can also box.
With the IBF, WBA and WBO titles in his possesion, Kovalev will be looking to add the WBC belt to his collection and will also be hopeful that Adonis Stevenson comes looking for him as the 'Krusher' has surely proven that he is the man to beat within the Light-Heavyweight division.
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