View source for Sergey Kovalev

{{short description|Russian boxer}}
{{Other uses|Sergei Kovalev (disambiguation)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2021}}
{{Infobox boxer
|name=Sergey Kovalev<br />{{small|Сергей Ковалёв}}
|image=Sergey Kovalev-crop.jpg{{!}}border
|image_size=
|caption=Kovalev in 2014
|realname=Sergey Alexandrovich Kovalev
|birth_date={{Birth date and age|1983|04|02|df=y}}
|birth_place=[[Kopeysk]], [[Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic|Russian SFSR]], [[Soviet Union|USSR]]<br />{{small|(nowadays [[Russia]])}}
|nationality=Russian
|nickname=Krusher
|weight={{plainlist|
*[[Light heavyweight]]
*[[Cruiserweight (boxing)|Cruiserweight]]}}
|height=6 ft 0 in
|reach=72+1/2 in
|style=[[Orthodox stance|Orthodox]]
|total=41
|wins=35
|KO=29
|losses=5
|draws=1
|no contests=
|medaltemplates=
{{MedalSport|Men's [[Amateur boxing]]}}
{{MedalCountry|{{RUS}}}}
{{Medal|Competition|[[World Military Championships]]}}
{{Medal|Gold|2005 Pretoria|Light heavyweight}}
{{Medal|Silver|2006 Warendorf|Light heavyweight}}
{{Medal|Gold|2007 Hyderabad|Light heavyweight}}
}}

'''Sergey Alexandrovich Kovalev''' ('''Kovalyov''') ({{langx|ru|Сергей Александрович Ковалёв}}; born 2 April 1983) is a Russian [[professional boxer]]. He has held multiple [[light-heavyweight]] world championships, including the [[WBA (Undisputed)]] and [[IBF]] titles from 2014 to 2016, and the [[WBO]] title three times between 2013 and 2019. Nicknamed the "Krusher", Kovalev is particularly known for his exceptional punching power,<ref>Donovan, Jake (28 January 2016). [http://www.boxingscene.com/sergey-kovalev-motivated-finish-business-destroy-pascal--100787 "Sergey Kovalev Motivated To Finish Business, Destroy Pascal"]. BoxingScene. Retrieved 27 June 2016.</ref> although he describes himself as "just a regular boxer".<ref name="SecondsOut" />

In November 2019, Kovalev was ranked as the world's second-best light-heavyweight by ''[[The Ring (magazine)|The Ring]]'' magazine, third by [[BoxRec]], and fourth by the [[Transnational Boxing Rankings Board]]. In 2014, ''The Ring'' named him its [[The Ring magazine Fighter of the Year|Fighter of the Year]].<ref>Rosenthal, Michael (11 February 2015). [http://ringtv.craveonline.com/news/380865-sergey-kovalev-named-the-ring-fighter-of-the-year "Sergey Kovalev named The Ring Fighter of the Year"]. ''[[The Ring (magazine)|The Ring]]''. Retrieved 27 June 2016.</ref>

==Early life==
Kovalev was initially interested in [[ice hockey]], but stopped playing after his equipment was stolen from a dressing room. Because his parents could not afford to purchase replacement equipment, he tried other sports. Several months after he stopped playing hockey, he began to practice both boxing and [[amateur wrestling]].<ref name=SecondsOut>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=toouE4MxvQQ&t=178 |title=SERGEY KOVALEV on Fighting MMA! & Andre Ward, GGG Gennady Golovkin, Adonis Stevenson |publisher=SecondsOut |date=9 July 2015 |access-date=2019-12-22}}</ref>

==Amateur career==
Kovalev started boxing in 1994 at the age of 11 and made his amateur debut in the 1997 Russian Boxing Junior Championship, where he won a gold medal in the middleweight juniors division. One year later, he competed with the seniors and reached the finals, and won the final fight the year after. He competed in the European Championships for the Russian team.

In 2004, Kovalev participated in the Russian Senior Championship for the first time, reached the finals, and won the gold medal in the team event. In 2005, he reached the peak of his amateur career and won two championships: the first as a champion of Russia and the second as a champion among servicemen. He won the silver medal in the championship for servicemen in 2006. In 2007, he finished third in both the Russian Championship and [[Military World Games|World Military Games in India]].

In 2008, Kovalev participated in his final amateur competition and reached the finals, after which he decided to turn professional. Kovalev admitted that he felt forced to leave the national team because of the intense competition between him and others boxers such as [[Artur Beterbiev]] (to whom he lost 24–25). Kovalev finished his amateur career with a record of 195–18.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2015-12-29|title=Biography|url=http://kovalboxer.com/en/about/the-biography.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151229015353/http://kovalboxer.com/en/about/the-biography.html|archive-date=2015-12-29|access-date=2021-08-05}}</ref>

===Highlights===
* 2000 Russian Junior Championships silver medalist at light-welterweight
* 2001 Russian Junior Championships silver medalist at middleweight
* 2004 Russian Championships silver medalist at middleweight, losing to [[Matt Korobov]]
* 2005 Russian Championships gold medalist at middleweight
* 2005 World Military Championships gold medalist at light-heavyweight, in [[Pretoria]], [[South Africa]]
* 2006 World Military Championships silver medalist at light-heavyweight, in [[Warendorf]], [[Germany]]
* 2007 World Military Championships gold medalist at light-heavyweight, in [[Hyderabad]], [[India]]
* 2007 Russian Championships bronze medalist at light-heavyweight, losing to [[Artur Beterbiev]]
* 2008 Russian Championships silver medalist at light-heavyweight.

==Professional career==

===Early career===
Kovalev started his career with a first-round KO of Daniel Chavez at [[Greensboro Coliseum Complex|Greensboro Coliseum]] in [[Greensboro, North Carolina]].

In July 2011, Kovalev won his first [[North American Boxing Association]] belt in a 10-round fight with Douglas Otieno from Kenya. His next bout against Grover Young was controversial: during the second round, Kovalev threw a left hook that the referee declared an illegal blow to the back of the head. Due to Young's inability to continue, the fight was declared a technical draw.<ref name="kovalboxer.com">{{cite web|date=2013-04-26|title=Biography|url=http://kovalboxer.com/en/about/the-biography.html|access-date=2015-04-23|publisher=Kovalboxer.com|archive-date=10 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150910222632/http://kovalboxer.com/en/about/the-biography.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In his 2011 fight against Roman Simakov of Russia, Kovalev knocked down his opponent in the sixth round. The fight was stopped and Kovalev was awarded a TKO victory. Simakov was taken to the hospital, where he lapsed into a coma and died three days later.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2011-12-08|title=Russian boxer Simakov dies after knockout defeat|language=en|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-boxing-russia-simakov-idUSTRE7B70PX20111208|access-date=2021-05-10}}</ref>

In 2012, [[John David Jackson (boxer)|John David Jackson]] became Kovalev's trainer. Kovalev met Darnell Boone in the ring for the second time and knocked him out in the second round; the win led him to be signed on to Main Events boxing.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.boxing.com/kovalev_the_next_next_big_thing.html |title=Kovalev: The Next "Next Big Thing" |publisher=Boxing.com |access-date=2015-04-23 |archive-date=26 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171226035123/http://www.boxing.com/kovalev_the_next_next_big_thing.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>

On 19 January 2013, Kovalev faced the former [[World Boxing Association]] (WBA) [[Light Heavyweight|light-heavyweight]] champion [[Gabriel Campillo]]. Kovalev took advantage of Campillo's faltering defense and knocked him down with a left hook, one of three knockdowns in the round.<ref>{{Citation|publisher=Boxeo Deportes Contacto España|title=Gabriel Campillo Vs Sergey Kovalev (Combate Boxeo Completo 19-1-2013; Full Fight KOT3)|date=2013-01-19|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qhRK8WH8e-k|access-date=2017-09-13}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.espn.co.uk/boxing/story/_/id/8861620/sergey-kovalev-knocks-former-light-heavyweight-titlist-gabriel-campillo-third-round|title=Kovalev steps up in class, knocks out Campillo|work=ESPN.com|access-date=2017-09-13}}</ref>

===WBO light-heavyweight champion===

====Kovalev vs. Cleverly====
On 17 August 2013, Kovalev fought [[Nathan Cleverly]] for the [[World Boxing Organization]] (WBO) light-heavyweight title.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2017-09-13|title=Photos: Nathan Cleverly-Sergey Kovalev Press Conference - WBO|url=http://www.wboboxing.com/photos-nathan-cleverly-sergey-kovalev-press-conference/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170913183904/http://www.wboboxing.com/photos-nathan-cleverly-sergey-kovalev-press-conference/|archive-date=2017-09-13|access-date=2021-08-05}}</ref> Kovalev, who knocked most of his opponents out within three rounds, threw heavy shots in the first round, and hurt Cleverly badly in the third round, dropping him twice. Kovalev knocked Cleverly down a third time in the fourth round until the referee intervened; it was the first time Cleverly had been knocked down as a professional.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.boxingscene.com/sergey-kovalev-blows-through-nathan-cleverly-four--68730 |title=Sergey Kovalev Blows Through Nathan Cleverly in Four – Boxing News |date=17 August 2013 |publisher=Boxingscene.com |access-date=2015-04-23}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.badlefthook.com/2013/8/17/4631810/cleverly-vs-kovalev-results-sergey-kovalev-smashes-nathan-cleverly-in|title=Results: Kovalev crushes Cleverly in four|work=Bad Left Hook|access-date=2017-09-13}}</ref>

====Title defenses====
On 30 November 2013, Kovalev had his first defense of the WBO light-heavyweight title against #15 [[Ismayl Sillakh]] (21–1, 17 KO's). In round two, Kovalev dropped Sillakh, and when Sillakh could not regain his footing, Kovalev floored him a second time and ended the fight.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.badlefthook.com/2013/11/30/5161900/kovalev-vs-sillakh-results-sergey-kovalev-keeps-krushing-takes-out|title=Kovalev smashes Sillakh in two|work=Bad Left Hook|access-date=2017-09-13}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|first=Catherine|last=O'Connell|title=Sergey Kovalev vs. Ismail Sillakh Full Fight HD|date=2016-10-07|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKzMXf9F74Y|access-date=2017-09-13}}</ref> The fight averaged 1.25 million viewers on HBO.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=http://www.boxingscene.com/kovalev-pascal-ii-averages-1179-million-viewers-hbo--100960|title=Kovalev-Pascal II Averages 1.179 Million Viewers For HBO - Boxing News|website=www.boxingscene.com|date=2 February 2016 |language=en-us|access-date=2017-06-14}}</ref>

On 29 March 2014, Kovalev defended his title against undefeated [[Cedric Agnew]] (26–0, 13 KOs) at the Adrian Phillips Ballroom at [[Boardwalk Hall]] in [[Atlantic City, New Jersey|Atlantic City]]. Although Agnew was not known to many boxing fans at the time, he won against [[Yusaf Mack]], [[Daniel Judah]], and [[Otis Griffin]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/id/10437427/sergey-kovalev-fight-cedric-agnew-march-29|title=Kovalev to defend belt vs. Agnew on March 29|work=ESPN.com|access-date=2017-09-13}}</ref> Agnew's movement gave Kovalev difficulty at times, but after three falls, Agnew was finished in the seventh round. The fight drew an average of 1.048 million viewers on HBO. Although the figures were down from the Kovalev vs. Sillakh bout, the fight was televised at the same time as Wisconsin vs. Arizona, competing to reach the Final Four of the [[NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament|NCAA's college basketball tournament]].

