Sergey Kovalev vs. Beibut Shumenov
Photo by David Spagnolo
Lou Catalano, Senior Writer
The fight we’ve been clamoring for, Sergey Kovalev vs. Adonis Stevenson for the lineal light Heavyweight title, is probably never going to happen.
Hopefully we’ll get Kovalev vs. Andre Ward or something awesome like that instead. Until then, we may have to settle for stuff like this. And by “stuff,” I mean this horrible mismatch, and by “this,” I mean violent, murderous TKO victory for Kovalev.
Prediction: Kovalev
Tony Calcara, Staff Writer
One word answer: Kovalev
The man is a monster in the ring. Sergey Kovalev’s (27-0-1, 24 KOs) punching power in the Light Heavyweight division likens to that of George Foreman’s in the Heavyweights. His power changes everything including the opponents desire and willingness to stand in there. Stealing a line from the late, great George Benton who once said of Foreman, “If he catches you clean you’ll be the deadest SOB in the cemetery.”
Kovalev, who also has heart and skill, is that type of lights out power puncher.
Nadjib Mohammedi (37-3, 22 KOs) does bring with him both experience and pretty decent hand speed. I’m sure he will look to move and flurry and stay out of punching range.
Unfortunately for Mohammedi, that can only carry him so far. He’s in the wrong place at the wrong time against the wrong guy. Kovalev by KO.
Prediction: Kovalev
Mike Burnell, Staff Writer
Nadjib Mohammedi (37-3, 23 KOs) has a nice looking record though nearly all of his experience has come in his native France.
Two of his three losses came early in the fight with Thierri Karl stopping him in the opening round and Dimitry Sukhotski turning the trick in two.
This is troubling when facing the spectre of light heavyweight champion Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev spelled with a capital “Krusher.” He is aptly named with 24 of his 27 victories coming inside the distance.
Team Kovalev can leave the car running and go home any time they choose to do so.
Prediction: Kovalev
Brent Herrin, Staff Writer
Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev (27-0-1, 24 KOs) will step back into the ring Saturday July 25 and defend his IBF, WBA and WBO Light Heavyweight titles against Nadjib Mohammedi (37-3, 23 KOs).
There’s no need to call Ms. Cleo, or ask the ouija board who’s going to win this one, because Kovalev’s smile prior to the opening bell will provide all the answers.
Mohammedi has been knocked out twice in previous bouts, and odds are he’s going to get put to sleep Saturday night. Those in attendance should probably make additional plans for the remainder of the evening, as this fight probably won’t last very long.
Mohammedi is getting sent to dreamland inside of six rounds.
Prediction: Kovalev
Alex Burgos, Editor-in-Chief
I think Sergey Kovalev’s trainer, John David Jackson, said it best. How the fight goes depends on Nadjib Mohammedi. That’s not to say he will win, it’s more a question of how long will it take him to lose. If Mohammedi has the ridiculous notion that he can stand and trade with the Russian “Krusher” then this thing could be over before your first refrigerator beer run.
If Mohammedi is a little more skittish and tries to box, he could last a few rounds, but either way Kovalev has shown he has power and boxing ability so he’s the better all-around fighter. Kovalev gets the stoppage and will probably call someone a piece of shit after the fight.
Prediction: Kovalev
