Krusher is fighting a young guy with only 6 fights at a catch weight of 178. Bektemir is a former silver medalist but is Sergei still too much for him even as he declines?
This is the fight I'm most excited for this month. A real crossroads battle between Kovalev and Bektemir. I think Kovalev still has enough in the tank to outpoint Bek over the distance, plus the fight is in Russia.
Kovalev should win this one. The question is how much does Kovalev have left in the tank and has he been drinking??? I'm surprised this fight got made but I'm glad it did. Bek is aggressive and fun to watch. He seems to have power and good control of distance, but he sometimes leaves himself open. I don't think I've ever seen him throw a jab. Kovalev is the better technician and should be able to fight long and keep Bek on the outside. But.. if Bek can get inside and maul Kovalev, it's questionable as to if Kovalev can take it at this point in his career. I am greatly looking forward to this fight.
I find this a strange matchup for Kovalev at this point. It's almost a gatekeeper fight for Sergei and if he loses it's certainly over. If he's as degraded as I think he is the young kid will stop him.