On 2 August 2014, Kovalev defended his WBO title against undefeated Australian contender [[Blake Caparello]] (19–0–1, 6 KOs) at the [[TEN Atlantic City|Revel Casino Hotel]] in [[Atlantic City, New Jersey]], and it was televised on ''[[Boxing After Dark]]''.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.espn.co.uk/boxing/story/_/id/11083591/sergey-kovalev-vs-blake-caparello-set-august-2|title=Kovalev to go for title defense vs. Caparello|work=ESPN.com|access-date=2017-09-13}}</ref> Kovalev hoped for a unification fight against WBC champion Adonis Stevenson, but Stevenson stated he would only fight on [[Showtime (TV network)|Showtime]]; as Kovalev was contracted to [[HBO]], he had to fight Caparello instead. Caparello scored a flash knockdown after catching Kovalev with a solid shot while Kovalev was off balance. Kovalev, however, was unhurt and even appeared enraged, and beat Caparello in a second-round technical knockout. The fight was watched by an average of 990,000 viewers and peaked at 1.052 million.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://mmapayout.com/2014/08/kovalev-draws-990k-viewers-on-hbo/|title=Kovalev draws 990K viewers on HBO : MMAPayout.com: The Business of MMA|website=mmapayout.com|access-date=2017-09-13}}</ref> Kovalev's victory allowed him to fight [[Bernard Hopkins]] in the fall of 2014. Main Events spokesperson Kathy Duva believed there was a loss of focus due to building pressure, which was why Kovalev was dropped by Caparello. Kovalev shrugged off any claims that he felt pressure, saying, "I didn't think about Bernard Hopkins tonight. I was focused on this fight. It is very important. A big step for me. If I do not win the fight, there is no fight with Bernard Hopkins."<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2150220-sergey-kovalev-vs-blake-caparello-live-round-by-round-results-and-highlights|title=Sergey Kovalev vs. Blake Caparello: Live Round-by-Round Results and Highlights|last=McRae|first=Kevin|work=Bleacher Report|access-date=2017-09-13|language=en-US}}</ref> [[Lou DiBella]], a promoter of Caparello, praised Kovalev, particularly the body shot that ended the fight. Negotiations for the Hopkins fight began prior to the Caparello fight.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/id/11302067/sergey-kovalev-knocks-blake-caparello | title=Sergey Kovalev knocks out Caparello | newspaper=Espn.com | date=3 August 2014 | publisher=[[ESPN]] | access-date=November 13, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.badlefthook.com/2014/8/2/5963685/kovalev-vs-caparello-results-sergey-kovalev-wins-in-two-hopkins|title=Kovalev wins TKO-2, Hopkins next in November|work=Bad Left Hook|access-date=2017-09-13}}</ref>

===Unified light-heavyweight champion===

====Kovalev vs. Hopkins====
{{main|Bernard Hopkins vs. Sergey Kovalev}}
On 8 November 2014, Kovalev and Hopkins (55–6–2, 32 KOs) fought in a unification bout at the Boardwalk Hall.  The fight was televised on [[HBO World Championship Boxing]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://thaboxingvoice.com/hopkins-vs-kovalev-confirmed-for-boardwalk-hall-in-atlantic-city/|title=Hopkins vs. Kovalev Confirmed for Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City|last=Pesina|first=Sergio|date=2014-08-22|work=Tha Boxing Voice|access-date=2017-09-13|language=en-US}}</ref>  Kovalev defeated Hopkins by unanimous decision to retain the WBO light-heavyweight title, and win the [[World Boxing Association#Super titles|WBA (Super)]] and [[International Boxing Federation|IBF]] titles. In a one-sided fight, Kovalev knocked Hopkins down in the first round, and won every single round on all of the three judges' scorecards. The score totals of the fight were 120–107, 120–107, and 120–106. In round 12, Kovalev landed 38 punches on Hopkins, the most any boxer had ever landed on him in a single round in his 41 fights recorded by [[CompuBox]]. Hopkins earned $1 million whilst Kovalev earned $500,000. Kovalev said after the fight, "I'm very happy. This victory was for my son Aleksandr."<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/id/11845755/sergey-kovalev-defeats-bernard-hopkins-unanimous-decision|title=Old schooled: Kovalev handles Hopkins, 49|work=ESPN.com|access-date=2017-09-13}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/nov/09/sergey-kovalev-too-powerful-for-bernard-hopkins-in-title-fight|title=Sergey Kovalev too powerful for Bernard Hopkins in title fight|last=Graham|first=Bryan Armen|date=2014-11-09|work=The Guardian|access-date=2017-09-13|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/boxing/29935277|title=Bernard Hopkins: Sergey Kovalev beats American on points|date=2014-11-09|work=BBC Sport|access-date=2017-09-13|language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.badlefthook.com/2014/11/9/7180137/sergey-kovalev-shuts-out-bernard-hopkins-in-dominant-fashion|title=Kovalev dominates, shuts out Hopkins|work=Bad Left Hook|access-date=2017-09-13}}</ref> The fight was considered successful, as it was watched by an average of 1.328 million viewers.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.ringtv.com/364025-sergey-kovalev-bernard-hopkins-draws-big-tv-ratings/|title=Sergey Kovalev-Bernard Hopkins draws big TV ratings - The Ring|date=2014-11-11|work=The Ring|access-date=2017-06-14|language=en-US}}</ref>

====Kovalev vs. Pascal====
On 14 March 2015, Kovalev defended his world titles and fought [[Jean Pascal]] (29–2–1, 17 KOs) for the [[World Boxing Council|WBC Diamond]] light-heavyweight title at the [[Bell Centre]] in [[Montreal]] live on HBO.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2308486-sergey-kovalev-vs-jean-pascal-fight-announced-latest-details-and-reaction|title=Sergey Kovalev vs. Jean Pascal Fight Announced: Latest Details and Reaction|last=Fitzgerald|first=Matt|work=Bleacher Report|access-date=2017-09-20|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.skysports.com/watch/tv-shows/ringside/news/9711637/sergey-kovalev-will-defend-his-world-titles-against-jean-pascal-on-sky-sports|title=Sergey Kovalev will defend his world titles against Jean Pascal on Sky Sports|work=SkySports|access-date=2017-09-20|language=en}}</ref> Kovalev had just been named ''[[Sports Illustrated]]''<nowiki/>'s 2014 Fighter of the Year. In the eighth round, the referee stopped the fight as he felt Pascal was badly injured. However, Pascal felt the interruption was unfair and demanded a rematch; at the time, Kovalev led 68–64 on all three judges' scorecards.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sergey Kovalev stops Jean Pascal|date=15 March 2015|url=https://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/id/12486569/sergey-kovalev-stops-jean-pascal-retain-three-175-pound-world-title-belts|publisher=[[ESPN]]|access-date=March 15, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.badlefthook.com/2015/3/15/8217543/pascal-vs-kovalev-result-knockout-comeback-war-live-fight-play-boxing-hbo-stevenson+&cd=3&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=uk|title=Kovalev vs Pascal results: Kovalev stops Pascal in round 8 of thrilling war|work=Bad Left Hook|access-date=2017-09-20}}</ref> The fight averaged 1.152 million viewers on HBO.<ref name=":0" />

====Kovalev vs. Mohammedi====
On 25 July 2015, Kovalev fought French boxer [[Nadjib Mohammedi]] (37–3, 23 KOs) at the [[Mandalay Bay|Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino]] in [[Las Vegas]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.espn.co.uk/boxing/story/_/id/12917175/sergey-kovalev-make-3-belt-defense-vs-nadjib-mohammedi|title=Kovalev to make 3-belt defense vs. Mohammedi|work=ESPN.com|access-date=2017-09-20}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.badlefthook.com/2015/5/16/8616097/kovalev-vs-mohammedi-officially-announced-moved-back-to-july-25+&cd=4&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=uk|title=Kovlaev-Mohammedi moved to 7/25|work=Bad Left Hook|access-date=2017-09-20}}</ref> Kovalev knocked Mohammedi down once in the second round and again in the third round. The second knockdown ended Mohammedi's night and gave Kovalev his 25th knockout victory. Kovalev said in the post-fight interview, "I wanted more rounds. I wanted him to look like a clown. I wanted him to look foolish. I'm very happy that I got the victory," Kovalev said. "I gave my best. I am happy. I told him to stand up. It was a short show. People didn't see boxing." [[Abel Sanchez]], Mohammedi's trainer, believed his boxer was overwhelmed with being on the main event and feeling pressured. Kovalev earned $750,000 and Mohammedi earned a career-high $270,000. The fight was seen by just over 1 million viewers on HBO.<ref name=":0" />

Duva stated that Kovalev was looking for a homecoming bout next, likely on 28 November in Moscow, and stated she would call promoter [[Yvon Michel]] to set up a fight with two-time Olympian [[Artur Beterbiev]] (9–0, 9 KOs), who defeated Kovalev in the amateurs. The fight was unlikely to happen as Beterbiev was advised by [[Al Haymon]], and performed on [[Premier Boxing Champions]], who were banned by HBO.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sergey Kovalev KO's overmatched Nadjib Mohammedi in 3rd round|date=26 July 2015|url=https://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/id/13320163/sergey-kovalev-knocks-nadjib-mohammedi-third-round|publisher=[[ESPN]]|access-date=July 26, 2015}}</ref>

