Sergey Kovalev Interview: “I Want to Destroy this Guy”
By: Matthew N. Becher
Sergey Kovalev will attempt to redeem his lone defeat against Andre Ward on June 17th, Live on HBO Pay per view. Kovalev has been very outspoken in the media about his disdain for Ward and that he felt ‘Cheated’ out of his titles the first time they fought. We were able to briefly speak with Sergey as he is entrenched in the middle of his training camp in California.
Photo Credit: HBO BOxing
Boxing Insider: What was running through your mind when the judges read all 3 scorecards were for Ward?
Sergey Kovalev: When I hear him say ‘and the new…’ I could not believe what I was hearing.
Boxing Insider: What do you need to do different in this fight to make sure you win?
Sergey Kovalev: I was “over-trained’ for my first fight against Andre Ward. I did three work outs a day. I tried to do everything faster, more, and stronger. Instead of running five miles, I did eight miles. I did more than I usually do all the time. I over-trained.This time I do everything less, more smart.
Boxing Insider: The last time we spoke I asked “do you think you can actually knock Andre Ward out?”…you answered, “I don’t know”. Nowthat you have fought him, can you knock out Andre Ward?
Sergey Kovalev: This is boxing, anything can happen. Do I wish to knock him out? Sure. We will see on June 17 on HBO PPV
Boxing Insider: What are some things that impressed you with the way Ward fights?
Sergey Kovalev: (No answer)
Boxing Insider: Will you change anything in this training camp compared to the last?
Sergey Kovalev: My preparation right now is doing great, much better than last time because I took care of all the mistakes I did last two fights. Two last fights I was over-trained, for Chilemba and for Ward, and I fought similar. But this training camp I am doing everything very good. I am doing the same training, but less.
Boxing Insider: What are your true feelings about Andre Ward, is it hate, respect, etc.?
Sergey Kovalev: I do not like this guy. I want to destroy this guy as a boxer, as a champion. For me he is not a champion, he’s a fake champion.
Boxing Insider: If you do win this rematch, would you make Ward fight outside of his comfort zone?
Sergey Kovalev: Let’s see first what happens on June 17th. First of all I must get back my belts, we’ll see what will happen after this.
Boxing Insider: Since he missed your HBO Faceoff, Is there any message you’d like to send to Andre Ward right now?
Sergey Kovalev: He’s playing with me, but what’s broken you makes you only stronger right? I only care that I should beat him on June 17 and get back my belts.