World Champion, Sergey Kovalev, Issues Challenge To Bernard Hopkins; Gets No Response

The undefeated WBO light heavyweight world champion, Sergey Kovalev (24-0-1, 22 KO’s) will be defending his boxing title on August 02, 2014 against undefeated Australian, Blake Caparello, in Atlantic City, New Jersey.  Although Caparello is a very respectable (19-0, 6 KO’s), this HBO boxing fight is nothing to brag about.  The Russian world champion is already interested in cementing himself as a legend killer as he issues a bold challenge to Bernard Hopkins, while over looking Caparello altogether.

Kovalev’s challenge to Hopkins was very simply put as “Any time, any place.”  Of all the boxing champions in the sport who are currently active, Hopkins is the most interesting one since he is the holder of the IBF and WBA light heavyweight titles.  A unification bout between Sergey and Bernard would generate a huge buy rate for pay per view boxing without the use of Floyd Mayweather, Manny Pacquiao, Miguel Cotto, or even Canelo Alvarez.  Kovalev and Hopkins are two of the elite boxing champions in the light heavyweight division and their match up would be epic compared to any other light heavyweight title fights in the near future.  But so far, neither Bernard Hopkins or his handlers have responded to Sergey Kovalev’s challenge.

Unfortunately, pro boxing has seen and continues to see its share of matches that just don’t get made.  Boxing fights like Floyd Mayweather vs Manny Pacquiao not happening are a great example of this.  But getting back to Kovalev and Hopkins, this match up is probably far from happening as Sergey Kovalev is promoted by Kathy Duva and Main Events (who are exclusive to HBO boxing).  Bernard Hopkins is exclusive to Showtime boxing but it is not clear whether he is with Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions or with Al Haymon and Richard Schaefer (who might end up forming their own boxing promotion).

Although Sergey should focus on his undefeated challenger before looking at Hopkins, it’s a pretty safe bet that the Russian will most likely destroy his Australian foe and itch for a big money fight as soon as possible.  With Adonis Stevenson leaving HBO boxing altogether to avoid Sergey Kovalev, will Bernard Hopkins show the world that he is still a force to be reckoned with in the light heavyweight division? Or will Hopkins do what other Al Haymon fighters do and that’s stay away from top level competition?

TRENDING FIGHTERS: Sergey Kovalev, Bernard Hopkins, Oscar De La Hoya, Manny Pacquiao, Floyd Mayweather, Miguel Cotto, Sergio Martinez, Canelo Alvarez