====Kovalev vs. Pascal, Chilemba====
Kovalev had a rematch with Pascal on 30 January 2016 at the Bell Centre in Montreal on HBO. Pascal was pumped for the rematch, stating it would turn out differently to the first fight: "I put him down in the eighth round in the first fight, but [the referee] called it a slip. But I promise you that Kovalev is going to have a full plate in the rematch. I'm going to have a full plate as well, but I have a new trainer [<nowiki/>[[Freddie Roach (boxing)|Freddie Roach]]]. I'm going to teach him respect and to respect Canadian boxing fans."<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.espn.co.uk/boxing/story/_/id/14295027/sergey-kovalev-face-jean-pascal-light-heavyweight-title-rematch|title=Kovalev to face Pascal; Stevenson, Ward loom|work=ESPN.com|access-date=2017-09-20}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://montrealgazette.com/sports/jean-pascal-sergei-kovalev-rematch-set-for-jan-30-at-bell-centre|title=Jean Pascal steps up war of words with Sergey Kovalev before Jan. 30 rematch|date=2015-12-01|work=Montreal Gazette|access-date=2017-09-20|language=en-US}}</ref>

Kovalev dominated the fight, both outpunching and outlanding Pascal by wide margins. Kovalev won when Roach refused to let Pascal continue after the seventh round. During the pause, the scorecards read 70–62 three times in favor of Kovalev. Round 5 was scored 10–8 on all three judges' cards without a knockdown. After the round, Roach threatened to pull Pascal. According to CompuBox stats, Kovalev landed 165 of 412 punches (40%) and Pascal landed 30 of 108 blows (28%).<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/id/14683528/sergey-kovalev-routs-jean-pascal-tko-rematch-keeps-ibf-wbo-wba-light-heavyweight-title|title=Kovalev routs Pascal by TKO to retain titles|work=ESPN.com|access-date=2017-09-20}}</ref>

After the fight, Kovalev said his future plans would likely include a fight with former super middleweight champion [[Andre Ward]], but he first wanted a unification bout with reigning [[World Boxing Council|WBC]] and recognized [[Adonis Stevenson]], a [[lineal championship|lineal champion]]. Kovalev called Stevenson "Adonis Chickenson" during the post-fight interview. Stevenson, who was in attendance, responded by confronting Kovalev in the ring surrounded by three bodyguards.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.boxingnewsonline.net/|title=Boxing News - boxing news, results, rankings, schedules since 1909}}</ref> The fight averaged 1.179 million viewers on HBO and peaked at 1.269 million viewers.<ref name=":0" />

Kovalev had a warm-up fight on 11 July against [[Isaac Chilemba]] (24–3–2, 10 KOs) in [[Yekaterinburg|Ekaterinburg]], Russia, at the Palace of Sports; it was the first time in five years that Kovalev returned to Russia for a fight to defend his WBA (Super), IBF, and WBO light-heavyweight titles. Chilemba was known for having a similar style to Ward.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.boxingnews24.com/2016/04/sergey-kovalev-battles-isaac-chilemba-711-russia/|title=Sergey Kovalev to battle Isaac Chilemba on 7/11 in Russia|date=2016-04-23|website=Boxing News 24|language=en-US|access-date=2016-04-26}}</ref> Kovalev tipped the scales at 174.6lbs, while Chilemba weighed in at 174.8lbs.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.skysports.com/boxing/news/12183/10498375/isaac-chilemba-and-sergey-kovalev-make-weight-for-world-light-heavyweight-bout|title=Kovalev & Chilemba make weight for title fight|date=July 11, 2016|website=Sky Sports|access-date=July 11, 2016}}</ref> Kovalev earned a unanimous points decision after a hard-earned battle. The three judges at ringside scored the fight 117–110, 116–111, and 118–109 at the end of 12 rounds in favour of Kovalev, who retained his titles. In round 7, Chilemba staggered across the ropes and was downed by a straight left with a right to the jaw.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/id/16990731/sergey-kovalev-course-andre-ward-bout-unanimous-points-win-isaac-chilemba|title=Kovalev beats Chilemba, on course for Ward bout|date=11 July 2016|access-date=2016-07-12}}</ref> The fight aired live on HBO and averaged 355,000 viewers.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/Boxing/comments/4yaf31/hbo_ratings_have_dropped_23_from_2016_my_look_at/|title=HBO ratings have dropped 23% from 2016. My look at the numbers. • r/Boxing|website=reddit|date=18 August 2016|language=en|access-date=2017-11-30}}</ref>

===Consecutive defeats===

====Kovalev vs. Ward====
{{Main|Sergey Kovalev vs. Andre Ward}}
On 16 June 2016, it was announced that a contract had been signed between Kovalev and Ward (30–0, 15 KOs), and that the match would take place at the [[T-Mobile Arena]] in Las Vegas on 19 November 2016. Both fighters remained undefeated through interim bouts.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.espn.co.uk/boxing/story/_/id/16269873/sergey-kovalev-andre-ward-bout-take-place-nov-19-t-mobile-arena-las-vegas|title=Kovalev-Ward to take place Nov. 19 in Las Vegas|website=ESPN.com|date=17 June 2016|access-date=2016-06-18}}</ref>

Kovalev lost a closely contested controversial decision with all the judges scoring the fight 114–113 in favor of Ward. [[Larry Merchant]] stated after the fight, "It was a classic hometown decision, Kovalev won the fight!"<ref>{{Citation|publisher=Fight Hub TV|title=Larry Merchant "It was a classic hometown decision, Kovalev won the fight!"|date=2016-11-19|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4mcs5aVVlU|access-date=2017-02-27}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/joshkatzowitz/2016/11/19/andre-ward-sergey-kovalev-live-results-and-reaction/#15e8e08943ee|title=Andre Ward Beats Sergey Kovalev By The Slimmest Of Margins: Live Results And Reaction (Video)|last=Katzowitz|first=Josh|work=Forbes|access-date=2017-02-27}}</ref> Gareth Davies, boxing correspondent, gave the fight to Kovalev with 115–112, as did [[Max Kellerman]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/boxing/2016/11/19/sergey-kovalev-vs-andre-ward-live-fight-updates-from-pound-for-p/|title=Sergey Kovalev v Andre Ward: Russian Kovalev disgusted at 'politics' as American Ward pulls off decision win for title|work=The Telegraph|access-date=2017-02-27|language=en-GB}}</ref> Duva, said, "We got a great fight, which is what boxing needed. But we also got a bad decision, which is not what boxing needed."<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2677133-andre-ward-and-sergey-kovalev-deliver-drama-controversy-and-an-instant-classic|title = Andre Ward and Sergey Kovalev Deliver Drama, Controversy and an Instant Classic|website = [[Bleacher Report]]}}</ref> Many boxing experts have applauded the decision: [[Paulie Malignaggi]] noted the high degree of difficulty both fighters faced that night and doubted the prospect of a one-sided affair in the case of a rematch, though he concluded that Kovalev faded late in the fight;<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.fighthype.com/news/article26956.html|title=[Video] Paulie Malignaggi Detailed Analysis of Knockdown and Andre Ward's Victory Overy Kovalev|website=www.fighthype.com|access-date=2017-02-27}}</ref> promoter [[Eddie Hearn]] added that Kovalev lacked a sense of urgency after the halfway point;<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.fighthype.com/videos/clip8684.html|title=Fighthype Videos}}</ref> [[Gennady Golovkin]]'s trainer, [[Abel Sanchez]], noticed how Kovalev allowed Ward on the inside and as a result was worn down.<ref>{{Citation|last=Dontae's Boxing Nation|title=Golovkin Trainer Still Has Ward Winning After Watching Again, Talks Rematch and Golovkin-Ward|date=2016-11-25|url=https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=r0GPp95QRnA|access-date=2017-02-27}}</ref> For the fight, Kovalev received a minimum of $2 million and Ward a career-high $5 million.<ref name="purses">{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/id/18083695/sergey-kovalev-andre-ward-make-weight-ahead-light-heavyweight-showdown|title=Sergey Kovalev predicts knockout ahead of Andre Ward showdown|last1=Rafael|first1=Dan|website=espn.com|date=19 November 2016|publisher=ESPN|access-date=30 November 2016}}</ref> CompuBox stats showed that Kovalev landed 126 of 474 punches (27%), and Ward landed 116 out of 337 thrown (34%).<ref name="insidehboboxing.com">{{Cite web|date=2018-09-27|title=Ward Recovers from Knockdown to Score Close Win Over Kovalev — Inside HBO Boxing|url=http://www.insidehboboxing.com/inside/2016/11/20/ward-recovers-from-knockdown-to-score-close-win-over-kovalev|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180927085829/http://www.insidehboboxing.com/inside/2016/11/20/ward-recovers-from-knockdown-to-score-close-win-over-kovalev|archive-date=2018-09-27|access-date=2021-08-05}}</ref>

The fight was reported to have accomplished 160,000 buys on [[HBO|HBO PPV]]. A replay was shown on HBO prior to the [[Vasyl Lomachenko|Lomachenko]]-[[Nicholas Walters|Walters]] title fight, which averaged 834,000 viewers. The event produced a live gate of $3.3 million from 10,066 tickets sold, including complimentary tickets, the full attendance was announced as 13,310. The venue was set up to hold 14,227.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://mmapayout.com/2016/11/ward-kovalev-draw-160k-ppv-buys/|title=Ward-Kovalev draw 160K PPV buys|date=November 29, 2016|website=MMA PAYOUT|access-date=December 1, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.boxingscene.com/lomachenko-walters-hbo-broadcast-averaged-761000-viewers--111270|title=Ward/Kovalev does just less than a million viewers on HBO replay|date=November 30, 2016|access-date=December 1, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.boxingscene.com/ward-kovalev-33-million-live-gate-from-10066-tickets-sold--111447|title=Ward-Kovalev produced live gate of $3.3m|date=December 7, 2016|website=Boxing Scene|access-date=December 7, 2016}}</ref>

