Sergey Kovalev vs. Blake Caparello & Brandon Rios vs. Diego Gabriel Chaves RBR

Round 3

Vargas is circling and jabbing, leaving a deep moat around Novikov. Pressure from Novikov with lead right hooks and diving lefts on the body, some getting through while Vargas is sidestepping. Vargas begins to dart in and score with his jab some more after an offensive lull of nearly a full minute, reasserting himself as ring general late on.

10-9 Vargas but the best for Novikov, actually really close.

30-27 Vargas

 

Round 4

Vargas is using the full ring sans the ropes, creating an invisible square within a square and minding his right angles, jabbing and leaning back. Novikov is stalking, throwing his lead right hook on the first step and dropping the back knee as he throws his left hand at Vargas' body.

10-9 Novikov, wicked close

39-37 Vargas

 

Round 5

Vargas lands a quick step-to jab to set up a right cross, stunning Novikov! Follow-up double left hook by Vargas. The Russian is knocked back a step but comes directly toward Vargas again, undeterred, throwing right jabs and drawing the bow on big telegraphed left hands that Vargas is able to dodge with quick feet. Vargas is starting to let up in the final minute, backing away with Novikov pouring the pressure on. Vargas is knocked into the ropes by a left hand and uses the involuntary momentum to quicken his pace and get away.

10-9 Vargas

49-46 Vargas