Kovalev Says Chilemba's 'Spoiler' Style Will Provide Real Challenge

By Steve Kim

On July 11th, IBF/WBA/WBO unified light heavyweight titlist Sergey Kovalev makes his Russian homecoming against his fellow Main Events stablemate, Isaac Chilemba.

Chilemba, who has a record of 24-3-2 (10 KO's), last fought on November 28th where he dropped a close twelve round decision to Eleider Alvarez. What he provides 'the Krusher' is an opportunity to get in some rounds versus a sound boxer as he looks ahead to a fall showdown with Andre Ward.

"His style, he's like a spoiler. He's not fighting, he's not pushing enough, making a lot of defense, a lot of wrestling,'' is how Kovalev (29-0-1/26 KO's) described him to the gathered media this past weekend in Los Angeles.

"It's my goal to decipher this problem because what I see against Chilemba is not an easy fight and I think it could be all twelve rounds because he's uncomfortable. He's not fighting, he's moving and waiting, not making the attack. He's more of a defensive fighter."

In 29 pro outings, Chilemba has yet to be knocked out - which Kovalev says is his goal. Chilemba provides enough credibility in this particular circumstance but perhaps not enough of a threat to actually upset the apple cart and put the Ward showdown in jeopardy.

Kathy Duva, the head of Main Events stated - ''To (Sergey's) credit, when we offer him an easy opponent, he complains. So when we wanted to make him happy, too. Fighting easy opponents is not how you prepare for the defining fight of your life."

Steve Kim is the news editor for BoxingScene.com.