====Kovalev vs. Ward II====
{{See also|Andre Ward vs. Sergey Kovalev II}}

Kovalev's manager Egis Klimas announced that negotiations had begun for the rematch between Ward and Kovalev. According to the [[Nevada Athletic Commission|NSAC]], The T-Mobile Arena was reserved for 17 June 2017 on HBO PPV.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.boxingscene.com/ward-vs-kovalev-rematch-talks-finally-underway-june-17--114031|title=Ward vs. Kovalev Rematch Talks Finally Underway - For June 17? - Boxing News|website=www.boxingscene.com|date=27 February 2017 |language=en-us|access-date=2017-02-27}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.ringtv.com/486702-duva-roc-nation-start-talks-rematch-ward-kovalev-june-17/|title=Duva and Roc Nation start talks for rematch of Ward-Kovalev June 17 - The Ring|date=2017-02-27|work=The Ring|access-date=2017-03-01|language=en-US}}</ref> On 24 March 2017, Kovalev revealed on [[social media]] that he had signed his end of the deal. It was also noted that the rematch would take place at the Mandalay Bay in Paradise, Nevada, on HBO PPV.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.ringtv.com/490601-sergey-kovalev-indicates-signed-deal-memo-ward-rematch/|title=Sergey Kovalev indicates he signed deal memo for Ward rematch - The Ring|date=2017-03-24|work=The Ring|access-date=2017-03-25|language=en-US}}</ref> On 4 April, [[Roc Nation Sports]] and Main Events confirmed that terms were agreed for the rematch to take place on HBO PPV. The fight was billed as "No Excuses".<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/id/19077276/sergey-kovalev-gets-rematch-light-heavyweight-titleholder-andre-ward|title=Andre Ward set to defend title vs. Sergey Kovalev in June - ESPN|work=ESPN|access-date=2017-04-16|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/news/984987-213640144.html|title=Andre Ward vs. Sergey Kovalev rematch set|work=Yahoo Sports|access-date=2017-04-16|language=en-US}}</ref> The ''[[Las Vegas Sun]]'' confirmed the bout would take place at the Mandalay Bay Events Center.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.espn.co.uk/boxing/story/_/id/19077276/sergey-kovalev-gets-rematch-light-heavyweight-titleholder-andre-ward|title=Ward agrees to give Kovalev rematch in June|work=ESPN.com|access-date=2017-04-05}}</ref><ref name="insidehboboxing.com"/> On 10 April, Duva said that there would be no rematch clause in place for a third fight, which meant the winner would not be obliged to fight another rematch.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.boxingscene.com/ward-vs-kovalev-ii-no-rematch-clause-third-fight--115487|title=Ward vs. Kovalev II: No Rematch Clause For Third Fight - Boxing News|website=www.boxingscene.com|date=10 April 2017 |language=en-us|access-date=2017-04-11}}</ref> The fight purses were revealed before the fight with Ward taking a guaranteed $6.5 million and Kovalev, not having a base purse, receiving a percentage of PPV and gate revenue.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.boxingnewsandviews.com/2017/06/16/andre-ward-sergey-kovalev-purses-revealed/|title=Andre Ward, Sergey Kovalev purses revealed|date=2017-06-16|website=Boxing News and Views|access-date=2017-06-17}}</ref>

The fight ended in the eighth round with Ward's victory. At the end of the match, two judges had Ward ahead at 67–66, whilst the third judge had it 68–65 in favour of Kovalev. CompuBox stats showed that Ward landed 80 of 238 punches (34%) whilst Kovalev landed 95 of his 407 thrown (23%).

Ward commended Kovalev in the post-fight interview, "He's a good fighter, and I have nothing but respect for him. First time around, the man is world champion, and he's been on top a long time. I give him credit. He is a great fighter, and when you fight great fighters, you have to raise your game." Kovalev said the fight could have continued, "I don't know. I can't explain it. Not every round, but I thought I was doing very good. I was better, and he was better this fight. I didn't feel like I was getting knocked down with his punches --- I could have continued," Kovalev said. "I didn't feel the punch. This is fighting. We are boxers. Yes, he did punch me, but he didn't hurt me. The fight should have continued."<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.espn.co.uk/boxing/story/_/id/19666302/andre-ward-defeats-sergey-kovalev-eighth-round-tko-retain-light-heavyweight-titles|title=Ward stops Kovalev by eighth-round TKO|work=ESPN.com|access-date=2017-06-20}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.skysports.com/boxing/news/12040/10918982/ward-vs-kovalev-ii-andre-ward-produces-stunning-stoppage-win-over-sergey-kovalev-in-rematch|title=Ward vs Kovalev II: Andre Ward produces stunning stoppage win over Sergey Kovalev in rematch|work=Sky Sports|access-date=2017-06-20|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.boxingscene.com/andre-ward-stops-sergey-kovalev-eight-retain-belts--117657|title=Andre Ward Stops Sergey Kovalev in Eight To Retain Belts - Boxing News|website=www.boxingscene.com|date=17 June 2017 |language=en-us|access-date=2017-06-20}}</ref>

According to [[Yahoo Sports]], the fight generated around 130,000 buys on HBO PPV.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.fightful.com/andre-ward-vs-sergey-kovalev-2-disappoints-greatly-ppv-buys|title=Andre Ward vs. Sergey Kovalev 2 Disappoints Greatly On PPV Buys|date=2017-07-01|work=Fightful.com|access-date=2017-07-03}}</ref> The replay was shown on regular HBO, which averaged 752,000 viewers and peaked at 947,000 during the final round.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.boxingscene.com/ward-kovalev-rematch-replay-peaked-947k-viewers-on-hbo--117984|title=Ward-Kovalev Rematch Replay Peaked at 947K Viewers on HBO - Boxing News|website=www.boxingscene.com|date=28 June 2017 |language=en-us|access-date=2017-07-01}}</ref> The event produced $2,187,340 from 6,366 tickets sold, including complimentary tickets. The number of attendees was announced to be 10,592.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.espn.co.uk/boxing/story/_/id/19845274/rematch-andre-ward-sergey-kovalev-underperforms|title=Ward-Kovalev rematch underperforms at gate|work=ESPN.com|access-date=2017-07-06}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.boxingscene.com/ward-kovalev-rematch-paid-attendance-only-6366--118214|title=Ward-Kovalev Rematch: Paid Attendance Was Only 6,366 - Boxing News|website=www.boxingscene.com|date=5 July 2017 |language=en-us|access-date=2017-07-06}}</ref>

Kovalev spoke to reporters in Russia on 27 June 2017, and confirmed that he would be making changes to his team, which included a new head trainer, meaning he would part ways with [[John David Jackson (boxer)|John David Jackson]], and a new specialist. Due to having issues making the light-heavyweight limit, Kovalev considered moving up to cruiserweight. Reports also suggested that Ward's trainer, Virgil Hunter offered his services to Kovalev.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.boxingscene.com/sergey-kovalev-eyes-new-trainer-move-new-weight-class--117953|title=Sergey Kovalev Eyes New Trainer, Move To New Weight Class - Boxing News|website=www.boxingscene.com|date=27 June 2017 |language=en-us|access-date=2017-07-01}}</ref> On 26 October, Kovalev announced Abror Tursunpulatov as his new trainer. Tursunpulatov was most known for training and developing amateurs, such as the [[Boxing at the 2016 Summer Olympics|2016 Rio Olympic]] Gold medalist [[Fazliddin Gaibnazarov]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.boxingscene.com/sergey-kovalev-smiles-reveals-his-new-trainer--121804|title=Sergey Kovalev Smiles, Reveals His New Trainer - Boxing News|website=www.boxingscene.com|date=26 October 2017 |language=en-us|access-date=2017-10-26}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.espn.co.uk/boxing/story/_/id/21186088/sergey-kovalev-hires-abror-tursunpulatov-new-trainer|title=Kovalev hires Tursunpulatov as new trainer|work=ESPN.com|access-date=2017-10-28}}</ref>

===Second reign as WBO light-heavyweight champion===

====Kovalev vs. Shabranskyy====
On 25 November, Kovalev appeared on ''Boxing After Dark'' against light-heavyweight contender [[Vyacheslav Shabranskyy]] (19–1, 16 KOs) in a scheduled ten-round bout that took place at [[The Theater at Madison Square Garden]] in New York City.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.boxingscene.com/sergey-kovalev-vs-vyacheslav-shabranskyy-set-november-25--120329|title=Sergey Kovalev vs. Vyacheslav Shabranskyy Set For November 25 - Boxing News|website=www.boxingscene.com|date=9 September 2017 |language=en-us|access-date=2017-09-10}}</ref> Kovalev spoke about his consecutive defeats, “I learned a lot from my fights with Andre Ward. When you don’t win and when you suffer adversity, it makes you stronger. It also shows you who your real friends are. I feel like I cleaned out my life and now I’m ready to start fresh. I’m very veexcited to get back in the ring and fight at Madison Square Garden for the first time, and I’m focused on the future. I’m not looking back.”<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.ringtv.com/516443-sergey-kovalev-fight-vyacheslav-shabranskyy-nov-25-new-york/|title=Sergey Kovalev to fight Vyacheslav Shabranskyy on Nov. 25 in New York - The Ring|date=2017-09-09|work=The Ring|access-date=2017-09-10|language=en-US}}</ref> Kovalev told Ringtv that he would not have a lead trainer for the fight.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.badlefthook.com/2017/9/19/16332596/kovalev-to-fight-shabranskyy-without-a-trainer+&cd=2&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=uk|title=Kovalev to fight Shabranskyy without a trainer|work=Bad Left Hook|access-date=2017-09-21}}</ref> On 12 October, Main Events asked the WBO to sanction the fight for their vacant title, following Ward's retirement from boxing. At the time, Shabranskyy was not ranked by WBO in their top 15.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/espn/now?nowId=1-20994011|title=Andre Ward, who announced his retirement in Septem...|date=2017-10-11|website=ESPN.com|access-date=2017-10-28}}</ref> On 26 October, WBO decided to sanction the fight, also meaning the fight would now be a 12-round bout.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.espn.co.uk/boxing/story/_/id/21171972/sergey-kovalev-fight-vyacheslav-shabranskyy-vacant-wbo-light-heavyweight-title|title=Kovalev to fight Shabranskyy for vacant title|work=ESPN.com|access-date=2017-10-28}}</ref> On 15 November, the International Boxing Association announced that they would be sanctioning the fight for their vacant light-heavyweight title. The IBA title was last held by [[Beibut Shumenov]], until he lost to Hopkins in April 2014. Due to Hopkins not paying their sanctioning fees, the title remained vacant.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.boxingsocialist.com/news-videos/kovalev-shabranskyy-now-for-iba-light-heavyweight-world-title/|title=Kovalev-Shabranskyy Now for IBA Light Heavyweight World title {{!}} BoxingSocialist|website=www.boxingsocialist.com|language=en|access-date=2017-11-15}}</ref>

