Kovalev vs Chilemba Results From Russia (spoiler)

For a fighter known for his incredible knockout percentage – 26 KOs in his 29 fights coming into Monday – Kovalev had to settle for out-pointing the challenger on the judges scorecards on Monday, partially due to Chilemba’s tremendous chin and partially due to a strong game plan from the challenger.

Sergey Kovalev retained his WBA, IBF, and WBO titles today with a decision win over Isaac Chilemba. Kovalev, 33, cruised for much of the final four rounds.

The Kovalev vs. Chilemba fight took place at the DIVS Sports Palace in Ekaterinburg, Russia.

Kovalev, 174.5 lbs of Kopeysk, Russia won by scores of 117-110, 116-111, 118-109 and is now 30-0-1.

Kovalev’s management can’t be too happy about his performance tonight against Chilemba, because it showed that he’s not ready for the likes of Andre Ward by a long shot. Kovalev at least got a fighter that helped expose his weaknesses so that he can improve ahead of the Ward fight.

“I am going to teach him some manners and in the process make history by becoming the first African fighter to win three titles in one night”. A young Andre Ward would have had an easy time beating Kovalev tonight. Chilemba’s nose was bleeding and he looked in bad shape.

Chilemba was hurt again late in the eighth round after being caught with a left to the chin but Kovalev, looking exhausted, allowed his opponent to grow in confidence in round ten. Afterward the fight, the Russian stoically stated he now waits for Ward.

Chilemba has never been stopped despite having three losses on his record and showed his toughness by not only recovering, but once again showing the tenacity to take the fight to the champion who visibly exhausted in the later rounds.