Kovalev's manager: "Sergey is not a racist."

[jtcs1981]

So we spanish speaking people cant use the word no longer? If own a black car, we cant say "mi carro es negro"? Too many dumb sensitive people in the world that only see things through their own perspective. The word "cherny" or "chernia" in russian, is the translation for black. However, and this I learned from a armenian friend, that russians use that word when they are being racist. Negro is not a bad word, and most of you idiots should stop thinking that because something is bad in the US, is not bad in the rest of the world. You are not the center of the universe.

[From Russia]

What are your thoughts? I don't speak Russian, and it seems a little unfair to rely on a google translation.

There are some good translation here by people who speak english better than me. Sergey's trainer is black, and he said that he has very good relationship with him, his favorite boxer - Floyd Mayweather and there are a lot pics of him with Roy Jones, Mike Tyson etc... Racism is hate, how can Kovalev be racist if his favorite fighter is black? Sergey is not very politically correct, which i like and he also said about some negative experiences in USA with mostly black people, but true racist would hate everybody with black skin... simply said - Kovalev aint racist.

[Kagami Taiga]

Didn't say it was OK - just that it's normal. Sergeis problem is that he didn't understand that he's not supposed to say anything - even to a Russian audience where racism is basically endemic.

The problem with that is ur still trying to excuse it. All that does is make Russia and Eastern Europe come off as some backwards, racially divided corner of he world. Problem is I know better. Russia is far from ****genous. And while I'm sure there are Russians who are bigots, there are plenty who aren't. So no, it's not as acceptable there as u make it.

[Citizen Koba]

The problem with that is ur still trying to excuse it. All that does is make Russia and Eastern Europe come off as some backwards, racially divided corner of he world. Problem is I know better. Russia is far from ****genous. And while I'm sure there are Russians who are bigots, there are plenty who aren't. So no, it's not as acceptable there as u make it.

So what's your answer - ban him from boxing?

Or perhaps someone should just have a quiet word with him about watching what he says.

My understanding is that he has no dislike of black people per se, but is uncomfortable or nervous around a certain segment of the black community - which puts him in common with many, possibly most non-blacks.

[Dirk Diggler UK]

Was Hopkins and Tyson's comments about whites racist? Was Floyd's racist?

If so... I don't care. Because I'm here to watch and discuss what boxers do in the ring, I could care less how politically incorrect they are outside of the ring.

It's almost like some people want to use this as a reson to make Kovalev disappear and become irrelevant in boxing.

Stevenson was a pimp, and he was just named BSCENE FOTY, why? Because all that matters on a boxing site is boxing. Sorry. Of course you didn't quote me whe I mentioned Adonis

Why would I? The thread is about Kovalev. Why you feel the need to bring up a list of other fighters to try and excuse Kovalev's racist remarks is beyond me

[King_]

Why would I? The thread is about Kovalev. Why you feel the need to bring up a list of other fighters to try and excuse Kovalev's racist remarks is beyond me

What I'm saying is.... Who cares? What's supposed to happen? Should he get banned from boxing? No.... So who cares.

I don't think he's racist, but if he is oh well, I will continue to watch him just like I will continue to watch Adonis, Floyd and anyone else who has made questionable comments/statement before. It's irrelevant to boxing

[Kagami Taiga]

So what's your answer - ban him from boxing?

Or perhaps someone should just have a quiet word with him about watching what he says.

My understanding is that he has no dislike of black people per se, but is uncomfortable or nervous around a certain segment of the black community - which puts him in common with many, possibly most non-blacks.

Lol I have zero issue with kovalev. He's entitled to his opinion. Not once did I say he deserved to be punished. I'm just laughing at the excuses ppl are making for him. Fans will be fans but damn. I don't ebe think kovalev cares as much as u guy do.

[Kagami Taiga]

What I'm saying is.... Who cares? What's supposed to happen? Should he get banned from boxing? No.... So who cares.

I don't think he's racist, but if he is oh well, I will continue to watch him just like I will continue to watch Adonis, Floyd and anyone else who has made questionable comments/statement before. It's irrelevant to boxing

See this is an honest opinion.

[DoktorSleepless]

It's irrelevant to boxing

Race and boxing has historically been anything but irrelevant to each other.

[Dirk Diggler UK]

What I'm saying is.... Who cares? What's supposed to happen? Should he get banned from boxing? No.... So who cares.

I don't think he's racist, but if he is oh well, I will continue to watch him just like I will continue to watch Adonis, Floyd and anyone else who has made questionable comments/statement before. It's irrelevant to boxing

If you don't care then why are you so desperately trying to justify/excuse it?