Tonight’s Sergey Kovalev-Isaac Chilemba fight won’t be broadcast live on SuperSport.
I spoke to them and they said that HBO had offered it on a “tape delay” basis, meaning it will only be broadcast in a day or two.
This is apparently because it is taking place in Russia and the feed offered to SuperSport was a so-called “dirty feed” (no graphics or commentary).
This is a tough fight for Isaac, but I’m delighted for him. He’s paid his dues, fighting away from home his whole career. I’m sure he’s earning a good purse. He deserves it.
Kovalev, the WBO, WBA and IBF light-heavyweight champion, is a special fighter, though, with a fierce punch. Isaac’s awkward style could present him a couple of problems early on, but as we saw against Bernard Hopkins, Kovalev is a top boxer too. He can adapt and make the necessary adjustments.
This is very much a keep-busy fight for the Russian, but Isaac is aiming to spoil plans for a Kovalev-Andre Ward fight in November.
I’ve seen enough upsets to know that anything is possible, but I would be very surprised if Isaac can find a way past the Russian fighter. I hope I’m wrong. – Rodney Berman
