THIS Friday night, Sergey Kovalev will fight for the 42nd and final time in his career, and you can watch all the action for free on the Boxing News YouTube channel.
Kovalev’s career finale takes place in front of his own fans at the Yunost Arena in Chelyabinsk, Russia. The action kicks off at 5.30pm GMT, with the main event ringwalk scheduled for 9.30pm GMT.
The former number-one light-heavyweight in the world moved to cruiserweight in 2022, and on Friday, he will face Artur Mann over 10 rounds. The 34-year-old, nicknamed ‘Thunderman,’ has shared the ring with the likes of Kevin Lerena and former world cruiserweight champion Mairis Briedis.
Back in August 2013, Kovalev’s reputation as one of the world’s most dangerous fighters was cemented when he crushed Nathan Cleverly in Wales to win the WBO light-heavyweight title. Over a year later, ‘Krusher’ became the unified champion, adding the IBF and WBA straps following a comfortable win over modern-day legend Bernard Hopkins.
Kovalev went on to face Jean Pascal, Andre Ward, and, in February 2019, became a two-time world champion when he outboxed Eleider Alvarez to gain revenge after being knocked out by the Colombian the previous year.
“I am looking forward to having the final fight of my career here in my home of Chelyabinsk,” said Kovalev.
“People are excited because it has been a long time since I have been in the ring. Artur Mann is a strong opponent for me to face, so I am also excited to put on a show for those who have supported me in my career.
“I have been fortunate to travel and make many fans from around the world, so for my supporters in the United States and United Kingdom, it pleases me that they will see my final fight for free on the Boxing News YouTube channel.”
The event is promoted by IBA Pro, and promoter and IBA CEO Al Siesta spoke of his delight at staging Kovalev’s farewell to boxing.
“IBA Pro is proud and honoured to showcase the final fight of Sergey’s legendary career. “Sergey is a fighter who has always brought tremendous value and excitement to fans across the globe, which is why it was so important for us at IBA Pro to make this show available for free internationally on the Boxing News YouTube channel – so fans from all over the world can tune in and witness Krusher’s final chapter!”
The card features a host of up-and-coming Russian fighters, and Siesta is thrilled to bring all the action free to fans around the world.
“It is our great pleasure to bring this fight to fans, for free, through our international broadcast partners Boxing News – the world’s largest independent boxing media outlet.
“We have a full night of action in Chelyabinsk, featuring several of the region’s top emerging talents and some potential stars of the future, so watch this space!”
Main Event Ringwalk: 1.30am local (Chelyabinsk), 9.30pm UK, 4.30PM ET and 1.30PM PT.
