Eleider Alvarez (24-0-0, 12 KOs) made a big move by knocking out the knockout to the Russian Sergey Kovalev (32-3-1, 28 KOs) in the seventh round, earlier last August. He grabbed the WBO World Light Heavyweight title in Atlantic City.
Alvarez, who showed up in the fight with the status of ignored, fought very well throughout the fight, and in the 7th round he sent Kovalev to the mat three times forcing the referee to end the fight.
“Everyone thought that Kovalev would win this knockout fight. After having been waiting for a title fight for almost three years, never in my wildest dreams had I anticipated such a dramatic knockout as I was able to get in the face of Kovalev.” Alvarez told Premier Boxing Champions.
“Now everyone thinks they know why [Eleider] Alvarez was shunned by the WBC champion Adonis Stevenson.” Alvarez added.
During the fight against Alvarez, Kovalev used all his arsenal of power shots, but the WBO champion surprised several, he has shown that he has the ability to take all the Kovalev shots.
“Kovalev knocks harder than me, but I was able to withstand his hitting strength thanks to my hard chin. Beat Kovalev as I did was a dream that has become a reality. I have shown that I have the skills, the chin, and the power to resist anyone.” Alvarez said.
“I was able to cause the first knockdown with my right hand with a jab-live combination that I started using in the amateur ranks, and I passed the knockout to this English fighter who wears this last name.
“After sending Kovalev to the carpet for the first time, I thought it was over, I thought it was over, but Kovalev got up and I finished it for good with a series of punches that hit the target hard.” Alvarez added.
Eleider Alvarez beat Sergey Kovalev to win WBO light heavyweight title. (Source:www.wdef.com)
Kovalev has a rematch clause that he plans to practice, and Alvarez says he is very confident he can win the rematch more clearly next time.
“The fact that I had the promise to fight Stevenson after beating Pascal – and that it did not happen was very hard to take.” Alvarez added.
“But I got a gift from God when I signed the contract to fight Kovalev. In the rematch, since I now know Kovalev, I will defeat him more convincingly.” Alvarez added.