Alvarez-Kovalev II Official for Feb. 2

Sergey Kovalev will attempt to regain the WBO Light Heavyweight Title on Feb. 2, when he challenges the man who beat him for the title, Eleider Alvarez, at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas.

The two previously met in Atlantic City this past August in a bout that Alvarez was in complete control in after six rounds. But in the seventh, Alvarez dropped Kovalev to score a shocking, come-from-behind knockout to claim the title.

“I will look to take back my title and put on a great show for the fans,” Kovalev said. “Together with my new trainer, Buddy McGirt, I will be ready for Alvarez.”

Kovalev originally won the WBO title in 2013 by beating Nathan Cleverly, and he picked up the WBA and IBF Titles by defeating Bernard Hopkins in November 2014. He lost the titles, and a 31-fight unbeaten streak, to Andre Ward in November 2016, and he lost the subsequent June 2017 rematch.

Kovalev defeated Vyacheslav Shabranskyy in November 2017 to win back the WBO Title and made one defense before the upset loss to Alvarez.

Alvarez is unbeaten at 24-0.

“The fact that Kovalev said it was a mistake and that I was lucky is motivation for me,” Alvarez said. “He is a sore loser, and I will make sure there will be a second ‘accident.’ I expect Kovalev to be stronger in that second fight. I expect the best Kovalev because he won’t underestimate me this time, but I am fully aware of this. I am able to be even better than in the last fight.'”

Original Story: Boxing Scene