Kovalev, Chilemba Make Weight For Light Heavy Title Clash
Jul 10, 2016 • 7:16 AM ET
By Jake Donovan
Sergey Kovalev and Isaac Chilemba both came in well within the light heavyweight mark for their title fight showdown this Monday evening in Ekaterinburg, Russia.
Sunday's pre-fight festivities saw Kovalev (29-0-01, 26KOs) check in at a fighting ready 174.5 lbs., while Chilemba (24-3-2, 10KOs) tipped the scales at 174.75 lbs.
Kovalev - who holds three major belts - attempts his eighth defense of at least one title amidst a reign coming up on three years running. The bout marks his first championship fight in his native Russia, as well as his first ring appearance in his homeland since Dec. '11.
A win preserves an already-scheduled in November 19 defense versus unbeaten former super middleweight king Andre Ward.
Looking to spoil the party, Chilemba aims to come up aces in his first crack at a major alphabet title. The hard-luck contender has come up short in three previous title eliminator bouts, including a close points loss to Eleider Alvarez last November on the road in Quebec City, Canada.
The bout will air live on Russia Match TV and via same day tape delay on HBO in the U.S. (Monday, 10:15pm ET).
Twitter: @JakeNDaBox_v2
Jake Donovan is an award-winning journalist who served as senior writer for BoxingScene from 2007-2024, and news editor for the final nine years of his first tour. He was also the lead writer for The Ring before his decision to return home.
