Former light heavyweight champion Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev (34-3-1, 29 KOs) will return against fast-rising knockout artist and Olympic Silver medalist Bektemir “Bully” Melikuziev (6-0, 5 KOs) in a 178-pound catchweight battle scheduled for 12 rounds. The event will take place Saturday, Jan. 30 and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN. Information regarding the venue, which is scheduled to be in Russia, will be announced shortly.
“After just six professional fights, Bekt is making an enormous leap to jump two divisions and fight a former unified world champion on his own home turf in Russia,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy. “This is the very definition of ‘daring to be great,’ and we have all the confidence in the world that ‘The Bully’ will take out Kovalev and become a world champion in quick fashion.”
“I am glad that after a long break I am starting my journey back to the title of world champion,” said Sergey Kovalev. “The fact that this fight is scheduled to be in Russia gives me even more motivation and strength. I want to please my fellow countrymen again with my boxing and a beautiful victory.”
“We’re happy to be back after this unexpectedly long pandemic layoff and so grateful to DAZN for the opportunity,” said Kathy Duva, CEO of Main Events. “I’m looking forward to once again seeing Sergey light up when he fights in front of his countrymen as they always seem to bring out the best in him.”
Melikuziev is a 24-year-old puncher with an impressive amateur resume, having captured silver medals at the 2015 AIBA World Boxing Championships and the 2016 Summer Olympics, among other accolades. The native of Shoimbek, Uzbekistan signed with Golden Boy in 2019 and made it very clear that he wanted to move up the rankings as quickly as possible. He kept his promise by scoring four impressive wins in 2019 and two additional knockout wins in 2020. Melikuziev feels he is more than ready for this challenge.
“Sergey Kovalev is one of the biggest boxing stars of the last decade,” said Bektemir Melikuziev. “This is exactly the type of opportunity I have wanted since turning professional and I will be very well prepared for victory on January 30!”
Kovalev must be bored or need money. After the Alvarez fight, I personally think for his safety, he needs to ride off in the sunset.
The problem is his last few fights, his right hand (best punch) rarely used it
Why all of a sudden do you stop throwing your money punch, makes no sense and nobody even talked about it
Yes, I think Kovalev era has taken the next step in his advancing age to remind us his winning edge is gone. Let’s admit, time changes everything and some fighters losing their edge is no exception.
“Bully” better perform or the very disloyal Oscar De La Hoya will kick him to the curb! Just ask former champ Andrew Cancio who GBP despicably kicked to the curb once he lost his title!
I remember Canelo publicly let it be known that Oscar has no loyalty when he tried to get Canelo to part with his trainers who have been with him since day one. Something Oscar never had the loyalty to do with any trainer or promoter. I’m glad Canelo finally told this promoter with zero scruples to take a hike!
Kovalev will get koed he lost his edge and stopped using his right hand, just collecting a paycheck
He is just using his name to help other fighters
From being on top of the world to journey man in just a few years. Poor kovalev. Dont follow in roy jones footsteps.
I just so happened to look at Alverez ko over Kovalev today and it looked even more fake. In slow motion, You can clearly see Kov eyes and he see that final punch coming. Kov closes his eyes and sort of rolls with the punch, best he can, just before taking the shot and slumping weird into the ropes. Take a good look for yourself! I dont like any fighters I suspect cheated the game.
I personally think Oscar intentionally set that fight up knowing Kovalev was already battered, beat, and damaged goods from previous fights. Oscar has a great way putting fights off and waiting till the challenger is older, lost his edge, or not a real threat anymore to his investment. Typical money-making scheme for many promoters knowing their fighters will surely win, make money, and they promote the fight like it’s one-of-a-kind mega event. Yup, it’s all business….
Kovalev did pretty good with one hand tied behind his back
Damaged goods. Physically, mentally, and personally. It’s time to call a spade a spade. Sure enjoyed some great moments in his career though. Very entertaining boxer. Too bad Canelo didn’t fight him like 3-5 years ago.
NJ Boxing I can definitely tell you’ve never been on the ring at least not going toe to toe, maybe a ring card boy…
To suggest that Kovalev Canelo knockout was staged is pretty lame. Since Ward dealt out that beating Kovalev has never been the same he’s clearly damaged goods who can’t take a good shot anymore…it happens bozo wear and tear takes its toll and the chin is not designed to withstand too many solid shots the way Kovalev has taken even Eleider Alvarez who’s not a very big puncher managed to take out Kovalev.
Very well said 100% agree but the problem I have is that kovalev stop throwing his right hand the last 3-4 fights
Which was his best punch
He was called the krusher
Last 3 fights not even close
Thank you for that. Kovalev took a lot of shots in that fight. Nobody would take that type of a beating before taking a dive.
“return against fast-rising knockout artist” is exactly what Kovalev does not need now. Not good.
“178-pound catchweight” ? 178 is light heavyweight.
Really heavyweight in the original eight weight classes.
Kov was a jerk, and is getting karma in spades. Good riddance. I still love watching Alvarez ko him!
Honestly, I would be surprised if Kovalev gets thru this one. After the devastating KO-loss in Las Vegas, he’s facing similar power, body, confidence and probably even quicker hands than Canelo. Melikuziev will be Kovalevs nightmare! Kovalev will not go toe to toe with Melikuziev after the first six rounds if he’s still in the fight. I’m convinced the escape-mode will be on and the remaining fight will be a long trying to survive trip.
I will remember Kovalev! In my heart he won the first fight against Ward, and I would’ve loved to watch Kovalev against GGG or Canelo around 2015. It never happened.
Wow that’s what the definition of taking risks !
He has 4 losses not 3