LAS VEGAS — Mandatory challenger Nadjib Mohammedi waited a full year for his shot against WBO, WBA and IBF light-heavyweight champion Sergey Kovalev.
Mohammedi’s moment of truth would last less than three full rounds.
Kovalev’s precision and power resulted in two knockdowns and a dominant TKO stoppage at the Mandalay Bay. Mohammedi’s only advantage was handspeed, which Kovalev nullified with stiff counter rights over the challenger’s guard. Kovalev’s right began and ended the second round knockdown sequence, while a straight left concluded the final knockdown in the third. Mohammedi later claimed the final left hand he received resulted in a thumb to the eye.
In his post-fight interview, Kovalev confirmed preliminary talks are in place to face Andre Ward next year. Kovalev’s promoter Main Events is aiming for a November 28 bout in Russia, preferably against Artur Beterbiev. Advised by Al Haymon and fighting under the Premier Boxing Champions brand, a Kovalev-Beterbiev fight will likely prove to be a difficult negotiation. Previously, Haymon and Main Events failed to come to terms for Kovalev to face PBC fighter and WBC linear champion Adonis Stevenson.
PASCAL WINS CONTROVERSIAL DECISION OVER GONZALEZ: The fight of the night without question. Gonzalez stormed out landing heavy power shots and buckled Pascal several times in the early rounds. Gonzalez appeared much stronger, but Pascal gained his bearings and clawed back in with his own brutal shots, most notably stunning Gonzalez in rounds 6 and 10. I scored the fight 96-94 for Gonzalez, preferring the Cuban’s aggression and consistent work in backing up Pascal and forcing clinches. The judges had it unanimous for Pascal with the same score, meaning they favored Pascal’s higher accuracy and counter-punching. Gonzalez was in tears after the verdict, but his effort ensures he’s a player in the division. I’d prefer a return bout between these two over Pascal getting a rematch (and another severe beating) from Kovalev.
Beats, Boxing and Mayhem 