Sergey Kovalev faced some of the best fighters on the planet during his storied career, including Canelo Alvarez and Andre Ward.
The Russian known as ‘Krusher’ held multiple light heavyweight world titles including the WBO, IBF, and WBA belts and had an aggressive fighting style and powerful punching ability that made him one of the most formidable boxers in his division.
He has notable fights with Andre Ward in 2016 and 2017. The closely fought first contest saw Ward win by contentious unanimous decision. It led to a rematch which Ward won more comprehensively by technical knockout in the eighth round.
Kovalev went on to face Canelo in November 2019 for the WBO light heavyweight title but lost by stoppage in the 11th round to make Alvarez a four-division champion.
Speaking to FIghtHubTV, he was asked if Canelo was a better fighter than Ward, who has been retired since his second victory over Kovalev.
“100%. Because Ward was maybe better at super middle, but not light heavy. Canelo fights everybody, he has stamina, good legs, he has speed, IQ, everything.
He was then asked if he respected Canelo, who has recently beaten fighters such as Edgar Belanga, Jamie Munguia and Callum Smith, and is continually linked with big fights with the likes of Terence Crawford and David Benavidez.
“Yes, because his mentality is closer to my mentality. He follows his dreams and takes the risk.”
