In compliance with Riverside County’s ordinance banning large public gatherings due to concerns regarding COVID-19, the April 25 Kovalev vs. Barrera card at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino has been cancelled.

“Whether it’s in Riverside County or Los Angeles County, it is clear that we must take every precaution to prevent the potential spread of COVID-19,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman, and CEO of Golden Boy. “We lament the hardship this has caused for our fighters, partners, employees and state officials, and we look forward to providing better news in the coming weeks.”

“The health of our guests and Golden Boy’s athletes is our top priority,” Paul Ryan, General Manager of Fantasy Springs Resort Casino. “This week we’ve seen professional sports leagues err on the side of caution, from the NBA and college basketball to the PGA and Major League Baseball, and we’re doing the same. It’s the right thing to do, and we look forward to having another stellar Golden Boy card here in the future.”

A new date for Golden Boy Boxing at Fantasy Springs will be announced as soon as it is reasonably possible.

It was tough second round for Andre Ward, as he was floored by a powerful right hand from the Krusher. He got up, solidify more of his defense and balance it with effective and accurate offense that saw him winning on all three judges scorecards.

The official scores were 114-113 on all three judges for Ward winning most of the alphabet titles at light heavyweight.

In the first half of the fight, Ward (31-0, 15KOs) was on the receiving end of Sergey Kovalev's powerful jabs and right hand. Kovalev (30-1-1, 26 KO) dropped Ward with right hand during the second round of their light heavyweight championship, Saturday night at the T-Mobile Arena, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Ward got up from the knockdown and held for the rest of round. He clinched as Kovalev rushed in to finish him up early.

Ward slowly but surely adjusted the power and attacks of Kovalev every round after the knockdown. He was maintaining safe distance from Kovalev and tied the Russian champion when he gets closer. He fired counter mostly to the body that got a toll on Kovalev as the fight wore on.

In the second half of the fight, Ward was able to land sneaky jabs that snapped Kovalev's head back and he continued his body work. The fight become more competitive as Ward already adjusted to the style and was able to dictate each engagement in the ring. He fired at angles where Kovalev not in position to counter and force held when Kovalev came close.

However, it's not the usual punch-and-clinch routine for Ward as Kovalev either wrestle to punch in or wrestle to rough up Ward. They employ brilliant techniques every time they tangle up. The referee had an awesome job controlling the fight mostly by his mouth as the fighters were listening to his commands each time they tangle.

It was a controversial close decision, but I don't see it as bad decision either. I have it a draw and I like to see a rematch. But Kovalev had a hard time accepting his first defeat, and believed he clearly won the fight, seven to three rounds on his favor.

"He got maybe few rounds. You know, I agree but not the full fight. I keep control all the fight all rounds. I lost like three rounds of all [entire] fight, says Kovalev.

Kovalev said that he wanted a rematch and he will "kick his ass" referring to Ward.

"Of course I want a rematch and I will kick his ass like that. I just wanted to show boxing not short round you know," answers Kovalev.

What do you think of the decision? Would you want to see an immediate rematch?

It's not always about Saul Canelo Alvarez and Gennady Golovkin. Well, there's even bigger! The much-anticipated fight between both undefeated fighters Andre Ward and Sergey Kovalev is set for November 19, 2016, at the T-Mobile Arena.

"The Kovalev-Ward fight, which was signed long ago but is contingent on each remaining undefeated through interim bouts, will take place Nov. 19 (HBO PPV) at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas," per Dan Rafael of ESPN.com

This is by far the biggest fight of both fighters who were listed inside the top 10 on anyone's pound-pound list. Ward is undefeated in 29 bouts, 15 wins inside the distance, while Kovalev is undefeated with 29 wins,  a draw, but with a mind-boggling 26 stoppages, that's 87 KO percentage.

Ward, 32, was the former middleweight champion and will move up to light heavyweight to fight Kovalev, 33, who held titles at the LH division.

Both men are expected to have one bout prior to their 19th Nov. fight. They have to win accordingly in order to make them happen and to make the fight even bigger. I hope there's no spoiler here. Kovalev is scheduled to face Isaac Chilemba on July 11, while Ward may fight on Aug. 6 in California.

