Eleider Alvarez (24-0, 12 KO's) shocked the light heavyweight division in August of 2018 in Atlantic City by knocking out the former light heavy weight title holder Sergey "The Krusher" Kovalev (32-3, 28 KO's) in the seventh round after being behind on the cards. See video below.
The Russian Kovalev had just retained his WBO belt from Vyacheslav Shabranskyy (19-1) after losing all three belts which included the WBA and IBF title to Andre Ward (32-0, 16 KO's). In the rematch, Kovalev also lost to Ward again, but this time it was by a TKO.
Prior to this fight at the Star, Kovalev had lost his WBO title to Alvarez, and he quickly utilized his right to an immediate rematch.
Alvarez, the current champion of the WBO belt who is signed with Top Rank Promotions, will defend his title at The Star in Frisco, Texas, the home of the Dallas Cowboys training facility on February 2, 2019, the day before the Super Bowl.
Kovalev the Krusher is now determined to get his title back but he will have his hands full against the Colombian Alvarez.
Alvarez has heard comments from Kovalev that the reason he got knocked out was because he had overtrained. And because of this statement by Kovalev, Alvarez is now even more motivated to defend his light heavy weight title.
For this fight, Kovalev will have new trainer Buddy McGirt in his corner which should bring a new element of his fighting style to the ring. "I will look to take back my title and put on a great show for the fans," Kovalev said. Kovalev went on to say, "Together with my new trainer, Buddy McGirt, I will be ready for Alvarez."
Not only will the main event be a fantastic fight, but the Top Rank card will include a WBO featherweight title fight between Oscar Valdez (24-0, 19 KOs) against Carmine “Mr. Wolf” Tomassone (19-0, 5 KOs). In addition to this, there will be another title fight between Richard Commey vs. Isa Chaniev for a vacant IBF lightweight belt.
And, the sensational Teofimo Lopez (11-0, 9 KOs), the 2018 Prospect of the Year by ESPN.com, will fight former world title challenger Diego Magdaleno (31-2, 13 KOs).
Alvarez and Kovalev will be shown on ESPN, 10 p.m. ET, with the full card streaming on ESPN+ beginning at 7 p.m. ET.
Promoted by Top Rank, Main Events and Krusher Promotions, in association with Groupe Yvon Michel, tickets are priced at $225, $165, $85, $55, and $25 (including facility fees) are on sale now and can be purchased at SeatGeek.com.
7 p.m. – 10 p.m. — ESPN+ — Undercard Fights
10 p.m. – 12 a.m. — ESPN / ESPN Deportes — Oscar Valdez vs. Carmine Tommasone & Richard Commey vs. Isa Chaniev
12 a.m. — ESPN+ — Eleider Alvarez vs. Sergey Kovalev 2 & Teofimo Lopez vs. Diego Magdaleno