Kovalev doesn't need Hopkins or Stevenson

[WilkinsOlajuwon]

He absolutely does if he continues to campaign at 175

[Fr3$h]

He doesn't "need" them but he's a Euro so if he doesn't wipe out everyone in the top 50 of his division US people will call him a fraud etc

[PainfromUkraine]

Yeah, as has been said, he needs one of them at least, to gain real credibility within the division.

[hitman smax]

Do you honestly think Hopkins gives a damn about being a ppv draw?? he is 49 and is just trying to solidify his legacy

He wouldn't be proposing a Mayweather fight for any other reason but big money and big numbers. Mayweather is a much smaller fighter and beating him proves nothing.

It's a play toward increasing marketability. And, yes, even at age 49.