The promotional woes of undefeated super middleweight champion Andre Ward (27-0, 14 KO's) was over. It’s time for him to move on. It’s time for him to find out who he should be fighting for the sake of the boxing fans that have long been waiting for his ring return.

I can sense how happy Andre Ward, while keying in the letters that composed the statement he tweeted on Friday. He tweeted with hash tag #NextChapter. Ward as a professional fighter felt the difficulties. The difficulty in going battles inside legal courts. Instead of real battles in the ring.

Now, legal battles are finally over with him. Promotional problems with his previous promoter late Dan Goosen settled. Details of the settlement were not disclosed. But it is certain that the problem is over. Ward is optimistic in his ring return and is now starting to name names who he wanted to fight in his ting return.

But for me, as a boxing fan, I have three fighters in mind, for Ward to fight when he returns to the ring. I don’t care in which order he will fight these opponents.

Here are my Top 3 fighters for Andre Ward's ring return. In no specific order,  I want Ward to face them all regardless of the outcome of each fight.

1. Gennady Gorlovkin (31-0, 28 KO's) – Andre, in his interview with Ring TV said that he is willing to fight GGG. But it seems that he wants only at super middleweight. Although, for me, I fells that GGG looks small at middleweight. But if he chooses to go up in weight and fight Ward, I don’t think anyone has a great advantage in weight. The fact that he's sidelined for more than one year. And it cost his pound-for-pound ranking. Getting back to super middleweight fighting form is a problem. But I still believed it’s not a serious problem. He can still make the super middleweight limit and fight GGG. If GGG don't want a fight with Ward at SMW. Ward moving down to middleweight is a serious weight problem. If a catch-weight of 165 pounds will not also work. Then, here comes the next fighter that I want Andre ward to face in his ring return.

2. Sergey Kovalev (26-0-1, 23 KO's) – If indeed Andre Ward has problem at super middleweight then move north for the Russian. This is another fight that make sense for Ward. He’s been fighting for sometime at the super middleweight. And I think it’s time for him to take another title at another weight division. It would be exciting if he will move to the light heavyweight and face Sergey Kovalev. It will be an interesting math-up.

We all know that Kovalev does not rely solely on his power. He can fight also tactically and he proved that against master tactician Bernard Hopkins – whom he dominated over 12 rounds.

Ward is a kind of boxer who always finds a way to win. He loves to make his move first while anticipating opponent’s counter-moves. Ward shifts attack swiftly to defense after a sound offense. His style at times results to a hit-hug combination. Not a fan-friendly combination to master.

3. Carl Foch (33-2, 24 KO's) – A rematch with 'The Cobra' is another big fight for both men, if Ward doesn’t want, to move up to meet Kovalev, or move down to meet Golovkin.

Froch demolished George Grooves in their rematch. Of what has been considered as the biggest all British boxing showdowns in UK at the full-house Wembley Stadium. Froch wanted a fight in the US. In the US or UK the fight is huge and the fans would definitely want it.

Ward won on all three judges the first time they met in 2012. Froch seemed too cautious during that fight. And Ward was able to execute well ahead of Froch in all aspects. I think if the meet one more time, Froch would definitely execute a well adjusted game-plan based on the previous fight. And it is exciting to see what Ward's counter measure.

If you are to choose which fighter should Ward fight next? Would it be GGG first? Then Sergey and Froch? In which order you want?

If the fighters were not listed above, who do you think is best of Ward in his ring return?

The year 2014 is full of same-card-different-opponent bullshit match-ups. Two top fighters in the same division that suppose to fight each other, instead fight separate opponents in the same card. One example is the Danny Garcia-Rod Salka scrap. Boxing media criticized and rant about the match-up that ended as expected. Garcia blew Salka out in two rounds.

But 2015 promise something that we boxing fans should be happy about. Here are some interesting and relevant fights that await us in 2015.

