The WBC heavyweight eliminator between the age-old Russian former light heavyweight leader Sergey Kovalev (35-4-1, 29 KOs) and ex-South African contender Tabiso Mchunu (23-6, 13 KOs) may take place on April 29 at the opening ceremony for heavyweight Alexander Usik (20-0, 13 KOs) and Tyson Fury (33-0-1, 24 KOs). African coach Peter Smith spoke about this.
“I suggested this option to Kovalev’s manager Egis Klimas, who is also Usyk’s manager, —
speaks Smith. “If we could box with Kovalev in April as the opening act for Fury and Usyk, that would be awesome.”
The coach admitted that they had other plans: “First, the WBC ordered an eliminator between Tabiso and Badu Jack from Sweden. I was very glad. And then I see that Jack will fight (WBC champion) Ilunga Makabu. That is to say, they all forgot about us. I immediately contacted Kovalev’s manager, and together we pushed through this decision. I understand that Sergey is close to the end of his career. He says he has never held a WBC title before. That’s why he was interested in this fight.”
Negotiations for a fight for all heavyweight titles between Usyk and Fury are still ongoing. The Briton admitted that “the biggest test is not Usyk, but the organization of this fight.” And multiple contender Chris Arreola chose the favorite: “Some things you can’t learn.”