One punch changes the fight as Alvarez upsets Kovalev

Good things come to those who wait.

Eleider Alvarez, who had waited two years for his shot at a world title, shockingly knocked out defending champion Sergey Kovalev at the Hard Rock Casino in Atlantic City, NJ, Saturday night.

Alvarez, the quicker fighter, flashed fast hands in the opening round. Kovalev popped jabs to the body and little else. It was evident that Alvarez’s hand speed was already bothering him. He walked back to his corner with a puzzled expression on his face.

In rounds two and three, Kovalev picked up the pace. He fired hooks and a crisp uppercut. In a case of foreshadowing for later in the bout, Alvarez fired a right that rattled Kovalev. Seconds later, after setting up his punches with a crisp jab, he landed another combination to the head and body. Kovalev fought back – connecting with a sweet left hook to the ribs.

Kovalev found his range in round four. He went to the body and head. He hurt Alvarez with a hard right to the side of his face. The big underdog motioned Kovalev to bring it on. Kovalev connected with another wicked combination to the head. A left hook also landed.

Alvarez strafed Kovalev with a good right hand in round five. Kovalev feinted and looked to unleash his right. The crafty Alvarez moved, but Kovalev caught him with a left hook. Alvarez stabbed Kovalev with another stiff jab.

Kovalev connected with two sweeping right hands. Blood was dripping from a cut near Alvarez’s left eye. Kovalev staggered Alvarez with short right cross to the chin in round six. A hard shot to the ribs caused Alvarez to gasp.

Kovalev came out jabbing in round seven. He looked a little weary. His left hand dangled near his side. Alvarez, behind on the judges’ scorecards, saw this and unleashed a right hand to the temple that sent Kovalev stumbling to the canvas. The soon to be former champion pulled himself up, but his eyes were vacant and he resembled a guy who had one to many vodkas.