Kovalev regained the WBO title after stopping Shabranskyy in round two. Kovalev knocked Shabranskyy down three times during the fight before it was stopped. Speaking to Max Kellerman of HBO, Kovalev said, "I did it. I worked really hard. Mentally, physically, I'm back. It's my goal to be the best in the division. Last fight I was stopped, it was a decision by the referee. Here tonight was great boxing for me and I love boxing and I am here to make great fights." He also went on to say that he would like unification fights going forward. CompuBox showed that Kovalev landed 50 of 113 punches (44%), this included 25 of 36 power shots in round two and Shabranskyy landed 16 of 71 thrown (23%).<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.espn.co.uk/boxing/story/_/id/21561294/sergey-kovalev-knocks-vyacheslav-shabranskyy-second-round-claim-vacant-light-heavyweight-title|title=Kovalev romps in two, regains 175-pound belt|work=ESPN.com|access-date=2017-11-27}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.boxingscene.com/sergey-kovalev-crushes-shabranskyy-two-results--122805|title=Sergey Kovalev Crushes Shabranskyy in Two, Wins WBO Title - Boxing News|website=www.boxingscene.com|date=26 November 2017 |language=en-us|access-date=2017-11-27}}</ref> According to Nielsen Media Research, the fight averaged 869,000 viewers and peaked at 900,000 viewers.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.boxingscene.com/kovalev-shabranskyy-peaked-900k-viewers-averaged-869k--122917|title=Kovalev-Shabranskyy Peaked at 900K Viewers, Averaged 869K|work=BoxingScene.com|access-date=2017-11-30|language=en-us}}</ref>

====Kovalev vs. Mikhalkin====
Immediately after defeating Shabranskyy, Kovalev stated that he would return to The Theater on 3 March 2018 in the hopes of joining a unification fight with belt holders [[Artur Beterbiev]] (IBF), [[Dmitry Bivol]] (WBA), and Stevenson (WBC).<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.boxingscene.com/sergey-kovalev-wants-box-barrera-on-march-3-msg-theater--122824|title=Sergey Kovalev Wants to Box Barrera on March 3 at MSG Theater - Boxing News|website=www.boxingscene.com|date=26 November 2017 |language=en-us|access-date=2017-11-27}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.boxingscene.com/sullivan-barrera-offered-option-kovalev-bivol--122833|title=Sullivan Barrera To Be Offered The Option of Kovalev or Bivol - Boxing News|website=www.boxingscene.com|date=26 November 2017 |language=en-us|access-date=2017-11-27}}</ref> On 18 December, ESPN reported a deal was close to being made for Kovalev to defend his WBO title against IBO titleholder [[Igor Mikhalkin]] (21–1, 9 KOs), who was on a 10-fight win streak. The fight took place on 3 March 2018, at the Theater at Madison Square Garden on HBO. Initially, Mikhalkin was in talks with contender [[Marcus Browne]] for a final eliminator.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.espn.co.uk/boxing/story/_/id/21806906/light-heavyweight-sergey-kovalev-defend-title-igor-mikhalkin-march-3-madison-square-garden|title=Source: Kovalev to defend title vs Mikhalkin|work=ESPN.com|access-date=2017-12-19}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.boxingscene.com/kovalev-mikhalkin-bivol-barrera-works-33-msg-theater--123568|title=Kovalev-Mikhalkin, Bivol-Barrera in Works for 3/3 at MSG Theater|work=BoxingScene.com|access-date=2017-12-19|language=en-us}}</ref> Kovalev retained his world title and defeated Mikhalkin via TKO in round 7. After the fight, Kovalev said, “This was better work for me than my last fight. It may have looked easy but it was not easy tonight.” According to CompuBox, Kovalev landed 186 of 525 punches (35%) and Mikhalkin landed 43 of his 275 thrown (16%).<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/id/22640069/sergey-kovalev-defeats-igor-mikhalkin-via-7th-round-tko-retain-wbo-light-heavyweight-championship|title=Kovalev defeats Mikhalkin via seventh-round TKO|work=ESPN.com|access-date=2018-03-04}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.boxingscene.com/sergey-kovalev-mikhalkin-seven-results--125875|title=Sergey Kovalev Breaks Down, Stops a Bloody Mikhlakin in Seven|work=BoxingScene.com|access-date=2018-03-04|language=en-us}}</ref> The fight averaged 599,000 viewers and peaked at 674,000 viewers.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.boxingscene.com/kovalev-mikhalkin-watched-by-peak-audience-674000-on-hbo--125954|title=Kovalev-Mikhalkin Watched by Peak Audience of 674,000 on HBO|work=BoxingScene.com|access-date=2018-03-07|language=en-us}}</ref>

==== Kovalev vs. Eleider Álvarez ====
On 18 March, a deal was made for Kovalev to defend his WBO title against Browne at the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden on HBO. A date as early as 23 June was discussed but not finalized.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.boxingscene.com/kovalev-marcus-browne-deal-done-hbo-bout-date-not-set--126337|title=Kovalev-Marcus Browne Deal Done for HBO Bout; Date Not Set|work=BoxingScene.com|access-date=2018-03-19|language=en-us}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.espn.co.uk/boxing/story/_/id/22828190/sergey-kovalev-marcus-browne-reach-terms-summer-fight-new-york|title=Sources: Kovalev, Browne set for summer bout|work=ESPN.com|access-date=2018-03-19}}</ref> On 6 April, Browne was arrested for domestic violence,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.badlefthook.com/2018/4/6/17207366/marcus-browne-arrested-for-domestic-violence+&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk|title=Marcus Browne arrested for domestic violence|work=Bad Left Hook|access-date=2018-04-19}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/u-s-boxer-marcus-browne-arrested-domestic-violence-charges-article-1.3918527|title=Olympic boxer Marcus Browne arrested on domestic violence charges|work=NY Daily News|access-date=2018-04-19|language=en}}</ref> and on 18 April, Kovalev announced he would instead fight longtime WBC mandatory [[Eleider Álvarez]] (23–0, 11 KOs) in the summer of 2018 instead. Michel, promoterfor both Álvarez and Stevenson, was unable to come up with an agreement for a step aside fee for Álvarez to allow Stevenson to fight [[Badou Jack]] in May 2018; Alvarez's manager Stephane Lepine then contacted Main Events for a possible fight.<ref name="BoxingScene.com">{{Cite news|url=https://www.boxingscene.com/kovalev-fight-eleider-alvarez-not-browne-date-venue-tba--127290|title=Kovalev To Fight Eleider Alvarez, Not Browne; Date, Venue TBA|work=BoxingScene.com|access-date=2018-04-19|language=en-us}}</ref> On 4 August, the fight took place at the [[Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City|Hard Rock Hotel & Casino]] in Atlantic City, New Jersey.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.boxingscene.com/kovalev-vs-alvarez-finalized-august-4th-atlantic-city--127992|title=Kovalev vs. Alvarez Finalized For August 4th in Atlantic City|work=BoxingScene.com|access-date=2018-05-10|language=en-us}}</ref>  Álvarez won the fight via TKO in round 7 to claim the WBO title. Álvarez explained that part of the game plan was to wait for Kovalev to tire. Referee David Fields stopped the fight.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.espn.co.uk/boxing/story/_/id/24288462/eleider-alvarez-defeats-sergey-kovalev-knockout-wins-light-heavyweight-title|title='Storm' sighting: Alvarez stuns Kovalev in 7th|work=ESPN.com|access-date=2018-08-10|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.skysports.com/boxing/news/12183/11461832/sergey-kovalev-shocked-by-eleider-alvarez-to-lose-wbo-title|title=Sergey Kovalev shocked by Eleider Alvarez to lose WBO title|work=Sky Sports|access-date=2018-08-10|language=en}}</ref>

After the fight, Duva confirmed there was a rematch clause in the contract, but was unsure if the rematch would take place straight away. Kovalev was hospitalized as a precaution. He thanked his fans for their support, and hinted at retirement. Through a translator, Álvarez said, "Words cannot describe how I feel. I want to thank God and all my fans in Canada and Colombia. This was all for them. It was a two-punch combination [for the final knockdown] that I have been throwing my whole career, and we worked on it in camp. I have always practiced that in camp, and we thought it would work in this camp." CompuBox statistics showed that Kovalev landed 91 punches of 339 thrown (27%) and Álvarez landed 73 of his 251 thrown (29%).<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.boxingscene.com/alvarez-makes-statement-knocks-sergey-kovalev-out-results--130620|title=Alvarez Makes Statement, Knocks Sergey Kovalev Out in Seventh|work=BoxingScene.com|access-date=2018-08-10|language=en-us}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.boxingscene.com/sergey-kovalev-vs-eleider-alvarez-compubox-punch-stats--130621|title=Sergey Kovalev vs. Eleider Alvarez - CompuBox Punch Stats|work=BoxingScene.com|access-date=2018-08-10|language=en-us}}</ref> The fight averaged 731,000 viewers and peaked at 813,000 viewers.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.boxingscene.com/kovalev-alvarez-hbo-doubleheader-peaked-813000-viewers--130692|title=Kovalev-Alvarez HBO Doubleheader Peaked at 813,000 Viewers|work=BoxingScene.com|access-date=2018-08-10|language=en-us}}</ref>