Brandon Rios vs Mike Alvarado III

This is war! The first two encounter is a classic battle that I rate as the same level Gatti-Ward. Both men took each other's "O" in brutal fashion. On January 24 at 1st Bank Center in Broomfield, Colorado Rios and Alvarado will do it again for the third time. The first two fights were about protecting their undefeated records. This time is about getting back to the winning side of the game. Both men are in a "must-win" situation. Although Rios (32-2-1, 23 KO's) won against Chaves in his last fight, but he's unhappy about his DQ victory. He is looking for a solid victory over Alvarado this time. Alvarado (34-3, 23 KO's) is win less in his last two fights and could not afford to lose also this time. I expect another war come 24th January.

Sergey Kovalev vs Jean Pascal

The light heavyweight division is not as deep as the welterweight with talent. But what I like is that the top contenders were more than willing to face fellow top contenders. That of course except Adonis Stevenson. He avoided Kovalev. He is recognize by the Transnational Boxing Rankings Board as the light heavyweight champion. Stevenson even jump over the fence of another network just to avoid Kovalev who is now TBRB's number one contender. I salute, Kovalev (26-0-1, 23 KO's) and Hopkins though. "The Alien" despite his golden age has always desire to fight the best in his division. The same goes to Kovalev who wants only significant fights. As the result, Hopkins-Kovalev met up in the ring. Kovalev won. Now, the best available opponent for Kovalev by far is Jean Pascal (29-2-1, 17 KO's) who just is also considered one of the top 5 in this division. As a fight fan, we only want the best fighting the best.

Gennady Golovkin vs Martin Murray

Although this is not the fight I wanted for Gennady Golovkin (31-0, 28 KO's) because I wanted him fight the best out there in the middleweight division. I wanted a fight between Golovkin and Cotto who is now the division king after stopping the lineal champion Sergio Martinez. But Martin Murray (29-1-1, 12 KO's) is another solid contender who ranks among the top five. So, this is another exciting fight to watch out in February 21, 2015 in Monte Carlo, Monaco.

Wladimir Klitschko vs Bryant Jennings

After a fan-friendly fight against Kobrat Pulev,  Wladimir Klitschko (63-3, 54 KO's) wants a fight in the States. And on April 25, 2015 in Brooklyn, New York, most probably at the Barclays Center for a yet to signed opponent. But Klitschko's team is in deep negotiation with undefeated contender Bryant Jennings (19-0, 10 KO's) that we will see result in a couple of days.

Miguel Cotto vs Saul Alvarez

Although this fight is not sealed yet, as Miguel Cotto (39-4, 32 KO's) said in various reports that "all is negotiations, and there is nothing definite at this point”, but this fight is basically what team Alvarez is pushing. Alvarez (44-1-1, 31 KO's) needs a top marquee opponent in his quest to seize Cinco de Mayo fight date from Floyd Mayweather Jr., claiming that this date belongs to the Mexicans. Well, if there's no Floyd-Pac on May and if Cotto-Alvarez pushes through then my PPV money will be on Cotto-Alvarez.

Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs Manny Pacquiao

I'm hesitant to include this possible but still unclear match-up that we, as fans have been talking about for years now. But as a fan what can I do. This is what I hope for. This is what I want to see. So, I'm still hopeful it will happen in 2015. And both Mayweather (47-0, 26 KO's) and Pacquiao (57-5-2, 38 KO's) camp are at least open and not lock in to fight any other opponent at this point. There seemed to be serious on going negotiations. But I'm still in doubt that this fight will happen, not until both showed up for a press conference announcing that they will officially fight each other.

Meanwhile here's what Bob Raissman of NY Daily News regarding mega-fight negotiations:

Those doing the business of boxing are consumed with winning the negotiation, screwing the other guy at all costs. The battle to negotiate a mega fight is bloodier than what happens inside the ring. --  BOB RAISSMAN, NY Daily news

Good thing comes to those who wait.

It was the virtue of patience, apart from his vaunted power, that carried the night for Sergey Kovalev, who now owns three alphabet belts in the light heavyweight division, after his dominant performance over Bernard Hopkins in Atlantic City. The unification bout is the main event on Saturday night, televised by HBO.

