By Francisco Salazar

(INGLEWOOD, Calif.) - Sergey Kovalev does not miss those brutal winters in Russia. Living in Florida was not bad either.

But the brighter lights, better sparring, and the insistence of his wife to move to Southern California are all reasons why Kovalev has become an 'L.A. guy.'

Regardless, Kovalev will still be known as 'The Krusher.' That will not change.

Kovalev will face fight Nadjib Mohammedi on July 25 at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nev. The 12 round bout will be televised live on HBO.

Why move his home base from Florida to Southern California? Simple. It was something Kovalev's wife had wanted for some time.

"My wife has wanted to live in Los Angeles," Kovalev addressed the media at a press conference to announce the fight on Saturday afternoon. "I will be training in Big Bear Lake for the first part of training camp, then afterwards we will see. We could train back in Florida or stay here in Southern California (for the second half of training camp)."

With the move to the West Coast, Kovalev may also have a new locale where he could fight more often. Kovalev will be fighting for the first time in his pro career in Las Vegas, the move comes after the popular Russian fighter has mostly fought in Atlantic City or in Quebec, Canada.

July 25th fight will also mark the first time Kovalev will fight under a new contract with HBO.

"It's our intention to remain with HBO for the rest of his career, if possible," said promoter Kathy Duva of Main Events, which promotes both Kovalev and Mohammedi. "This is the company that has led boxing for the last 30-odd years. It's no question that they are number one network for boxing in the world. It is the place to be."

"Sergey has become a West Coast guy. He came here to stay in L.A. Richard Sturm and the MGM Grand want to enter into the Sergey Kovalev business. He's electrifying and exciting. Boxing fans deserve the best when they pay their hard-earned money for that."

Kovalev will face Mohammedi, who is Kovalev's mandatory challenger for the IBF title. Kovalev will also defend his WBO and WBA titles on July 25.

Originally from France, Mohammedi (37-3, 23 KOs) has won his last 13 bouts in a row. While some wonder if Mohammdi is deserving of a world title shot, let alone a mandatory spot, Duva believes he is very deserving of fighting Kovalev.

"He has become the number one contender. He's prepared himself to fight for the world title the same way Sergey came to the United States over two years ago. He gets the privilege of fighting for all three belts."

Vincent Caruso, Mohammedi's co-manager, agrees.

"If we stick to our game-plan, we have a very good shot at winning. There is no doubt in my mind who the more hungrier fighter is."

While Kovalev will face Mohammedi on July 25, other possible fights await him later this year or in 2016. There is a possible unification bout against WBC light heavyweight champion Adonis Stevenson or a possible fight against Andre Ward.

Duva confirmed Main Events have been in talks with Roc Nation, Ward's promoter, regarding a possible fight.

For now, Kovalev is obligated to face his mandatory. While he is focused on Mohammedi, a fight with Stevenson is something he eventually hopes for.

"I'm not going to say I will. I will just show what I can do in the ring (on July 25th). It's not going to be an easy fight. I'm focused on Nadjib Mohammedi. I hope for to fight against the WBC champion (Stevenson)."

Francisco A. Salazar has written for Boxingscene.com since September of 2012 and has covered boxing in Southern California and abroad since 2000. Francisco also covers boxing for the Ventura County (CA) Star newspaper, RingTV, and Knockout Nation. He can be reached by email at santio89@yahoo.com or on Twitter at FSalazarBoxing