===Third reign as WBO light-heavyweight champion===

====Kovalev vs. Eleider Álvarez II====
On 25 August, Kovalev said he would exercise the rematch clause; according to the contract, the fight needed to occur by February 2019.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.badlefthook.com/2018/8/25/17781558/sergey-kovalev-to-exercise-rematch-clause-against-eleider-alvarez|title=Sergey Kovalev to exercise rematch clause against Eleider Alvarez|work=Bad Left Hook|access-date=2018-09-11}}</ref> Early talks indicated the rematch would take place in December 2018. A stumbling block appeared when HBO confirmed they were not fully committed to airing a rematch between the two fighters.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.badlefthook.com/2018/8/31/17807086/sergey-kovalev-taking-rematch-clause-with-eleider-alvarez-hbo-not-committed|title=Sergey Kovalev taking rematch clause with Eleider Alvarez, HBO not committed|work=Bad Left Hook|access-date=2018-09-11}}</ref> Duva stated at any point competing networks could bid on the bout, but all HBO needed to do was match the highest bid to broadcast the fight.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.boxingscene.com/hbo-not-air-kovalev-alvarez-rematch-negotiations-ongoing--131402|title=HBO Might Not Air Kovalev-Alvarez Rematch; Negotiations Ongoing|work=BoxingScene.com|access-date=2018-09-11|language=en-us}}</ref> On 14 September, it was announced that [[ESPN]] would broadcast the rematch.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.worldboxingnews.net/2018/09/14/alvarez-kovalev-rematch/|title=Eleider Alvarez, Sergey Kovalev agree 2019 rematch|date=2018-09-14|work=WBN - World Boxing News|access-date=2018-09-14|language=en-GB}}</ref> The fight took place on 2 February 2019 at the [[Ford Center at The Star]] in [[Frisco, Texas]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.boxingscene.com/kovalev-alvarez-rematch-head-cowboys-facility-22--131934|title=Kovalev-Alvarez Rematch Could Head to Cowboys' Facility 2/2|work=BoxingScene.com|access-date=2018-09-19|language=en-us}}</ref> Kovalev worked with his new trainer Buddy McGirt for the bout, ending his three-fight run with Tursunpulatov.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/id/25485814|title=Alvarez-Kovalev rematch set for Feb. 2 in Texas|date=2018-12-08|website=ESPN.com|language=en|access-date=2018-12-11}}</ref>

Kovalev regained the WBO title after defeating Álvarez by a 12-round unanimous decision and became a three-time light-heavyweight titleholder. The judges scored 120–108, 116–112, and 116–112 for Kovalev.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.boxingscene.com/kovalev-gets-revenge-outboxes-eleider-alvarez-results--135939|title=Kovalev Gets Revenge, Outboxes Eleider Alvarez For WBO Title|website=BoxingScene.com|date=3 February 2019 |language=en-us|access-date=2019-04-17}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/boxing/news/12183/11626822/sergey-kovalev-beats-eleider-alvarez-in-rematch-by-unanimous-decision|title=Sergey Kovalev beats Eleider Alvarez in rematch by unanimous decision|website=Sky Sports|language=en|access-date=2019-04-17}}</ref>

After the fight, Duva said, "I'm thrilled. It's sweeter when nobody thinks you can do it." On the loss, Álvarez said, "I have no excuses. I know if it went the distance he would be the favorite so I tried to press the fight. I thought I put on a good performance. I don't see myself as a loser, but I do give him credit. He went out and proved he wanted to win the fight." Kovalev gave his training team credit: "This training camp I had help from my team, Buddy and Teddy. Thank you guys for this. They stopped me from overtraining. I saved my energy and I'm happy. We worked on the jab. Always my jab and right hand." According to CompuBox statistics, Kovalev landed 213 of 816 punches (26%), and Álvarez connected with 111 of his 369 shots (30%).<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.espn.co.uk/boxing/story/_/id/25912314|title=Kovalev evens score, regains belt from Alvarez|date=2019-02-03|website=ESPN.com|language=en|access-date=2019-04-17}}</ref>

====Kovalev vs. Yarde====
On 24 August 2019,  Kovalev faced off against British challenger [[Anthony Yarde]], who previously stopped 17 of his 18 opponents, at Traktor Arena in Kovalev's hometown of Chelyabinsk, Russia. Yarde was ranked #1 by the WBO at light-heavyweight.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Kovalev vs Yarde - News, Tape, Ringwalk, TV, Streaming & Tickets|url=https://box.live/fights/kovalev-vs-yarde/|access-date=2021-08-05|website=Box.Live|language=en-US}}</ref>

After 11 rounds, Kovalev knocked out Yarde with a straight left jab, ending the fight via TKO and retaining his WBO and ESP light-heavyweight titles. According to CompuBox, Kovalev landed 223 of his 686 punches (32.5%) while Yarde landed 132 of his 575 punches (23%), the most punches any fighter has landed on Kovalev. After the fight, Kovalev praised Yarde for his toughness, saying that Yarde "will 100% percent become a world champion one day".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://talksport.com/sport/boxing/592155/sergey-kovalev-vs-anthony-yarde-result-ko/|title=Sergey Kovalev survives scare to KO gutsy Anthony Yarde in eleventh round|date=2019-08-24|website=talkSPORT|language=en-US|access-date=2019-10-31}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.boxingscene.com/sergey-kovalev-vs-anthony-yarde-espn-information--141707|title=Sergey Kovalev vs. Anthony Yarde - ESPN+ Information|date=14 August 2019 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Sergey Kovalev-Anthony Yarde - CompuBox Punch Stats|url=https://www.boxingscene.com/sergey-kovalev-anthony-yarde-compubox-punch-stats--141970|access-date=2019-10-31|website=BoxingScene.com|date=24 August 2019 |language=en-us}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/boxing/49462563|title=Sergey Kovalev stops Anthony Yarde to retain WBO world light-heavyweight title|date=2019-08-24|access-date=2019-10-31|language=en-GB}}</ref>

====Kovalev vs. Canelo Álvarez====
{{Main|Canelo Álvarez vs Sergey Kovalev}}Less than three months after beating Yarde, Kovalev faced unified [[middleweight]] champion [[Canelo Álvarez]] on 2 November 2019, who made his debut in the [[light-heavyweight]] division. After a competitive first ten rounds in which Kovalev found success with his jab, Álvarez threw a left hook, straight right combination to stop Kovalev in the eleventh round.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-11-03|title=Canelo produces sensational Knockout of the Year contender to finish Kovalev|url=https://talksport.com/sport/boxing/624503/canelo-vs-kovalev-result-knockout-ko/|access-date=2021-05-20|website=talkSPORT|language=en-US}}</ref>

After the fight, Kovalev suggested that he had always been unlikely to win the fight, due to the grueling schedule of back-to-back training camps which resulted from the short period of time between the Yarde and Álvarez fights, but had agreed to fight the latter regardless due to the high financial incentive, which was reported to be $12 million (£9 million).<ref>{{Citation|title=Сергей Ковалев: Те, кто верил в мою победу над кабанчиком-Канело, профаны| date=17 November 2019 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=udGy3r6gTPY|language=en|access-date=2021-05-20}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-11-02|title=Purses: Canelo to get $35 million, Kovalev $12M|url=https://www.boxingnews24.com/2019/11/purses-canelo-to-get-35-million-kovalev-12m/|access-date=2021-05-20|website=Boxing News 24|language=en-US}}</ref> Álvarez responded by calling Kovalev a "bad loser".<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-11-23|title=Canelo: Kovalev a 'bad loser' for weight excuse|url=https://www.espn.co.uk/boxing/story/_/id/28142209/canelo-alvarez-rips-sergey-kovalev-calls-bad-loser|access-date=2021-05-20|website=ESPN.com|language=en}}</ref>

====Canceled fights vs. Barrera and Melikuziev====
On 5 March 2020, it was announced that Kovalev would return to the ring on 25 April to fight light-heavyweight contender [[Sullivan Barrera]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/id/28840514/sergey-kovalev-back-action-next-month-sullivan-barrera|title=Kovalev to face Barrera on stacked April 25 card|date=2020-03-05|website=ESPN.com|language=en|access-date=2020-03-12}}</ref> The fight was canceled due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]]. Kovalev was next scheduled to fight Bektemir Melikuziev on 30 January 2021,[123] but the fight was canceled after Kovalev tested positive for a banned substance.[124][125]

<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-03-17|title=Kovalev-headlined card canceled amid virus crisis|url=https://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/id/28919001/sergey-kovalev-sullivan-barrera-card-canceled-amid-coronavirus-outbreak|access-date=2021-04-09|website=ESPN.com|language=en}}</ref>

====Cruiserweight debut====
On May 14, 2022, Kovalev finally made his return 2 years after his KO loss to Canelo Alvarez. He fought undefeated Tervel Pulev at the Kia Forum in Inglewood, California. Kovalev outworked Pulev to a unanimous decision with the scores of 98–92, 98–92 and 97–93 to give Pulev his first professional defeat.