Kovalev dropped Hopkins in Round 1 en route to unanimous decision victory.  The scorecards read: 120-106, 120-107, and 120-107.

[caption id="attachment_4464" align="alignright" width="300"] Al Bello[/caption]

Kovalev (26-0-1, 23 KO) employed a very effective and brilliantly executed game-plan. He was too cautious not open up recklessly, but not that too cautious to stay longer than needed in the defensive shell. He pressed forward, but retreats to reset if he got hit. He traded punches, but he never overextend. He showed he's not just about power, but a well polish fighter who can outbox the trickiest boxer in Bernard Hopkins.

But you have to give full credit to Bernard Hopkins, who is half century old, for taking a fight from a younger and most feared puncher in the sport today.

Hopkins was able to absorbed hard right hands from Kovalev, except one that came in the first round that dropped him. Those kinds of punches from the Russian put to sleep several young yet untested opponents.

For me it was a well calculated performance for both men.

Krusher, although dominating, yet, employed controlled aggression.

The Alien, sensing he cannot subdue the younger and stronger lion – fight to survive.

With the above being said, few boxing fans in attendance can be heard with their roaring boos! I just don’t know exactly for who those boos are. One thing was certain; it was heard all over the venue.

After the fight, both men were gracious.

“Hopkins is a tough opponent. He’s very good at keeping distance and keep control. I respect him for the fight, but he needs to stop career I think because he’s already done a lot in the boxing world and he needs to give opportunity to younger guys to be champions, says Kovalev.

“He had a good game plan nice and rangy. Stayed outside when he got hit with punches. Not that many, but when he did get hit he stepped back. He didn’t try to engage the fight as far as when he got hurt. But he fought a great technical fight.” says Hopkins.

With the defeat Hopkins is uncertain to fight on. But one thing for sure, Kovalev sits atop at the light heavyweight division, with another man on his radar – Adonis Stevenson.

Sadam Ali stops Luis Carlos Abrigu, passes toughest test

It was very scientific yet entertaining fight. In the first three rounds, a casual fan might be bored. But for hard core boxing fans those rounds were certainly fun to watch, as both fighters fighting like a chess match, anticipating each other moves and counter moves. Those rounds were actually difficult for judges to score.

In Round 4, it becomes obvious that Sadam Ali (21-0, 13 KO's) prefers to counter-punch while Abrigu pressing the action, but Ali is slightly getting the better of it. He started to get more confidence, as he lands clearer punches after a very cautious first three rounds.

In round 6, Ali shocks Abregu. He lands a well timed straight right hand right on the jaw that drops Abrigu. The shot perfectly thrown as Abrigu's feet squared up while pursuing the backpedaling Ali. Although, Abrigu got up -- he's obviously hurt. Sensing the groggy, Abrigu, Ali tries to unload flurries but there's the bell rang to signal the end of the round.

In round 7, Ali's confident grew even bigger and becomes the aggressor. But Abrigu hangs tough and landed significant punches that momentarily put Ali back to counter-punching again -- although it was again another clear round for Ali.

In Round 8, Abrigu (36-2, 29 KO's) clearly needs a knockout to win (Abrigu at this round, clearly behind the scorecards) he mounted a rally. He was able to land crisp punches from the outside that somewhat slowed down the footwork of Ali. It was the only round I saw Abrigu put a smile on his face going back into his corner. A decisive round for Abrigu.

However, the rally Abrigu started in Round 8 becomes history in the next round as Ali fight back. Ali landed couple of hard shots that sent Abrigu down again! This time pretty hard! The referee let Abrigu continue but moment’s later stop the contest after Ali came in for the kill, landing some straight right hands.

With the win, Ali is now entering the mix of talent loaded welterweight division.

Vyanchezlav Shabransky TKO2 Emil Gonzalez

Vyanchezlav Shabransky (11-0, 9 KO's) made a quick work on Emil Gonzalez in the under-card. The light heavyweight prospect was too strong and too powerful. From the opening bell, Shabransky was all over Gonzalez, unloading tons of heavy bombs to the head and body of Gonzalez.

