The boxing world does not need a Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev and Adonis “Superman” Stevenson fight, right now. With Mayweather vs Pacquiao on May 2 and a possible Mayweather Pacquiao rematch looming in September, it isn’t quite time for Kovalev/Stevenson.
Die hard boxing fans want to see a Kovalev vs Stevenson match-up, but dangle Kovalev vs Jean Pascal 2, Carl Froch, or even Andre Ward, and you will get the same amount of interest. The same can be said for Stevenson. Kovalev vs Stevenson, in the words of the late great trainer Angelo Dundee, “isn’t quite Juicy enough.”
Sergey Kovalev has crushed his way to an impressive 27-0-1 (24 KOs) record, but living up to his nickname hasn’t been quite enough to gain the full attention of mainstream boxing. Kovalev is well respected, but he is not well known. There is a huge difference. Respect is an acknowledgement of superior skills and talent. Kovalev has earned the respect of the boxing world. Well known is being acknowledged by casual boxing fans, hardcore fans, and non-boxing fans. Floyd Mayweather Jr. is a good example. Love him or hate him, everyone has an opinion. Kovalev was on the cusps of being well known when he tossed out the famous quote, “Adonis Stevenson is piece of shit!” Unfortunately, no one knew who Adonis Stevenson was.
Adonis Stevenson is 26-1-0 (21 KOs). He is well known for training with the late great Emanuel Steward at the famed Kronk Gym. Outside of the fact he is well known for being an ex pimp, casual boxing fans have no clue who Superman Stevenson is. Stevenson does have a refreshing, electric personality, but it isn’t enough to pull in non boxing fans. Stevenson had a chance to fight Kovalev, but he wisely decided to leave HBO to grab the green of Al Haymon and Showtime. Who can blame him? Kovalev is an HBO fighter, so the likelihood of their match-up is a big slim to none.
Fast forward, the WBC mandated a Kovalev Stevenson match-up. The WBC finally did the right thing, right? The wretched WBC turned around and ordered a purse bid, which equally handcuffed both sides. The very sensuous CEO of Main Events, Kathy Duva, put a halt to the bullshit. She wrote the following to the WBC:
“First of all, we are still finalizing arrangements for the IBF mandatory fight with Mohammedi, which will take place this summer. It would be entirely incongruous to hold a purse bid for the subsequent Stevenson bout prior to finalizing the Mohammedi bout.
Second of all, the early bid that has been proposed would necessarily violate the WBC rules and cause financial hardship.
Rule 2.21 states that championship contracts are due for presentment within seven (7) days of a purse bid. It also states that the date and location must be specified within fifteen (15) days of a purse bid. It is quite difficult to specify a date for the Stevenson bout months before the Mohammedi bout takes place. Typically, purse bids are built upon offers from television networks and sites. As television networks generally focus upon one bout at a time, and as so many worldwide networks are focused primarily on the upcoming mega-fight between Pacquiao and Mayweather right now, a Kovalev/Stevenson bout is not yet on their radar.”
Regardless of who, what, why, or how the fight was stalled, the timing isn’t quite right for the world to see Sergey Kovalev vs Adonis Stevenson. Then again, it wouldn’t be an official Mega Fight without a five year delay.
By Chris Williams www.cboxinginfo.com
Follow me on Twitter @cboxinginfo
