James “Buddy” McGirt, coach of the Russian ex-world light heavyweight champion Sergei Kovalev (35-4-1, 29 KOs), commented on the victorious debut of the ward in the heavy category (up to 90.7 kg).
Recall that on May 15, Kovalev returned to the ring after a long downtime and won on points from the previously unbeaten Bulgarian Tervel Pulev.
The coach called the fight “good”, but at the same time emphasized that the fighting weight should be reduced.
“I wanted him to enter the ring at 86kg,” says McGirt. – Sergei came out with a weight of 93 kg, this is too much weight. Too much weight for 10 rounds when you’re used to boxing at 79.4kg. Adding 10+ pounds is a lot. I’m glad that he saw it himself, ”said the coach.
“Overall, I think it was a good fight, considering two and a half years out of the ring,” says Buddy. “Now we’ll just keep him busy. Two and a half years is a long time.”
Sergey Kovalev: “Another intermediate fight, and then I’m ready to fight for the title”
Source:
boxing scene