It was a mismatch from the beginning.

Gonzalez (11-9-1, 8 KO) seemed never lands any punch of significant and was on the back foot for the six minutes he fought. Few seconds before the end of Round 2, Gonzalez received tremendous punishment. He tried to hold Shabransky. But he fell on his knees prompting the referee to rule a knockdown. He got up and beat the count. The bell rang to signal to end of the second round. Few seconds, after Gonzalez reported to his corner, the referee signaled that the fight is over. Gonzalez was not able to continue. Shabransky gets the win via TKO and remains undefeated.

Both men hit the scale this afternoon and there's no problem in the first try on the scale as they came in below the light heavyweight limit. Sergey Kovalev (25-0-1, 23 KO's) came in first and registered the scale at 174.5 lbs. He's looking cut and trim as usual. Hopkins (55-6-2, 32 KO's) came in next and tipped the scale and registered one pound less than Kovalev at 173.5 lbs.

During the face-off, Hopkins was so intense. He's damn serious while Kovalev smiled and not able to look straight towards Hopkins. After the face-off, Hopkins wears a Joe Frazier T-shirt, honoring another great Philly boxer who looks fit and ready to rumble.

On Saturday night, Hopkins and Kovalev battles for the light heavyweight division on HBO main event.

For the co-featured fight, undefeated prospect Sadam Ali (20-0, 12 KO's) came in at 146 lbs and Luis Carlos Abrigu (36-1, 29 KO's) weighted in at 146.5 lbs.

Broadcast live streaming video on Ustream

After all the talks and hard work the fighters put leading into the Bernard Hopkins vs Sergey Kovalev light heavyweight unification bout, they will hit the scales today, Friday at 3 pm EST in Atlantic City, for Saturday night's HBO main event.

Sure Boxing Hall of Famer Bernard "The Alien" Hopkins takes on Sergey Kovalev in a rare unification bout in the light heavyweight division on Saturday night at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. This will be B-hop's comeback fight on HBO. Here's my Hopkins vs Kovalev Preview and Prediction.

Hopkins (55-6-2, KO 32) is two months shy from his 50th birthday on Jan. 15 next year. I don't want to elaborate further how old Hopkins is. But if you want to know more what is there and what is not there when Hopkins was born almost 50 years ago, please follow this link here.

[caption id="attachment_4436" align="alignright" width="300"] Hopkins NYC Workout/Hogan Photos[/caption]

Well, Hopkins, will again try to beat his own record as the oldest fighter to ever win a world championship. This distinction, he first set, when he defeated Jean Pascal at age 46. He surpassed that record when he also defeated Tavoris Cloud at age 48. On November 8, he will once again try to break his own record. But there's one man standing on that feat -- the Russian "Krusher" Kovalev.

Kovalev (25-0-1, KO 23) is one of the feared fighters of the sport. He possessed an eye popping 88 percent knockout percentage. The only dent on his record is a draw against Grover Young in 2011, due to accidental foul. Only two opponents heard the final bell against the 31 year old Kovalev. Darnell Boone and Karen Avetisyan were the two lucky fighters who were able reached the final round when Kovalev met them in 2010.

My Prediction

In my prediction, I tried to eliminate the age factor. Yes, Hopkins is old. I agree. But his age doesn't show in the ring. And Kovalev knows about it. "Fifty is just a number. I think nothing of his age. If he was old he would be retired, but he's still in there. He's not an old man, he's a young alien", says Kovalev during the Brooklyn media workout. Hopkins is always in a superb condition because of the discipline he imposed in his lifestyle. What I put more weight here, is his experience, his in-and-out-of-rule-book-tricks and of course his overall skill as a fighter. Hence, this bout is about Hopkins experience and ring savvies versus Kovalev's punching power and patience.

