With HBO now out of the boxing business so too is its relationship with Sergey Kovalev. But it did not take long for Kovalev to find a new partner as ESPN quickly filled the void and with that comes a rematch with Eleider Alvarez for the World Boxing Organization world light heavyweight title. Alvarez scored a knockout win in the first match that many consider to be the ultimate “puncher’s chance” fluke. Kovalev was clearly winning the fight on points in dominant fashion before he was ambushed in the seventh round in which he was knocked down a total of three times. On February 2 he will attempt to settle the score.
Let’s take a look at the boxing odds at BookMaker.eu, break down the matchup and go over your betting options.
Boxing Betting at BookMaker.eu
Eleider Alvarez: Check Back Later
Sergey Kovalev: Check Back Later
Over/under rounds: Check Back Later
The bout between Sergey Kovalev (32-3-1, 28 knockouts) and Eleider Alvarez (24-0, 12 knockouts) is a rematch for Alvarez’s World Boxing Organization world light heavyweight title. This championship fight will take place on February 2, 2019 and can be seen on ESPN, ESPN+, and ESPN Deportes. The fight will take place at The Ford Center at The Star, Frisco, Texas.
Eleider Alvarez vs. Sergey Kovalev Fight Preview
Kovalev and his promoter Kathy Duva quickly signed with ESPN Top Rank Boxing after HBO cut ties with the sport and part of the attraction to Kovalev was the ability to get a rematch shot at revenge against Alvarez.
“We are very happy to be joining forces with Top Rank Boxing on ESPN for what we expect will be another exciting and historic fight,” said Duva. “Sergey was clearly winning his first bout with Alvarez when he just got caught. It happens. Congratulations to Alvarez for his spectacular performance, but Sergey is a warrior. He let me know that he is anxious to avenge this loss as soon as possible. We are looking forward to the new year.”
By all accounts the win by Alvarez was quite an upset as all scorecards had Kovalev with a decided advantage. Which of course is one of the main factors that makes this fight so eagerly anticipated.
HBO has the original first rights to the rematch but did not want to pay the steep price and was also disappointed that Kovalev was coming off a loss. This set the stage for Duva to work out a new deal with ESPN.
“Bringing this marquee rematch to boxing fans on ESPN is a great way to start 2019,” said Top Rank president Todd duBoef. “The light heavyweight division is loaded, and both Kovalev and Alvarez have fan friendly styles that will make for another gripping fight.”
One of the intangible factors for this fight is that Kovalev will be working with a new trainer Buddy McGirt which follows a three-fight partnership with Arbor Tursunpulatov. McGirt was selected in large part to improve Kovalev’s defensive ability.
Kovalev also stated that he trained too hard for his first fight against Alvarez and that he ran out of gas in the knockout round. This only served to set off Alvarez.
“The fact that Kovalev said it was a mistake and that I was lucky is motivation for me,” said the champ. “He is a sore loser, and I will make sure there will be a second ‘accident.” I expect Kovalev to be stronger in that second fight. I expect the best Kovalev because he won’t underestimate me this time, but I am fully aware of this. I am able to be even better than in the last fight.
Boxing Betting Tips
Although there is a lot of hype about Kovalev and revenge Alvarez is motivated to prove his title was no fluke. And he has never lost a fight!
Boxing Odds Pick: Eleider Alvarez
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With the boxing odds at BookMaker Sportsbook, you can bet on boxing all year, from smaller cards to pay-per-view events. Access live betting lines from yourmobile deviceat BookMaker Sportsbook. Eleider Alvarez vs. Sergey Kovalev takes place on February 2, 2019 at The Ford Center at The Star, Frisco, Texas. The fight can be seen on ESPN, ESPN+, and ESPN Deportes.