Kovalev vs Mohammedi

Sergey Kovalev will make his return to the ring after an odd purse bid saw him pullout of a fight with lineal light heavyweight champion, Adonis Stevenson, as it appeared Stevenson would win the purse bid and the fight would not happen on HBO, meaning that Kovalev’s promoter, Main Events, would be sued by the network.

Kovalev will now defend his IBF light heavyweight title against IBF mandatory challenger Nadjib Mohammedi as part of a HBO card from Las Vegas, NV on July 18th. Kovalev last fought Jean Pascal earlier this year as well as defeated Bernard Hopkins late last year as this fight appears to be more to satisfy the sanctioning body to keep the belt.

Mohammedi is a French fighter who is largely unknown state side who has a record that is hard to assess. The most telling thing about Mohammedi is when he has fought guys close to the top of the division he has struggled meaning this fight might be a major step up.
Taken from http://itrboxing.com/2015/05/09/sergey-kovalev-vs-nadjiib-mohammedi-july-18th-for-ibf-title/

Gutted as thought we'd finally get to see him face against Stevenson, does seem a strange situation though.

comment by John Locke (U1204)

posted on 9/5/15

Kova is contracted to HBO, Haymon would've won the purse bid for Stevenson and Kova would've had to fight on one of his PBC cards. What a shame, it's one of the most explosive fights that can be made in boxing.

comment by derbymanc (U18914)

Doesn't that suggest though that we'll never get to see this though John or am I being overly negative.

It's a massive shame for the fans again.

Yeah we probably won't get to see it. The demand for it isn't big enough for them to compromise a deal like Pac vs Floyd.

Beterbiev vs Stevenson is the next best thing. Beterbiev is with Haymon so the fight can be made.