[caption id="attachment_4438" align="alignright" width="300"] Kovalev NYC Workout/Hogan Photos[/caption]

I'm not taking away Kovalev's skills as a fighter. He had a great amateur career. And if you want to know more about that click here. But certainly, his punching power is what made him one of the feared fighters in the sport. It's his punching power that carried him up to this point of his career. The same way goes to Hopkins in terms of his ring craftiness and defense.

Now, if the above factors collide at times, punching power can be disarm. Look how Chris Algiere disarmed Ruslan's Provodnikov's power. Look how Floyd Mayweather Jr. negated Marcos Maidana's power.

But the puncher has always the chance throughout the fight, as it takes only one punch to turn everything in favor of the puncher. Look at how Alexander Povetkin's power carried the night against a more athletic Takam. Look at Hasim Rahman's power froze Lennox Lewis.

This is what made this bout so intriguing, exciting and difficult to predict. But what to do this is just a prediction, then so be it, let me predict. Hopkins by decision.

Deerfield Beach, FL (Oct. 30, 2014) - Sergey "Krusher" Kovalev opened up his camp to the media today in preparation for his Nov. 8 light heavyweight unification bout with Bernard "The Alien" Hopkins at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, NJ and live on HBO World Championship Boxing®.

Question: How do you study Hopkins?

Sergey Kovalev:  "I don't study anybody. It is better to go to the gym to do some work for my shape or spend time to cook my breakfast or sleep in my bed. Why I need to spend the time?"

Q:  Other than your power, what could be your strength against Hopkins?

S. Kovalev:  "I always have bullets in my arsenal. My hands are my weapons. It's my weapon in the ring. Hopkins think that I only have two bullets but I will bring some more."

Q:  Hopkins is usually the teacher in the ring what do you expect to learn from him?

S. Kovalev "I wanna get some lesson from the professor of boxing. He is old school boxer. I want to get some experience from this fight that can make me better for another fight. I am not going to finish my career after this fight. There will be other fighters that will also be tough and very talented and very hard like a punch machine. I should be ready for everyone in the ring and in life too."

Q:  What are your plans for theremainder of training camp?

S. Kovalev: "It is already done. One more sparring session tomorrow and that is it."

Q:  Tell us about your discipline as you prepare for this fight.

S. Kovalev:  "I am trying to be disciplined because this is boxing. This is very intense and dangerous sport. Any punch from your opponent can be last for you. You must be very concentrated and focused for the fight. I just started a new level of my life with my son, so I need to be more safe. I am with my wife already 10 years. She asked me already five years ago that she want a baby. I want a baby too, but God don't give us baby. My life was not ready to give everything for my family. If earlier we had baby, I wouldn't fight. I started boxing because I need to get money. I box with the hope that somebody will sign me for three years. This is all a result of my patience. Our patience, me, Egis [Klimas, Sergey's manager] and my wife's patience. Very big thanks to my promoter and my team at Main Events. I also want to thank for my team John David Jackson and Derik Santos and everyone else who help me."

Q:  What would you tell your son if he wanted to be a boxer?

S. Kovalev:  "I not gonna stop him. I will teach him fighting. Any man must be safe and defend his family and be ready for anything in life. I will bring him to the boxing gym but if he said he don't want to be boxer, then I'm not going to push him. Maybe he will be musician. I will give him choice. He will go to boxing gym - not for career, but to make him strong like a man."

Q:  Why do you think you are going to win?

S. Kovalev:  "I don't think - I am sure. No, I am kidding. I am sure in myself. I believe in me. In my mind I am strong, but this is boxing and I don't what is going to happen. I hope and I wish that this fight will be very clean and fair. Who is strong should be who win. I want that this fight should be fair. I try to be polite, I try to be nice but, if my opponent don't respect me, then I don't respect him."

Q:  Has Bernard said anything negative about you?

S. Kovalev:  "I don't care what he saying. I don't understand him. It's not my language. I am very happy that this fight is in America; I am very excited that I get to participate at this level already. When I came to America, I waited long time to get to this level of fight."

Q:  What is your prediction for the fight?

S. Kovalev:  "Something will happen but what it will be I don't know. I will try everything to give to people exciting fight because I am going to continue my career. I am going to bring more people to the arena and to HBO."

