Sergey Kovalev (35-5-1, 29 KOs) prepares to bid farewell to boxing when he faces Artur Mann (22-4, 13 KOs) in his hometown of Chelyabinsk, Russia. The bout, which forms part of the IBA Champions tournament, will be streamed free on Boxing News’ YouTube and Facebook channels, starting at 12:30 pm ET.
Kovalev says this final outing at age 42 is the perfect way to end a 16-year pro career that saw him unify the WBO, IBF, and WBA light heavyweight titles. Known for ferocious power and memorable victories over names like Nathan Cleverly and Bernard Hopkins, Kovalev’s only true career stumbling blocks arrived against Andre Ward and Canelo Alvarez in high-profile fights. Facing Artur Mann, a German-based Kazakh who competes at 175 pounds, Kovalev is determined to leave fans with one last emphatic display. “Artur Mann is a strong opponent,” he stated, “and I’m excited to put on a show for those who have supported me throughout my career.”
Watch this event live here: Watch
For those tuning in from the United States and United Kingdom, the promoter has confirmed there will be no paywall. The decision to make the stream free came from collaboration with international broadcast partners, including Boxing News. IBA Pro CEO Al Siesta emphasized the importance of providing a global audience with a cost-free farewell, especially for a fighter like Kovalev, who has delivered drama and intrigue in each major appearance. Capping off his final fight on home soil in front of friends and family makes it all the more special for “Krusher,” whose destructive knockout style once held the boxing world captive.
Fight card:
▪️Sergey Kovalev vs. Artur Mann, 10 rounds, cruiserweight
▪️Timur Bibilov vs. Joshua Wasike, 10 rounds, cruiserweight
▪️Akhmadshokh Makhmadshoev vs. Artem Pugach, 6 rounds, welterweight
▪️Albina Moldazhanova vs. Nuriyat Alibekova, 6 x 2 rounds, welterweight
▪️Karen Soloviev vs. Islam Koloev, 6 rounds, super lightweight
▪️Tamerlan Kasymov vs. Kamil Radzhabov, 6 rounds, welterweight
▪️Luis Miguel Bayona vs. Valery Danilogorsky, 4 rounds, super welterweight
