‘The Krusher’ Sergey Kovalev made his return to the ring last night, following his back-to-back defeats against Andre Ward.
Kovalev was aiming to win back the WBO world light heavyweight championship, against the Ukranian, Shabranskyy in The Theater in Madison Square Garden.
Kovalev picked up right where he left off prior to his two meetings with Ward, coming out aggressively, stalking his prey and landing a series of hurtful blows.
A right hand had Shabranskyy on the canvas in the opening minutes and more punishment was to follow.
He gallantly rose to his feet but it was evident, the 30-year old contender was still hurt. Kovalev jumped all over his opponent once more and a hook-uppercut combination had Vyacheslav Shabranskyy back on the canvas.
The second round was more of the same; but Shabranskyy could do little to hold off his Russian counterpart’s onslaught as he repeatedly landed hard punches to the body and head.
Another right hand had sent Shabranskyy crashing to the canvas once more. Somehow, the bout was allowed to continue and the Ukranian had to endure a series of heavy handed blows, while out on his feet. Before, the referee decided to call a halt to the action.
The victor of the bout, said following the fight said “I worked very hard to return to champion status. I reloaded my brain, my mental conditioning and my body – I’m back.
“It’s my goal to be the best, I am ready to fight for all the titles and unify the division. I love boxing and I am here to make great fights.
“I am happy that the belts have different owners, it makes boxing interesting, we can make good fights for boxing fans.
“I’m ready for any champion, Bivol, Beterbiev, anyone, let’s do it, I’m ready.”
“I want to find out who is the best in the light-heavyweight division.”
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