WBO, WBA and IBF light heavyweight world champion Sergey Kovalev (30-0-1, 26 KOs) defended his title tonight with a twelve round unanimous decision over Malawi's Isaac Chilemba (24-4-2, 10 KOs) in a tougher fight than expected at the DIVS Palace of Sports in Ekaterinburg, Russia. Kovalev controlled most of the early action, while Chilemba looked to score with clever counters. The fight became tricky for the champion during the middle rounds with the game challenger finding holes in Kovalev's armour on numerous occasions. The champion eventually found his mark in round seven, dropping Chilemba with a crushing right hand. Chilemba gamely survived the round and even found opportunity to fire back in round 8, a round where Kovalev once again managed to stagger the African. Kovalev closed the fight with a flourish, Chilemba gallantly hanging in there to complete the course, Chilemba offering Kovalev his toughest test since becoming champion.. Scores were 117-110, 116-111, 118-109. Sergei at times looked wooden, the awkward Chilemba finding the champion shockingly easy to hit with frequency.. Kovalev looks due to face Andre Ward next in one of biggest fights of the year, a fight that looks more interesting after tonight..
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