By Rick Reeno
WBO/WBA/IBF light heavyweight champion Sergey Kovalev (28-0-1, 25KOs) will most likely return on November 28th in Russia, according to his promoter Kathy Duva of Main Events. An arena in Moscow, Russia is already on hold.
There is still no confirmation on whether or not HBO intends to televise the contest in any manner or at the very least show highlights.
Duva and Kovalev are heading to Russia in August to finalize the details.
Kovalev was in action on Saturday night, when he blew away mandatory challenger Nadjib Mohammedi in three rounds at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.
Duva plans to make an offer to rising light heavyweight contender Artur Beterbiev (9-0, 9KOs). A Kovalev-Beterbiev showdown would be a huge event in Russia. The two fighters do not like each other, with Beterbiev - a deadly puncher in his own right - holding claim to two amateur victories over Kovalev.
But it's unlikely Beterbiev's promoter Yvon Michel, or his adviser Al Haymon, will accept the fight. Beterbiev is being fast-tracked to a world title through Haymon's 'Premier Boxing Champions' platform. Many expect the inevitable fight between Beterbiev and WBC champion Adonis Stevenson, who is also promoted by Michel and advised by Haymon.
Although the fight is a longshot, the odds will not discourage Duva from approaching Michel with an offer.
"We are going to make an offer to Artur Beterbiev. That's like a monster fight over there. We're going to make [Michel] an offer. I'll send him something on Monday probably," Duva told BoxingScene.com.