WBO light heavyweight champion Eleider "Storm" Alvarez will rematch Sergey "Krusher" Kovalev in early 2019. The two will renew acquaintances live on a Top Rank ESPN card as part of a co-promotion with Main Events and Krusher Promotions, in association with Groupe Yvon Michel.
Alvarez knocked down Kovalev three times in the seventh round and scored a TKO to capture the WBO title in an upset. Kovalev led on all three judges’ scorecards at the time of the stoppage and hopes to pick up where the first six rounds left off.
"We are very happy to be joining forces with Top Rank and ESPN for what we expect will be another exciting and historic fight," said Kathy Duva, CEO of Main Events. "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!"