Roy Jones: Kovalev, Beterbiev Are Best Fighters in Russia
Dec 28, 2015 • 5:37 AM ET
by Vadim Pushkin
Former four division world champion Roy Jones Jr. is selecting light heavyweights Sergey Kovalev (28-0-1, 25KOs) and Artur Beterbiev (9-0, 9KOs) as the best fighters in Russia.
Jones became a Russian citizen in September, per the approval of the country's President Vladimir Putin.
The 46-year-old veteran recently opened up a boxing school in the country where he plans to train fighters of all experience levels.
"The level [of skill] of Russian boxers is high. For me at the moment, the best [fighters in Russia are] Sergey Kovalev and Artur Beterbiev," Jones said.
Beterbiev and Kovalev are ironically heated rivals. Their rivalry dates back to the amateur days. Beterbiev holds two amateur wins over Kovalev, who currently holds the WBO/WBA/IBF world titles.
Even with three titles around his waist, many fighters in the divison are avoiding Kovalev. Jones, who at one time held around seven titles at the same weight limit, says there will always been opponents for Kovalev to fight.
"Someone is afraid to fight with Kovalev? It's not a problem. Sergey has a championship belt, and there will always be contenders. In addition, fear is easy to overcome with money, the opportunity to win a title and having the whole world see you on TV. And to fight against the champion of the world - it gives you the opportunity to gain fame," Jones said.