Q:  Is it your plan to put on a good show for the fans?

S. Kovalev:  "This will be good show. I am sure because all my fights looking good. When I was an amateur, people love to watch me fight. When I came to America, nobody watch me in the beginning. Then Egis found me good team. Kathy Duva and her team turn attention on me here and now I am fighting against Hopkins."

Q:  Are you ready to go the distance if necessary?

S. Kovalev:  "I have been working hard here in the gym. I will give to my fans a great show. Working hard because it is my job. If my opponent work harder, he will get victory and I don't want that. This push me to working hard in the gym. My dreams come true in America. My first time in America I got a new car from dealer, but I never have a new car in Russia; not even a Russian car. But Russian cars is cheap. I didn't get money from the bank like credit because I didn't have the opportunity. When I came to America I got new Jetta from VW and I was very excited. I can't believe, wow I had a new car. I was happy. Now I am fighting against Hopkins and I have more of my dreams here in my mind. If they come true, you will see what is my next dream."

Q:  Who do you want to fight next?

S. Kovalev:  "I don't like to say what will be in the future until I did this one. Sometimes a lot of fighters talk about what they will do and then they didn't do it. In Russia, they do not respect people who just speak but not do. Say and do are two different things. I can do it and afterwards say I did it."

Q:  What does it feel like to be a dad?

S. Kovalev:  "I don't understand yet because I didn't meet with my son personally yet, but I saw him on the Skype within minutes of when he delivered. Now I have a conversation through the Skype with my wife and my son. He is really cute but he is growing up really fast. He is changing every day. I am very happy. After my fight I am going to go home and meet him personally. When I see him, hug him and spend time with my family."

Q:  How has being away from your family affected your training camp?

S. Kovalev:  "He has pushed me little bit. I want to do everything a little bit faster and a little bit rushed. I already can't wait for this day to come. I have patience and there is nothing I can do but wait for November 8 to get two more titles and go back and give this victory to my wife and my son."

Q:  Are you going to try to stop the fight as quick as possible?

S. Kovalev:  "If it will be possible, yes. If not, it will be 12 rounds for decision. For me it doesn't matter. First of all, I need to get a victory. When I came to this division I started growing up. Right now light heavyweight is very interesting division. When I came to America, only Hopkins was the name in the division. Hopkins has two titles. Right now Canadian champion, Russian champion and American champion, international division. It is very interesting division because I am here (joking)."

Q:  What do you think about Hopkins reputation for being a dirty fighter?

S. Kovalev:  "Because he is punching open hands. Punching from the head like a deer. He fighting like a street fighter. Because he is dangerous. He can cut you from the head, from the elbow, everything, from any part of his body. He is looking like a very dirty fighter. Sometimes he is making like a clown. He is a good actor. If he is feeling like he can't do something legally, he start playing like an actor and complaining about pain or a low blow or something. Like in his first fight against Chad Dawson, he was not ready for this fight. I saw his first round and after first round he understood that he is not going to win this fight and he complained he hurt his shoulder and got TD [technical draw] but he still keep title. We will see everything on November 8. I am not a prediction man. I don't know. Watch HBO or welcome to Atlantic City, Boardwalk Hall and you will see everything November 8."

Q:  What should the fans expect?

S. Kovalev:  "I can say only one thing that it will be a very interesting fight and everybody who support me will be happy."

###

"Alien vs. Krusher: Hopkins vs. Kovalev" is a 12-round unification bout for the IBF, WBA and WBO Light Heavyweight World titles, presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Main Events in association with Caesars Atlantic City, Corona Extra, AT&T, Hortitsia Vodka and Mexico, Live it To Believe It!. Ali vs. Abregu is a 10-round bout for the WBO Intercontinental Welterweight Title promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and Top Rank. The HBO World Championship Boxing telecast begins at 10:45 p.m. ET/PT.

