Kovalev-Alvarez Rematch Coming to ESPN in Early 2019
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*(Sept. 14, 2018*) — Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev and Eleider “Storm” Alvarez
lit up the Atlantic City Boardwalk in a pitched battle last month. The two
will renew acquaintances early next year live on a Top Rank on ESPN card as
part of a co-promotion with Main Event and Krusher Promotions, in
association with Groupe Yvon Michel.
Alvarez knocked down Kovalev three times in the seventh round and scored a
TKO to capture the WBO light heavyweight title in a shocking upset. Kovalev
led on all three judges’ scorecards at the time of the stoppage and hopes
to pick up where the first six rounds left off.
“We are very happy to be joining forces with Top Rank and ESPN for what we
expect will be another exciting and historic fight,” said Kathy Duva, CEO
of Main Events. “Sergey was clearly winning his first bout with Alvarez
when he just got caught. It happens. Congratulations to Alvarez for his
spectacular performance, but Sergey is a warrior. He let me know that he is
anxious to avenge this loss as soon as possible. We are looking forward to
the new year!”
“Bringing this marquee rematch to boxing fans on ESPN is a great way to
start 2019,” said Top Rank President Todd duBoef. “The light heavyweight
division is loaded, and both Kovalev and Alvarez have fan-friendly styles
that will make for another gripping fight.”
Added Burke Magnus, ESPN Executive Vice President of Programming and
Scheduling: “This has been an exciting year for boxing on ESPN, and the
Kovalev-Alvarez rematch is another example of the world-class caliber of
events we look forward to continuing to showcase on Top Rank on ESPN in
2019.”
Kovalev (32-3-1, 28 KOs) established himself as one of this generation’s
preeminent light heavyweight champions with nine title defenses across two
title reigns. He first won the WBO title in August 2013, traveling to Wales
and knocking out hometown champion Nathan Cleverly in the fourth round. He
became the unified champion in November 2014 with a dominating 12-round
decision against future Hall of Famer Bernard Hopkins and further enhanced
his résumé with a pair of knockout wins against former lineal light
heavyweight champion Jean Pascal. Kovalev lost the title via controversial
decision loss to Andre Ward in November 2016. After dropping the rematch
via eighth-round TKO, Kovalev recaptured the WBO title with a second-round
TKO against Vyacheslav Shabranskyy in November of last year. He defended
the title once before the first Alvarez bout.
Alvarez (24-0, 12 KOs), a former Colombian amateur standout who resides in
Montreal, is a nine-year pro with a host of A-list names on his résumé,
including: Kovalev, Pascal, and former super middleweight world champion
Lucian Bute. The Kovalev triumph is the signature victory on his record.
Come 2019, Alvarez hopes it’s repeat rather than revenge.
Use the hashtag #AlvarezKovalev to join the conversation on social media.
