By Reynaldo Sanchez

WBO light heavyweight champion Sergey Kovalev (22-0-1, 20KOs) is training hard for his upcoming first defense of the title against dangerous top contender Ismayl Sillakh (21-1, 17KOs), scheduled for November 30th at the Pepsi Coliseum in Quebec City. The fight will be televised by HBO. Kovalev put in some sparring work against undefeated prospect Ilshat Khusnulgatin (11-0, 6KOs). Both boxers are promoted by Main Events and managed by Egis Klimas.