Tickets priced at $300, $200, $150, $100 and $50, plus applicable fees and service charges, are on sale now and available for purchase at the Boardwalk Hall box office, by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 736-1420 or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.mainevents.com, www.hbo.com/boxing orhttp://www.boardwalkhall.com/.

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During the media workout in Philadelphia, light heavyweight champion, Bernard Hopkins (55-6-2, 32 KO's) was oozing with confidence. He said that "you can't worry about things can't change". Bernard is referring to Oscar talking about him fighting or preparing the fight against a much younger and heavy handed Sergey Kovalev without any pressure.

I believe the difference comes in the execution. If you think about it too much beforehand it will keep you up at night. You can't worry about things you can't change. I prepare to do what I know how to do best. That rule of code has never betrayed me."

But I don't think Hopkins had nothing to worry about the 31 year old hard-hitting Russian. Kovalev (25-0-1, 23 KO's) has been regarded as one of the heaviest puncher in the sport today. He's been undefeated in 26 fights and knocked out 23 of his opponents. His victims include Nathan Cleverly, Gabriel Campillo and Cornelius White. These fighters were former champion and top ten contenders in the light heavyweight division at the time they fought Kovalev. But none of them lasted five rounds.

But Hopkins recognized that Kovalev is "real" and a "threat" to everybody. An indication that he never under estimate Kovalev, and he understand that it won't be an easy fight.

Kovalev is a threat to anybody. It won't be an easy fight, even if it looks easy to you. I don't just have to beat the man, but I have to beat a lot of people. They're either going to watch me win or watch me lose, and I don't mind playing that game. I don't believe in luck. I believe in whoever brings the best and whoever sacrifices the most to be victorious will win.

I'm excited of this fight to see how Hopkins can again defy father time, and or how Kovalev handles the wits and ring smarts of oldest champion in the history of boxing that calls himself "The Alien"

 

It's seldom in boxing wherein you will see a boxer fighting the student of a trainer he once fought.

On November 8, the 49 year old Bernard Hopkins (55-6-2, 32 KO's) will face Sergey Kovalev (25-0-1, 23 KO's) who trained John David Jackson who once fought Hopkins. The then, nicknamed "The Executioner" executed Jackson in the seventh round of their April 1997 encounter.

During the media conference call, Hopkins was asked if Jackson is a factor in any way, or something that could be a personal challenge to him.

It's not a personal challenge to me. First of all, John David Jackson, I always said, is one of the elite trainers out there who never really got his respect and November 8th he wants to get that big boost to get that respect. But, again, maybe John David Jackson will show him the fight that we fought and realize that he didn't have the code to beat "The Executioner" at the time and now it's "The Alien." So, maybe John realized how he should have ducked or how he should have fought at that time." Hopkins answered.

He further added that: "John isn't fighting, John isn't in the ring. You have to give the information to the athlete, the athlete has to be able to take that information, and be able to use it to his best ability."

Well, Hopkins has a point, but the fact that Jackson had the personal experience fighting him inside the ring; he (Jackson) actually had the first hand experience to pass on to Kovalev. However, that questions the ability of the trainer how to pass knowledge to his student as what Hopkins pointed out.

"Let's see if he can do that, because John David Jackson definitely can't fight for him. John David Jackson had his chance. John David Jackson got knocked out, I believe, in the ninth round. So, to me how can a teacher teach a student and the teacher flunked the test too?"

Bernard Hopkins turns 50 years old in January. And he will be fighting 31 year old hard hitting Sergey Kovalev to unify the three alphabet straps. Hopkins started his professional boxing career late in the late 80's. He first got a shot at the middleweight championship, but lost to former pound-for-pound kingpin Roy Jones Jr. in 1993. He got the opportunity again for the title, but ended up in a draw against Segundo Mercado. He finally became a world champion five fights after his lost to Jones by knocking out Mercado in a rematch in 1995.

Since then, Hopkins defended the title 21 times and became the undisputed middleweight champion. He held the title for one decade before he lost to Jermain Taylor in 2005. After the Taylor loss, I thought that was it, for the hall of famer career of Hopkins. But Hopkins move up in weight and started re-writing the history of the light heavyweight division.