==Professional boxing record==
{{BoxingRecordSummary
|draws=1
|nc=
|ko-wins=29
|dec-wins=6
|ko-losses=3
|dec-losses=2
}}
{|class=wikitable style=text-align:center
|-
!{{abbr|No.|Number}}
!Result
!Record
!Opponent
!Type
!Round, time
!Date
!Location
!Notes
|-
|41
|{{no2}}Loss
|{{nowrap|35–5–1}}
|align=left|Robin Sirwan Safar
|UD
|10
|[[Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk|18 May 2024]]
|align=left|{{small|[[Kingdom Arena]], Riyadh, Saudi Arabia}}
|align=left|
|-
|40
|{{yes2}}Win
|35–4–1
|align=left|[[Tervel Pulev]]
|UD
|10
|14 May 2022
|align=left|{{small|[[Kia Forum]], [[Inglewood, California]], US}}
|align=left|
|-
|39
|{{no2}}Loss
|34–4–1
|align=left|[[Canelo Álvarez]]
|KO
|11 (12), {{small|2:15}}
|[[Canelo Álvarez vs. Sergey Kovalev|2 Nov 2019]]
|align=left|{{small|[[MGM Grand Garden Arena]], Paradise, Nevada, US}}
|align=left|{{small|Lost WBO light-heavyweight title}}
|-
|38
|{{yes2}}Win
|34–3–1
|align=left|[[Anthony Yarde]]
|TKO
|11 (12), {{small|2:04}}
|24 Aug 2019
|align=left|{{small|[[Traktor Ice Arena]], [[Chelyabinsk]], Russia}}
|align=left|{{small|Retained WBO light-heavyweight title}}
|-
|37
|{{yes2}}Win
|33–3–1
|align=left|[[Eleider Álvarez]]
|UD
|12
|2 Feb 2019
|align=left|{{small|[[Ford Center at The Star]], [[Frisco, Texas]], US}}
|align=left|{{small|Won WBO light-heavyweight title}}
|-
|36
|{{no2}}Loss
|32–3–1
|align=left|[[Eleider Álvarez]]
|TKO
|7 (12), {{small|2:45}}
|4 Aug 2018
|align=left|{{small|[[Hard Rock Live (Atlantic City)|Etess Arena]], Atlantic City, New Jersey, US}}
|align=left|{{small|Lost WBO and IBA light-heavyweight titles}}
|-
|35
|{{yes2}}Win
|32–2–1
|align=left|[[Igor Mikhalkin]]
|TKO
|7 (12), {{small|2:25}}
|3 Mar 2018
|align=left|{{small|MSG Theater, New York City, New York, US}}
|align=left|{{small|Retained WBO and EBP (Super) light-heavyweight titles}}
|-
|34
|{{yes2}}Win
|31–2–1
|align=left|[[Vyacheslav Shabranskyy]]
|TKO
|2 (12), {{small|2:36}}
|25 Nov 2017
|align=left|{{small|[[The Theater at Madison Square Garden|MSG Theater]], [[New York City, New York]], US}}
|align=left|{{small|Won vacant WBO, IBA, and inaugural [[Eurasian Boxing Parliament|EBP (Super)]] light-heavyweight titles}}
|-
|33
|{{no2}}Loss
|30–2–1
|align=left|[[Andre Ward]]
|TKO
|8 (12), {{small|2:29}}
|[[Andre Ward vs. Sergey Kovalev II|17 Jun 2017]]
|align=left|{{small|Mandalay Bay Events Center, Paradise, Nevada, US}}
|align=left|{{small|For WBA (Undisputed), IBF, WBO, and vacant [[list of The Ring world champions#Light heavyweight|''The Ring'' light-heavyweight titles]]}}
|-
|32
|{{no2}}Loss
|30–1–1
|align=left|[[Andre Ward]]
|UD
|12
|[[Sergey Kovalev vs. Andre Ward|19 Nov 2016]]
|align=left|{{small|[[T-Mobile Arena]], Paradise, Nevada, US}}
|align=left|{{small|Lost WBA (Undisputed), IBF, and WBO light-heavyweight titles}}
|-
|31
|{{yes2}}Win
|30–0–1
|align=left|[[Isaac Chilemba]]
|UD
|12
|11 Jul 2016
|align=left|{{small|Palace of Sporting Games, Yekaterinburg, Russia}}
|align=left|{{small|Retained WBA (Undisputed), IBF, and WBO light-heavyweight titles}}
|-
|30
|{{yes2}}Win
|29–0–1
|align=left|[[Jean Pascal]]
|RTD
|7 (12), {{small|3:00}}
|30 Jan 2016
|align=left|{{small|Bell Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada}}
|align=left|{{small|Retained WBA (Undisputed), IBF, and WBO light-heavyweight titles}}
|-
|29
|{{yes2}}Win
|28–0–1
|align=left|[[Nadjib Mohammedi]]
|KO
|3 (12), {{small|2:38}}
|25 Jul 2015
|align=left|{{small|[[Michelob Ultra Arena|Mandalay Bay Events Center]], Paradise, Nevada, US}}
|align=left|{{small|Retained WBA (Undisputed), IBF, and WBO light-heavyweight titles}}
|-
|28
|{{yes2}}Win
|27–0–1
|align=left|[[Jean Pascal]]
|TKO
|8 (12), {{small|1:03}}
|14 Mar 2015
|align=left|{{small|[[Bell Centre]], [[Montreal, Quebec]], Canada}}
|align=left|{{small|Retained WBA (Super), IBF, and WBO light-heavyweight titles}}
|-
|27
|{{yes2}}Win
|26–0–1
|align=left|[[Bernard Hopkins]]
|UD
|12
|[[Bernard Hopkins vs. Sergey Kovalev|8 Nov 2014]]
|align=left|{{small|Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, US}}
|align=left|{{small|Retained WBO light-heavyweight title;<br />Won [[list of WBA world champions#Light heavyweight|WBA (Super)]] and [[list of IBF world champions#Light heavyweight|IBF light-heavyweight titles]]}}
|-
|26
|{{yes2}}Win
|25–0–1
|align=left|[[Blake Caparello]]
|TKO
|2 (12), {{small|1:34}}
|2 Aug 2014
|align=left|{{small|[[Ocean Casino Resort|Revel Casino Hotel]], Atlantic City, New Jersey, US}}
|align=left|{{small|Retained WBO light-heavyweight title}}
|-
|25
|{{yes2}}Win
|24–0–1
|align=left|[[Cedric Agnew]]
|KO
|7 (12), {{small|0:58}}
|29 Mar 2014
|align=left|{{small|[[Boardwalk Hall]], [[Atlantic City, New Jersey]], US}}
|align=left|{{small|Retained WBO light-heavyweight title}}
|-
|24
|{{yes2}}Win
|23–0–1
|align=left|[[Ismail Sillakh]]
|KO
|2 (12), {{small|2:12}}
|30 Nov 2013
|align=left|{{small|[[Colisée de Québec|Colisée Pepsi]], [[Quebec City, Quebec]], Canada}}
|align=left|{{small|Retained WBO light-heavyweight title}}
|-
|23
|{{yes2}}Win
|22–0–1
|align=left|[[Nathan Cleverly]]
|TKO
|4 (12), {{small|0:29}}
|17 Aug 2013
|align=left|{{small|[[Cardiff International Arena|Motorpoint Arena]], [[Cardiff]], Wales}}
|align=left|{{small|Won [[list of WBO world champions#Light heavyweight|WBO light-heavyweight title]]}}
|-
|22
|{{yes2}}Win
|21–0–1
|align=left|Cornelius White
|TKO
|3 (12), {{small|1:45}}
|14 Jun 2013
|align=left|{{small|Sands Casino Resort, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, US}}
|align=left|
|-
|21
|{{yes2}}Win
|20–0–1
|align=left|[[Gabriel Campillo]]
|KO
|3 (10), {{small|1:30}}
|19 Jan 2013
|align=left|{{small|[[Mohegan Sun Arena]], [[Montville, Connecticut]], US}}
|align=left|
|-
|20
|{{yes2}}Win
|19–0–1
|align=left|Lionell Thompson
|TKO
|3 (10), {{small|0:14}}
|21 Sep 2012
|align=left|{{small|Sands Casino Resort, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, US}}
|align=left|
|-
|19
|{{yes2}}Win
|18–0–1
|align=left|[[Darnell Boone]]
|TKO
|2 (8), {{small|1:32}}
|1 Jun 2012
|align=left|{{small|[[Wind Creek Bethlehem|Sands Casino Resort]], [[Bethlehem, Pennsylvania]], US}}
|align=left|
|-
|18
|{{yes2}}Win
|17–0–1
|align=left|Roman Simakov
|TKO
|7 (12), {{small|0:47}}
|5 Dec 2011
|align=left|{{small|[[Palace of Sporting Games]], Yekaterinburg, Russia}}
|align=left|{{small|Won [[World Boxing Council|WBC]]–[[Asian Boxing Council|ABCO]] light heavyweight title;<br />Simakov died of injuries sustained from the fight<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://boxrec.com/media/index.php/Roman_Simakov|title=Roman Simakov - BoxRec}}</ref>}}
|-
|17
|{{draw}}Draw
|16–0–1
|align=left|Grover Young
|{{abbr|TD|Technical draw}}
|2 (8), {{small|0:08}}
|27 Aug 2011
|align=left|{{small|Playboy Mansion, Beverly Hills, California, US}}
|align=left|{{small|TD after Young could not continue from accidental foul}}
|-
|16
|{{yes2}}Win
|16–0
|align=left|Douglas Otieno Okola
|KO
|2 (10), {{small|2:39}}
|29 Jul 2011
|align=left|{{small|[[Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas]], [[Paradise, Nevada]], US}}
|align=left|{{small|Won vacant [[World Boxing Association|WBA]]–[[North American Boxing Association|NABA]] USA [[light-heavyweight]] title}}
|-
|15
|{{yes2}}Win
|15–0
|align=left|Terrance Woods
|KO
|3 (8), {{small|1:54}}
|6 May 2011
|align=left|{{small|[[Fantasy Springs Resort Casino]], [[Indio, California]], US}}
|align=left|
|-
|14
|{{yes2}}Win
|14–0
|align=left|[[Julius Fogle]]
|KO
|2 (8), {{small|1:16}}
|1 Apr 2011
|align=left|{{small|UIC Pavilion, Chicago, Illinois, US}}
|align=left|
|-
|13
|{{yes2}}Win
|13–0
|align=left|William Johnson
|TKO
|2 (6), {{small|1:53}}
|12 Mar 2011
|align=left|{{small|Hilton Towers Ballroom, [[Lafayette, Louisiana]], US}}
|align=left|
|-
|12
|{{yes2}}Win
|12–0
|align=left|Karen Avetisyan
|{{abbr|UD|Unanimous decision}}
|6
|15 Dec 2010
|align=left|{{small|Casino Vodoley, [[Yekaterinburg]], Russia}}
|align=left|
|-
|11
|{{yes2}}Win
|11–0
|align=left|Dallas Vargas
|TKO
|2 (8), {{small|1:16}}
|19 Nov 2010
|align=left|{{small|[[Credit Union 1 Arena|UIC Pavilion]], [[Chicago, Illinois]], US}}
|align=left|
|-
|10
|{{yes2}}Win
|10–0
|align=left|[[Darnell Boone]]
|{{abbr|SD|Split decision}}
|8
|9 Oct 2010
|align=left|{{small|Metro Fitness, [[Atlanta, Georgia]], US}}
|align=left|
|-
|9
|{{yes2}}Win
|9–0
|align=left|Kia Daniels
|KO
|1 (6), {{small|1:58}}
|11 Sep 2010
|align=left|{{small|Playboy Mansion, Beverly Hills, California, US}}
|align=left|
|-
|8
|{{yes2}}Win
|8–0
|align=left|Harley Kilfian
|TKO
|2 (6), {{small|1:24}}
|19 Jun 2010
|align=left|{{small|Emerald Queen Casino, Tacoma, Washington, US}}
|align=left|
|-
|7
|{{yes2}}Win
|7–0
|align=left|Nathan Bedwell
|TKO
|1 (4), {{small|2:15}}
|19 Mar 2010
|align=left|{{small|Derby Park Expo, [[Louisville, Kentucky]], US}}
|align=left|
|-
|6
|{{yes2}}Win
|6–0
|align=left|Francois Ambang 
|{{abbr|KO|Knockout}}
|2 (6), {{small|2:23}}
|6 Mar 2010
|align=left|{{small|[[EagleBank Arena|Patriot Center]], [[Fairfax, Virginia]], US}}
|align=left|
|-
|5
|{{yes2}}Win
|5–0
|align=left|Micky Stackhouse
|TKO
|2 (4), {{small|1:07}}
|10 Oct 2009
|align=left|{{small|Coliseum Complex, Greensboro, North Carolina, US}}
|align=left|
|-
|4
|{{yes2}}Win
|4–0
|align=left|Ayodeji Fadeyi
|RTD
|1 (4), {{small|3:00}}
|12 Sep 2009
|align=left|{{small|[[Playboy Mansion]], [[Beverly Hills, California]], US}}
|align=left|
|-
|3
|{{yes2}}Win
|3–0
|align=left|Michael Birthmark
|{{abbr|RTD|Corner retirement}}
|1 (4), {{small|3:00}}
|29 Aug 2009
|align=left|{{small|Emerald Queen Casino, [[Tacoma, Washington]], US}}
|align=left|
|-
|2
|{{yes2}}Win
|2–0
|align=left|Darryl Johnson
|TKO
|1 (4), {{small|2:06}}
|8 Aug 2009
|align=left|{{small|[[Columbia, South Carolina#Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center|Convention Center]], [[Columbia, South Carolina]], US}}
|align=left|
|-
|1
|{{yes2}}Win
|1–0
|align=left|Daniel Chavez
|{{abbr|TKO|Technical knockout}}
|1 (4), {{small|0:55}}
|25 Jul 2009
|align=left|{{small|[[Greensboro Coliseum Complex#Greensboro Coliseum|Greensboro Coliseum]], [[Greensboro, North Carolina]], US}}
|align=left|
|}

