I think at this point Kovalev would be much better of if he started boxing in Russia and build himself as a big mainstream star there, he should sign with Ryabinski. The only reason why he went to the USA in the first place was because he wasn't getting much attention in Russia and had to build himself a name in boxing elsewhere. But now he is already established and Ryabinsky could help him become a mainstream star and a household name in Russia which is a huge market. Look at how big Povetkin and Lebedev are and Kovalev is on an even higher level right now. I think he should just play the Russian patriotism card and win the Russian public over, he should fight in Russia and sell out the arenas. Kovalev is never going to be a big star in the USA, the 150k PPV proves this. He also got robbed by the American judges. His American promoters only gave him 2 million dollars while his opponent who wasn't the champ and wasn't the A-side earned 5 millions. He got stiffed and robbed. Ryabinski fighter Povetkin is the A-side on the other hand and guys like Wilder and even Klitschko have to fight him in his backyard. If Ward had to fight Povetkin (assuming they were in the same division) he would have to fly his ass over to Russia and bow down to all the demands. European fighters should realize that there's no point in going to USA anymore. Look at how big Joshua and Klitschko are in Europe while Kovalev and GGG are fringe and hardly known to the general public in the USA. Boxing has become a niche sport in the USA and European boxers were never draws there in the first place.
Yes he should. As much as I admire Duva for what she has done for Kovalev he should be a much bigger name and better paid fighter than what he has been up to now. The fact a charmless fighter who can't sell out a gymnasium in his own street got twice as much as Kovalev would make me start asking questions to be honest.
Yeah, I don't really have anything against Duva but at this point Kovalev should just move on and return home.
Also whilst I like and respect JDJ and think he's currently one of the best if not the best trainers out there I'm baffled at some of the things I've heard him come out with. Such as Kovalev could have been fitter or needs to be in better condition and their plan was to outbox Ward.... I had Kovalev winning 116-111 but it's JDJ's job to get SK in the best shape possible and he should have him boxing but looking for the KO as opposed to trying to just outbox Ward.
I think JDJ took the killer instincts away from Kovalev. Kovalev should have gone for the kill in the 3rd round but instead he cruised thinking that he's winning the fight because Ward wasn't getting any decisive rounds.
Kovalev seems like an honorable man, I doubt he would screw over his promoter, the only one who was willing to give him an opportunity. Besides ME promotions is not responsible for the bigotry and collusion and economic discrimination fighters like Kovalev have to endure. Everyone one of these guys running to Ryabinsky would just create another regional monopoly that would serve to further fracture the sport.
