I like Kovalev, but for a dude with a ring death in his past

Wow, surprised to see so many people agreeing that Kovalev is a "thug" or whatever. Personally, I don't care how he acts as long as he fights within the rules. At the end of the day it's two guys beating each other about the face and head trying to inflict massive damage. While sportsmanship is expected, it's hardly required.

Can you imagine how hated he would be if he was black?

 

One things for sure, Kovalev is not a nice guy.

I've been following his career for a while now, and in most of his fights he's taunting his opponent.

He's taunted Boone, he's stuck his tounge out vs Lionel Thompson, he did the pelvic thrust to cleverly before dropping him, and then he kept antagonizing Sillakh before and afte the knockout.

 

You can tell he's still bitter about his amateur career in Russia, and how everyone overlooked him back then.

Even when asked how the media treats him back home, he said it didn't matter to him

 

He's a genuine russian ice cold killer. beware!

 

As long as he fights clean and keeps it in the ring, or between his opponents I have no problems with it. Or with flipping off people who booed his anthem. As someone else said, he isnt in there to make friends.

So far everyone he has taunted, he has had good reason to do so. Boxing is largely mental, and the squared circle is no stranger to taunts or trash talk or other mind games between opponents. I dont consider it a measure of character at all. After all hes antagonizing another man about his size, who just happens to to be trying to pound his skull in.

Guys like Kovalev are fine, the ones that **** me off are the woman beaters.

 

Coming from a Haye and Chisora fan

 

From Russia without love. He's not a nice guy. Not many Russians are. They can be cold and mean.

I finally got a translation on what Kovalev said to Sillakh in the middle of the first round:

"You're a runner, huh?"

 

I think he is a bit of a nutter to be honest, so far he didn't indicate that he is a lose cannon outside the ring, so he is fine by me

 

You probably shouldn't talk about things you don't know enough about.

Kovalev was deeply affected by Simakov's tragic death. He flew Simakov's family out for the services. He gave them his entire next purse (at least, if not more). He went into a depression and was on the verge of retiring from the sport.

The audience in the UK were probably assholes. Sillakh is a known *******. Kovalev and him had history.

 

wow. sorry to hear that IB. The man has deep feelings, and that can be a good thing, as long as hes in a good mood...... and your not the next one in the ring with him:hey

 

Sorry, but all of your examples suck.

In the interview about Cleverly he was obviously attempting in his still broken English to quote from Rocky IV.

Sillakh deserved no sportsmanship. That **** was personal.

If the Welsh fans were excessively heckling or antagonizing Kovalev, his response is between him and them and has very little to do with 'sportsmanship', now, does it?

 

Apparently the bad guy image is good box office.

 

Kovalev is a true ice cold killer. The ring death wasn't his fault and his REALNESS is refreshing with so many fake boxers around.