A revered figure in the world of boxing, Sergey Kovalev is set to bid farewell to his storied career. As he prepares for his final match on April 18 at the Yunost Arena in Chelyabinsk, Russia, fans and analysts alike reflect on the legacy left by this iconic athlete. With a career spanning over a decade and a half, Kovalev's journey through the ring has been nothing short of extraordinary.

THE LEGENDARY JOURNEY OF SERGEY KOVALEV

The Decision to Step Away

As Sergey Kovalev approaches the twilight of his professional boxing career, the decision to retire resonates deeply with those who have followed his journey. The Russian powerhouse, now 42 years old, acknowledges that his body no longer responds as it once did. "Even without training, my body feels off," he confided to The Ring. This sentiment underscores the physical toll of a sport that demands peak performance and relentless dedication. Kovalev's choice to conclude his career is not one born out of regret but rather an acknowledgment of the natural progression of time.His last fight against Artur Mann will take place in front of a home crowd, adding an emotional layer to this significant event. Contesting ten rounds at cruiserweight, Kovalev seeks to leave the sport on a high note. His career, marked by numerous victories and accolades, including three-time light-heavyweight championships, stands as a testament to his skill and perseverance. Bursting onto the scene in 2013 with a decisive knockout against Nathan Cleverly, Kovalev quickly established himself as a formidable opponent in the boxing world.

Triumphs and Challenges

Throughout his career, Kovalev faced both triumphs and setbacks that shaped his legacy. Notable victories include defeating Bernard Hopkins and securing two wins against Jean Pascal. However, his encounters with Andre Ward proved controversial, leaving Kovalev feeling unjustly treated. Despite these challenges, he remained resilient, viewing each experience as a valuable lesson.In 2019, Kovalev demonstrated his enduring prowess by avenging a previous loss to Eleider Alvarez and achieving a late stoppage against Anthony Yarde. Yet, his defeat at the hands of Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez marked the beginning of his withdrawal from competitive boxing. Since then, sporadic fights have punctuated periods of inactivity, leading Kovalev to recognize the necessity of retiring gracefully.Kovalev reflects fondly on his career, cherishing memories such as earning his first million-dollar paycheck against Bernard Hopkins. He acknowledges the highs and lows as part of life's challenges, expressing gratitude for the opportunities afforded him by boxing. "Everything is a challenge," he muses, emphasizing the importance of facing adversity head-on.

A Career Retrospective

Kovalev recalls vividly the day he entered a boxing gym, December 1, 1994, marking the start of a lifelong passion. Initially drawn to the prospect of Olympic success, he transitioned into professional boxing where he achieved remarkable feats. His influence extends beyond personal achievements; Kovalev's presence in the light-heavyweight division during its resurgence has been pivotal.The current landscape of the light-heavyweight category features prominent figures like Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev, whose successes Kovalev admires. While acknowledging the financial allure of contemporary matchups, Kovalev accepts his inability to participate actively due to prolonged breaks between fights. "Money motivates me, but fighting infrequently isn't beneficial," he explains, highlighting the importance of consistent competition in maintaining peak form.Looking ahead, Kovalev envisions a future away from the ring focused on family and potential ventures. Though he dismisses immediate plans to become a trainer, ideas such as establishing a boxing club remain possibilities. For now, reuniting with his loved ones takes precedence as he embarks on the next chapter of his life.