Sergey Kovalev vs Artur Beterbiev: Power-punching Russian light-heavyweights call for May unification war
The WBO and IBF champions have talked up a potential meeting in 2019
Sergey Kovalev and Artur Beterbiev want to unify their light-heavyweight titles in May.
The Russian power punchers have both made public statements in recent weeks, calling for a bout to bring their belts together.
Kovalev regained his WBO strap from Eleider Alvarez on February 2, prompting the IBF champion to react.
On Canadian show Les Partants, Beterbiev said: "Now he has a belt, I have a belt. It's a good time, a good fight.
“A unification fight is a big fight. Let's do it, let's do it Kovalev, we can fight!"
Sergey Kovalev then responded to Artur Beterbiev’s call-out, insisting that this is a fight he wants next.
In a statement posted to social media, he wrote: “Returning from vacation, I decided to make a post while we are flying in an airplane to dispel your doubts about the battle with Arthur Beterbiev
“I want to make my next fight as early as possible. And the actual possible date of the battle, this is the month of May.
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“The fight with Beterbiev is the most expected and one of the most interesting fights for boxing fans and for my self.
“We keep the plan and I am ready to enter the ring against any light heavyweight fighter, including Artur Beterbiev, if my team deems it necessary, the fight in May will be against him.
“If our plan does not include the May fight against Artur, then it will be later. But this fight will definitely be, I assure you.”