By Alexey Uralets and Alexey Sukachev

There’s a new wave, straddling both the Eastern and the Western coasts of the States. Boxing fans shouldn’t have anything to fear – it won’t produce any material wreckage – but the same cannot be said about some American fighters who are trying to oppose this sudden squall (of sorts).

A number of amateur standouts from the former USSR have recently turned pro in America, and they are already making their own tiny waves in various weight classes. Some of them have already produced some scintillating moments as Ismayl Sillakh and Matvey Korobov; others are expected to do the same in the near future. Among the latter Sergey Kovalev (11-0, 10 KOs) is one of the most obscure persons for American fans. Despite being a natural force from the start of his career, Kovalev is almost unknown to a casual student of the game. That’s probably a sorry mistake, as the 6’0’’ light heavyweight was in crushing mode until this October, getting nine quick stoppages (including 6 first-round kayos), although against subpar opposition.

On the ninth of October, Kovalev was tested harder by dangerous American journeyman Darnell Boone (17-15-3, 7 KOs), who is known as one of the best record-checkers around (a fact which can be easily be approved by such notables as Adonis Stevenson, Rasheem Brown and even Andre Ward). Sergey was down in the seventh but managed to make it to the bell getting a narrow eight-round split decision (76-75, 76-75 and 75-76) in his favor. He returned to the action a month and a half later making a quick work of former contender Dallas Vargas (22-5, 16 KOs) in two easy rounds. On the eve of that fight, Allboxing’s and BoxingScene’s own correspondent phoned Kovalev to know more about his person, his boxing and his surroundings.

Alexey Uralets: Segrey, tell us how you have taken up boxing.

Sergey Kovalev: A school friend of mine was a person who has interested me in the Sweet Science. Our gym was just next to the school I was studying in.

Alexey Uralets: How old were you?

Sergey Kovalev: I was eleven years old. It was in 1994. I remember the exact day of my introduction to boxing. My first training took place on the 1st of December.

Alexey Uralets: What are your achievements in amateur boxing? What weight class have you been competing at?

Sergey Kovalev: Speaking about my senior experience, I took the first place in 2002 Winter Russian championship (“Olympic Hopes”). After several international tournaments in Europe, I earned a silver medal during 2004 Russian senior championship in Samara (Sergey was defeated by Matvey Korobov) and became a champion a year later in Magnitogorsk. The same year I also won the first prize at World Military championship. In 2007 I was a victor of World Military Games in India and took a bronze in the Russian nationals (Kovalev lost a narrow 24-25 decision to Artur Beterbiyev); a year later I repeated a trick in silver fashion becoming the second best at my weight class. I competed firstly at middleweight (165 pounds) and later I fought as a light heavy (178 pounds). I decided to make a shift to paid ranks in 2009.

(Kovalev’s final amateur record was 193-22)

Alexey Uralets: What was the reason for the decision?

Sergey Kovalev: I wasn’t granted any chances to showcase my real power at senior level. And it was too hard to get past such fighters as (Matvey) Korobov and (Artur) Beterbiyev.

Alexey Uralets: Why have you decided to turn pro in America?

Sergey Kovalev: In Russia pro boxing isn’t developed as good as it should have been. And you cannot earn any serious money by competing as a pro back home. That’s why I haven’t been even thinking about such a transition earlier. But a buddy of mine offered me somewhat good conditions to become a prizefighter overseas and I agreed.

Alexey Uralets: Have you recognized a change in style after becoming a pro or was it almost negligible?

Sergey Kovalev: Actually, not until I got my first decision. That was the fight and others were not. My first opponents were mostly losers and trialhorses so I ended matters fairly quick.

Alexey Uralets: The same cannot be said about your fight with Darnell Boone, who is known as one of the soundest gatekeepers around. He is known to be one to test starting talent and prospects, and not everyone is able to past this stern test. Tell us more about the fight itself and your impressions during it.

Sergey Kovalev: Boone turned out to be a difficult fighter. Frankly speaking, my entire approach for this fight was all wrong from the very beginning. When I got to know whom I would box with I firstly underestimated my opponent and didn’t think about him seriously. Three days prior the bout, oppositely to my initial perception, I started to overestimate him. I have literally burnt myself out… So I was unable to find any energy sources and I was “hungry” when I entered the ring. The first four rounds were in my favor, rounds five and six weren’t that successful as I failed to accomplish my plan. In closing stanzas only my will got me through. What did I thinking afterwards? Well, actually I was glad to squeak out with a decision, although it was a split one. I’m sure fans were delighted with the fight. As for me I want to thank my opponent for an enormous experience. It will help me much in the future. My approach will definitely be different the next time.

Alexey Uralets: Describe us your fight style.

Sergey Kovalev: I’m a counterpuncher who feels himself comfortable at long and at middle ranges.

Alexey Uralets: Your kayo ratio is pretty good. Is it your plan to get your opponent cold and to knock him out?

Sergey Kovalev: No, it’s not. Unfortunately, it was my plan for the (pre-mentioned) fight and you saw what happened – I failed to finish off my opponent.

Alexey Uralets: So you won’t pursue a knockout win, right?

Sergey Kovalev: (Smiles). No, I shall not. But I definitely shan’t be disappointed if it comes my way.

Alexey Uralets: Are you a student of the game? Do you watch leaders and best boxers of your weight class?

Sergey Kovalev: Sorry to disappoint you but I’m not. Is it clever to study someone you have a slim chance to fight against in the meantime? Every boxer has his strengths. So I mainly concentrate on those guys I’m fighting versus in the next event or on those who are competing during the same night of boxing.

Alexey Uralets: Do you communicate with other Russian boxers overseas?

Sergey Kovalev: I communicate with Matvey Korobov, Evgueny Gradovich and Khabir Sulemanov. By the way, Khabir is my fellow townsman. I’m also sparring with the WBA champion Gennady Golovkin, well-known heavyweight Oleg Platov and Sergey Petrenko.

Alexey Uralets: What can you advice for starting fighters?

Sergey Kovalev: Be patient! And, please, be aware to sign with a good manager. That really means a lot here, in America.

Alexey Uralets: What can you tell me about Team Kovalev, about your manager, your coach?

Sergey Kovalev: I haven’t yet decided who will train me in the future. But now I’m training under Abel Sanchez’s guidance. I like his way of training, his dedication to his pupils. It’s clearly seen that he is an educated and experienced coach. I like that. Egis Klimas is my manager. I have no problems with him and I understand that he foresees the situation and moves me into a right direction. So, I’m pleased with my team.

Alexey Uralets: What are your plans for the future?

Sergey Kovalev: First things first. I need to take care of (Dallas) Vargas and then I shall fly back home. I’m set to return to the States after The New Year.

Alexey Uralets: Thanks for your time. Any words for BoxingScene/Allboxing fight fans?

Sergey Kovalev: Be healthy and wealthy and receive more “hot news” from my fellas on both portals. Thank you!

Observe several of Sergey’s fights on his official portal.

Read this interview in Russian at Allboxing.

Get to know more about Khabir Suleymanov in the first part of this series.