Kovalev vs Shabranskyy: Previewing Sergey Kovalev's world title fight with Vyacheslav Shabranskyy
Sunday 26 November 2017 06:54, UK
Sergey Kovalev faces Vyacheslav Shabranskyy for the vacant WBO world title in New York, live on Sky Sports, as the fearsome Russian looks to return to his destructive best.
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Background
It has been a year to forget for Kovalev, having lost to Andre Ward twice, but now 'Krusher' has the chance to rebuild his standing and re-establish himself at the summit of the light-heavyweight ranks.
Ward ripped three world titles away from the Russian, but with the American now retired, Kovalev can pick up the WBO strap and fire out a message to his new rivals. The 34-year-old is on a mission to again unify the division, but will he be the same destructive powerhouse of old?
The 175lb landscape now has a fresh look to it and after fellow Russians Artur Beterbiev (IBF) and Dmitry Bivol (WBA) claimed world honours, Kovalev will want to give a reminder that he is still the number one. Shabranskyy will have other ideas and the Ukrainian, who only has one defeat on his 20-fight record, is determined to grasp his opportunity.
What the fighters say
Every fight for me is important and this is a great opportunity to get back one of my belts. I'm going to close a lot of questions from the haters and celebrate and prove to myself who I really am.
This is something I have been working towards since I've been in boxing - I feel very blessed. I am motivated and I'm going to do everything in my power and with my experience to take the belt home.
What the experts say
Kovalev got exposed by Ward. Now that bubble has been burst, will Kovalev have the same arrogance, self-belief and terrifying demeanor that he had before? I expect him to win and I hope to see the ‘Krusher’ of old.
I expect Kovalev to return to his best and I wouldn't be surprised if he got rid of Shabranskyy in the early rounds. He has a point to prove and I believe he will be on-point and in a devastating mood. He cannot afford to take his eye off the ball though.
I’m glad to see Kovalev back, he’s an exciting fighter who can punch. I want him to look good and I would love to see him face Dmitry Bivol in a few fights time. He needs to get over those losses to Ward.
What the rivals say
I don't think Kovalev will change much and because of the type of fighter he is, and the skills he's got, it will be enough to get the win. He hasn't had enough time to make any differences or change his style.
The weigh-in...
Sergey Kovalev: 12st 6lb
Vyacheslav Shabranskyy: 12st 7lb
The time draws near...
Watch Sergey Kovalev vs Vyacheslav Shabranskyy, from Madison Square Garden, New York, in the early hours of Sunday, November 26, live on Sky Sports.
