Friday, Artur Mann is the retired fight of Sergey Kovalev in Chelyabinsk, Russia. (Reuters / Ints Kalnins)
(Reuters / Reuters)
“I don't know why (Sergey Kovalev) chose me,” has a sly smile Artur Mann, with a sly smile on his face. The German cruiserweight is in a lonely hotel room in Chelyabinsk, Russia, contemplating what the next few days will have in reserve.
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Friday evening, the 34-year-old man was chosen for a very special mission-to be the final opponent of Sergey Kovalev (35-5-1, 29 kos) as a professional boxer, in the hometown of the former unified world champion of light weights. He will bring the 16 -year career closer to the Russian renowned temple, which, at his peak, saw Kovalev threatening the top of the classification for sport books.
The fights inside the Yunost Arena in a planned 10 rounds, Kovalev and Mann will meet in the 200 pound division as part of the IBA champions tournament.
Twenty-six fights in his professional career, Mann (22-4, 13 KB) is no stranger to life on the road.
“Thunderman” fought on the ground outside the United Arab Emirates, Poland, Latvia, South Africa, the United States and Russia before, but never before the issues have been so high for the German born in Kazakh.
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“I dreamed of an opportunity like this throughout my career,” he says. “I followed his career (from Kovalev) and I was not really sure that I would have the chance to fight it. I guess you could say that I go from a fan to an opponent.
“But also special as this moment is for Kovalev, for me, it can be even more special. This fight gives me a chance to change my life forever and to catapult myself in some of the biggest fights in the division. I have to catch it with both hands.”
Kovalev has only fought twice since his loss against Saul “Canelo” Alvarez in 2019 – Fighting Tervel Pulev in 2022, then left a unanimous decision to Robin Sirwan Safar last May.
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The 42 -year -old man was overthrown during the 10th and last round of his competition against Safar, and showed enough weaknesses for Mann to be encouraged before Friday evening's fight.
“He didn't look good the last time, but we don't underestimate him,” said Mann. “It will be as much combat Kovalev as the crowd and the occasion. The entire arena will support Kovalev. And for me? Just my team of five people. But we like to be an outsider – I proved in Poland (against Nikodem Jezewski) that I can get a victory from my home, and not to look.
“Perhaps his team saw that I had lost in Russia before, that's why they chose me, but I am determined to show them that it is a big mistake.”
Mann does not seem too concerned about the potential judgment and arbitration of Russia. In his point of view, this is part of the agreement, and a arrest victory removes all power from Chelyabinsk officials.
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“We trained for the KO, so we are not looking for any excuse after the fight,” he developed. “So I hope that it will not matter that I am the fighter B or even a C. fighter. We think we have the right match plan for this fight, and I will be able to overwhelm it from the opening bell.
“All I have done was eat, sleep, drink, train and think about this fight for a long time now, so I couldn't be more prepared.
“Of course, I respect Kovalev, but when we enter the ring, this respect is finished until the last bell. Maybe if I put it on the opportunity, I will feel a little sad after – but it is the boxing company. “
Kovalev may be the only one to say goodbye Friday evening, but Mann thinks he can close the door.
