By Radio Rahim
IBF/WBO/WBA light heavyweight champion Sergey "Krusher" Kovalev (27-0-1, 24 KOs) has no worries that his upcoming opponent, Nadjib "Irondjib" Mohammedi (37-3, 23 KOs), is being trained by Abel Sanchez.
Mohammedi will challenge Kovalev for the three belts on Saturday, July 25 at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada and the fight will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing.
Kovalev had previously worked with Sanchez. He now trains with John David Jackson.
Sanchez is best known (to today's fans) for his ongoing body of work as the head trainer of middleweight destroyer Gennady "GGG" Golovkin.
Back when Kovalev and Golovkin were both trained by Sanchez, the two deadly punchers had some sparring sessions at Big Bear.
According to several insiders, and Mohammedi himself - Kovalev had a very difficult time with Golovkin - and that may provide a psychological advantage by having Sanchez in the corner.
"For me it's a very big advantage [to have Abel Sanchez]. Before Abel Sanchez used to train Sergey Kovalev. I think Sergey Kovalev don't forget his sparring with Gennady Golovkin. I think he don't forget because it was difficult for him. Abel Sanchez is excited and happy for this fight, because he says I have the power and the possibility to win," Mohammedi told BoxingScene.com.
According to Kovalev, he spent very little time with Sanchez and feels confident the veteran coach will not be factor in the fight.
"C'mon, he doesn't know any secrets about me, because he didn't spend a lot of time working with me because he was very busy with Gennady Golovkin - and then I leave this gym. What he's showing to Nadjib right now I don't know. But the fight is interesting for me too, because a fighter like Nadjib is good and strong, but he will never get my titles," Kovalev told BoxingScene.com.