==Pay-per-view bouts==
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+ United States
|-
! No. !! Date !! Fight !! Billing !! Buys !! Network 
|-
|align=center|1
|{{center|{{dts|2016|November|19|format=mdy}}}}
|'''Kovalev''' vs. '''Ward'''
|[[Sergey Kovalev vs. Andre Ward|Pound for Pound]]
|160,000<ref>{{Cite web|last=Esco|first=Wil|date=2016-11-29|title=Kovalev-Ward does 160,000 buys|url=https://www.badlefthook.com/2016/11/29/13776300/sergey-kovalev-vs-andre-ward-does-160000-ppv-buys|access-date=2021-11-04|website=Bad Left Hook|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2016-11-28|title=Ward-Kovalev does just over 160,000 PPV buys, source says|url=https://www.ringtv.com/475181-ward-kovalev-just-160000-ppv-buys-source-says/|access-date=2021-11-04|website=The Ring}}</ref>
|[[HBO]]
|-
|align=center|2
|{{center|{{dts|2017|June|17|format=mdy}}}}
|'''Ward''' vs. '''Kovalev''' II
| [[Andre Ward vs. Sergey Kovalev II|The Rematch]]
|125,000<ref>{{Cite web|last=Alexander|first=Mookie|date=2017-06-29|title=Andre Ward-Sergey Kovalev rematch flops on PPV|url=https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2017/6/29/15891070/andre-ward-vs-sergey-kovalev-rematch-pay-per-view-flop-boxing-news|access-date=2021-11-04|website=Bloody Elbow|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Esco|first=Wil|date=2017-06-29|title=Ward-Kovalev II predictably flops on PPV|url=https://www.badlefthook.com/2017/6/29/15894350/ward-kovalev-ii-predictably-flops-on-ppv|access-date=2021-11-04|website=Bad Left Hook|language=en}}</ref>
|HBO
|-
!
!
! colspan="2" | Total sales
! 285,000
!
|}

==Felony assault charge==
On June 9, 2018, Kovalev was arrested in [[California]] for punching a woman in the face; the woman suffered a broken nose, a concussion, and a displaced disc in her neck. He was charged with assault likely to cause great bodily injury, which is a [[felony]]; he pleaded not guilty on 27 August 2018, and he was released on $50,000 bail. On 4 April 2019, Kovalev was held to answer for felony assault causing great bodily injury; the Court found that there was enough evidence to proceed to trial on the felony charge. Kovalev was arraigned on 19 April 2019,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/id/25800615/sergey-kovalev-faces-felony-assault-charge-being-accused-striking-woman-june-incident|title=Kovalev facing felony for allegedly hitting woman|date=19 January 2019}}</ref> and was also sued by the victim in San Bernardino County Superior Court.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tmz.com/2019/01/30/sergey-kovalev-boxing-lawsuit-assault-woman-big-bear-dog/|title=Sergey Kovalev Accuser Sues For $8 Mil, You Beat Me & My Dog|website=TMZ|date=30 January 2019 |language=en|access-date=2020-03-12}}</ref>

In January 2020, the accuser filed a new lawsuit against Kovalev in federal court in [[Los Angeles]], alleging that the parties reached a $650,000 settlement in October 2019, but that Kovalev then breached the agreement by not making the agreed-upon payments. Because the original suit was not to be dismissed until Kovalev paid the entire $650,000, that suit also remained active.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2871482-boxer-sergey-kovalev-sued-accused-of-not-fully-paying-650k-assault-settlement|title=Boxer Sergey Kovalev Sued; Accused of Not Fully Paying $650K Assault Settlement|last=Jones|first=Matt|website=Bleacher Report|language=en|access-date=2020-03-12}}</ref>  The victim voluntarily dismissed the breach of contract lawsuit in September 2020, but the original assault lawsuit remained pending and was set for trial beginning in January 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.boxingscene.com/sergey-kovalev-accuser-drops-settlement-lawsuit-criminal-case-ongoing--151528|title=Sergey Kovalev Accuser Drops Settlement Lawsuit; Criminal Case Ongoing|date=6 September 2020 }}</ref>

On October 2, 2020, three days before his felony assault trial was scheduled to begin, Kovalev pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of fighting/noise/offensive words{{Clarify|date=May 2021}} and was sentenced to three years of probation and two days of time served. He was also required to complete an [[anger management]] course and pay court costs. A few weeks later, Kovalev's accuser filed to dismiss her assault lawsuit.<ref>http://openaccess.sb-court.org/OpenAccess/CIVIL/CivilDetails.asp?courtcode=X&casenumber=DS1902333&casetype=CIV&dsn= {{Bare URL inline|date=August 2024}}</ref>{{Failed verification|date=April 2021}}

==See also==
{{commons}}
*[[List of world light-heavyweight boxing champions]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*{{Boxrec|id=505927}}
*[https://box.live/boxers/sergey-kovalev/ Sergey Kovalev - Profile, News Archive & Current Rankings] at [https://Box.Live Box.Live]

{{s-start-collapsible|header={{s-sports}} }}
{{s-text|style=background:#C1D8FF; font-weight: bold;|text=Regional boxing titles}}
|-
{{s-vac|last=[[Byron Mitchell]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[North American Boxing Association|NABA]] USA [[light-heavyweight]] champion
|years=29 July 2011 – December 2011<br />Vacated}}
{{s-vac|next=Anatoliy Dudchenko}}
{{s-bef|before=Roman Simakov}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[World Boxing Council|WBC]]–[[Asian Boxing Council|ABCO]] light-heavyweight champion
|years=5 December 2011 – July 2013<br />Vacated}}
{{s-vac|next=[[Robert Berridge]]}}
{{s-text|style=background:#C1D8FF; font-weight: bold;|text=Minor world boxing titles}}
|-
{{s-vac|last=[[Beibut Shumenov]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=IBA light-heavyweight champion
|years=25 November 2017 – 4 August 2018}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Eleider Álvarez]]}}
{{s-non|reason=Inaugural champion}}
{{s-ttl|title={{abbr|EBP|Eurasian Boxing Parliament}} light-heavyweight champion
|years=25 November 2017 – September 2018<br />Vacated}}
{{s-vac|next=[[Umar Salamov]]}}
{{s-text|style=background:#C1D8FF; font-weight: bold;|text=Major world boxing titles}}
{{s-bef|before=[[Nathan Cleverly]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[List of WBO world champions#Light heavyweight|WBO light-heavyweight champion]]
|years=17 August 2013 – [[Sergey Kovalev vs. Andre Ward|19 November 2016]]}}
{{s-aft|rows=3|after=[[Andre Ward]]}}
{{s-bef|rows=2|before=[[Bernard Hopkins]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[List of WBA world champions#Light heavyweight|WBA light-heavyweight champion]]<br />[[WBA (Undisputed)|Undisputed title]]
|years=8 November 2014 – 19 November 2016<br />{{small|[[WBA (Super)|Super title]] until March 2015}}}}
|-
{{s-ttl|title=[[List of IBF world champions#Light heavyweight|IBF light-heavyweight champion]]
|years=8 November 2014 – 19 November 2016}}
|-
{{s-vac|last=Andre Ward}}
{{s-ttl|title=WBO light-heavyweight champion
|years=25 November 2017 – 4 August 2018}}
{{s-aft|after=Eleider Álvarez}}
{{s-bef|before=Eleider Álvarez}}
{{s-ttl|title=WBO light-heavyweight champion
|years=2 February 2019 – 2 November 2019}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Canelo Álvarez]]}}
{{s-end}}

{{Ring magazine Fighter of the Year}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Kovalev, Sergey}}
[[Category:1983 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Russian male boxers]]
[[Category:People from Kopeysk]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from Chelyabinsk]]
[[Category:World Boxing Organization champions]]
[[Category:World Boxing Association champions]]
[[Category:International Boxing Federation champions]]
[[Category:World light-heavyweight boxing champions]]
[[Category:21st-century Russian sportsmen]]