In the fickle world of boxing fandom all too often a failing, in too many minds, marks the beginning of the end. Despite suffering consecutive defeats in his thus-far career defining fights at the hands of Andre Ward, the story of the man who had previously dominated a division is far from its conclusion. Ward may have departed with his health, finances and unbeaten record intact at the peak of his powers, but his light-heavyweight rival – Sergey Kovalev – isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. A defeat, in this instance, rather marks the end of the beginning.

A 6 minute dismantling Saturday night highlighted two things. 1; boxing is, and always will be, about levels. 2; Sergey Kovalev is the best light-heavyweight in the world. Shabranskyy was not at the level required to mitigate such a force and Sergey Kovalev reminded everyone of his harrowing presence in the ring. Of course, to gain a better understanding of the Russian’s true resilience, as well as his current standing in the pound for pound rankings, sterner tests must and will be taken. With fresh faces and emerging talent- for Sergey Kovalev- the climb back to the top of the mountain will be just as arduous as it will be engaging.

It is widely accepted that Russia’s standing in boxing history may not be as profound as it might have been had the world been different once-upon-a-time. However the recent insurgence of Russian fighters in the current landscape of the fight game are looking to make up for lost time. Kovalev’s menacing demeanor may be partly attributed to hackneyed stereotyping of Russian masculinity but his days as the only Russian killer are over. New predators are on the hunt.

Dmitry Bivol was elevated to full WBA champion after just 11 outings as a professional and made his first defense 3 weeks ago, blowing away Trent Broadhurst in the first round. Now, fast approaching 27, Bivol will look to further enhance Russia’s growing presence in boxing as well as his own. As will compatriot Artur Beterbiev. Beterbiev claimed his first world honors in just his 12th outing in the pro ranks. The newly crowned IBF champion has shown glimpses of his ruthlessness against subordinate opposition and has revealed his own interpretation of Russian menace.

The early stages of ones career are a more of a reflection of potential rather than substance. Indeed, Kovalev’s countrymen fall short in terms of accolades in comparison to his own despite their most recent accomplishments. With just 24 bouts between them both Beterbiev and Bivol, at this stage, will be hoping to emulate Kovalev’s previous dominance. But even now, the idea of 3 Russian beasts locking horns is a narrative that is as enticing as any in Kovalevs’ career. A lethal Russian roulette with 3 of the 4 major world championship belts at stake that catapults Russian boxing to the forefront on an unprecedented scale and marks the beginning of a new chapter in Kovalev’s stellar career.

Mouth watering collisions with his younger Russian counterparts as well as the ever improving Badou Jack and Sullivan Barrera provide an exciting route back to the summit of the sport. The optimist may hope for a long awaited clash with Adonis Stevenson to at last become a reality- but, even now, that scenario remains an unlikely, and increasingly irrelevant one.

The unexpected departure of one of the best fighters of the past 20 years was met with both adulation as well as shock. Ward’s exit not only marked the end of a glittering, unblemished career, but brought an end to one of the most engaging, controversial and dramatic rivalries not seen since Pacquiao Marquez. For now at least, Ward and Kovalev’s story is over but the legacy of Sergey Kovalev is far from it. The ‘crusher’s path to redemption has begun.

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