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Sergey Kovalev happy to defend world titles against Jean Pascal in Canada next year

Sergey Kovalev celebrates defeating Bernard Hopkins during their IBF, WBA and WBO light heavyweight title bout
Image: Sergey Kovalev celebrates defeating Bernard Hopkins during their IBF, WBA and WBO light heavyweight title bout

Sergey Kovalev and Jean Pascal came face to face for the first time to promote next year's light-heavyweight showdown.

The ring is the same everywhere. I plan to show who I am to Canadian boxing fans, and I aim to do the things they like to see in a ring.
Sergey Kovalev

Undefeated Kovalev will put his WBA, IBF and WBO titles on the line when he tackles Haitian-born Canadian Pascal in Montreal on March 14.

Kovalev, who was named Sports Illustrated’s Fighter of the Year for 2014 on Monday, claimed a unanimous decision over veteran Bernard Hopkins in his last fight in November.

“He's the best possible opponent I could face in the weight division," said Kovalev, who has secured 23 of his 26 victories by knockout.

The Russian has no qualms about fighting Pascal on his home turf after blowing away Nathan Cleverly in four rounds in Cardiff last year.

"The ring is the same everywhere," Kovalev added. "I plan to show who I am to Canadian boxing fans, and I aim to do the things they like to see in a ring." 

Pascal has lost just twice in 33 fights, dropping a unanimous decision to Britain’s Carl Froch in 2008 before suffering a points defeat by Hopkins in May 2011 six months after their first fight ended in a majority draw.

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The former WBC, IBO and Ring champion returns to the ring after his December 6 fight against Roberto Bolonti was declared a no-contest in the second round.

"I respect Sergey Kovalev because he is the king of the light-heavyweight division,” said Pascal.

“This will be the greatest challenge ever faced by a Quebec-based boxer, but with discipline and hard work, as well as the support of local boxing fans, nothing is impossible. 

"If you're a boxing fan, this is the perfect Christmas gift to give to someone you love, because it will be one of the greatest fights ever - and the greatest ever held in Canada." 

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