Hall of Famer Sergey Kovalev (33-3-1, 28 KOs) squares off with his WBO light heavyweight mandatory challenger, the hard-hitting Anthony Yarde (18-0, 17 KOs) come next Saturday Traktor Arena in Russia on a Top Rank Bill set to be aired on ESPN+.
The three-time champion and a former unified champion Kovalev was very delighted to be making his hometown debut since 2009.
“I am thrilled to fight for the first time in my hometown of Chelyabinsk,” Kovalev said. “It is a dream to defend my WBO title in front of all my friends and family back home. I am also thankful ESPN+ will show the fight to my fans in the U.S. Thank you to Igor Altushkin, Egis Klimas, Main Events and Top Rank for making this dream a reality, and thank you to Anthony Yarde for agreeing to fight in my home.” The champion Kovalev expressed.
CEO of Top Rank, Bob Arum was full of praise gor his Russian protege.
“Sergey has done just about everything a professional fighter can do, other than fight in his own hometown,” said promoter Kathy Duva, CEO of Main Events. “One of the sport’s greatest road warriors, Sergey will finally get the chance to salute his legion of fans in Chelyabinsk, where he grew up. It will be an exciting, long overdue homecoming for Sergey. And I am so happy to confirm that Sergey’s many fans in the U.S. will be able to watch this great event only on ESPN+. I wish to thank Igor Altushkin, German Titov and everyone at RCC for making this all possible. I also wish to thank Bob Arum and Top Rank for their continued support.” He told the Media.
Sergey Kovalev recaptured his World Boxing Organisation World Light Heavy Title after a shocking KO defeat to then undefeated Eleider Alvarez and is set gor his first defense on August 24 against Anthony Yarde.