Sergey Kovalev vs. Isaac Chilemba
Jack O’Connell, Staff Writer
For a tune up fight, Sergey Kovalev picked quite the challenge. Isaac Chilemba is a tricky road warrior. He’s versatile in the ring, fighting behind a solid jab and sturdy balance.
His timing is hard to measure, and he can fire lead rights accurately from long range. He fought near even with Elieder Alvarez and Tony Bellew twice. He’s toppled Russian prospects Maxim Vlasov and Vasily Lepikhin. Overall, an impressive resumé for Chilemba.
Both Chilemba and Kovalev rely heavily on the jab, especially when setting up their straight rights. Chilemba’s jab has more snap to it, while Kovalev’s is heavy and thudding.
I expect a pure boxing match throughout the fight, until Kovalev’s power takes over. Chilemba will be make things interesting and competitive.
However, Kovalev’s power is without question. A solid right hand will drop Chilemba. He’ll make the count, but then Kovalev will finish. Kovalev by TKO.
Prediction: Kovalev
Alan Garcia, Staff Writer
Sergey Kovalev is the dominating force in the light heavyweight division at the moment. He has shot up in ranks so fast and he’s earned his place as the light heavy weight champion with every single step he’s taken.
With dominating performances against all types of fighting styles, Kovalev has proven himself against all of the odds and challenges he’s faced. With his next fight fast approaching against the tough contender Isaac Chilemba, Kovalev is going to have prove once again why he is deserving of a unifying title match against Adonis Stevenson by disposing his mandatory opponent Chilemba with relative ease.
Although Chilemba looks tough, durable and ready for this fight, durability doesn’t win fights. Neither does toughness. Despite the fact that this fight will be taking place in Kovalev’s hometown, Chilemba is going to have to throw everything he’s got in an unconventional manner if he has a chance at beating Kovalev.
Especially if it means going the distance against the scorecards of the hometown judges. Chilemba’s durability will get him past four or five rounds before getting dropped, only to get back up and having the fight stopped on him by the sixth round due to Kovalev’s relentless onslaught.
With a potential mega fight against Andre Ward on the line, Kovalev cant afford to lose this fight.
Prediction: Kovalev
Alex Burgos, Editor-in-Chief
Sergey Kovalev looks to give the hometown Russian crowd something to cheer about when he takes on Isaac Chilemba on Monday.
Chilemba is a tough customer, but I expect Kovalev to take him out in the later rounds and drum up excitement for a November clash with fellow pound-for-pound fighter, Andre Ward.
Prediction: Kovalev
