Melikuziev vs Kovalev fight predictions. Uzbek boxing experts comment on the fight

It is no exaggeration to say that the most sensational news of professional boxing for Uzbek fans is the fight of Rio Olympics medalist Bektemir Melikuziev with the famous Russian, former world champion Sergey Kovalev.The clash will take place on January 30 at the Luzhniki Arena in Moscow. It is known that Sergey was a champion of WBA Super, IBF, WBO belts. He is also ranked second in the Pound for Pound rankings. So, he is a real star and has a lot of experience. Bektemir Melikuziev is the new star of the future. In a word, it will be a great fight.

We were interested in the opinion of Uzbek boxing experts about their chances in this fight.

Zufar Suleymanov - Boxing coach

- It is clear that this fight will be very interesting. Because there will be a huge clash of experience and passion. Of course, Kovalev is an experienced, star of his time, in short, a very serious opponent. But the young man still has his say. Bektemir is young and natural talent! I think Melikuziev will win this fight.

Azamat Murodov - journalist

- I wanted to say something before saying about the fight. 4 years ago (not a long time in my opinion) Sergey Kovalev was in the ring against Andre Ward in the most anticipated fight of the year, maybe a decade. I remember being a big fan of Kovalev in the fight against Ward, who "won" Utkirbek Haydarov at the Athens 2004 Olympics due to the apparent bias of the referees and left pain in the hearts of Uzbeks. Kovalev is a great boxer who has fought in such big fights. Just a year ago, he went to the ring against Canelo, the king of modern boxing.

He was the idol of thousands of boxing children in the former Soviet Union. He is a real global star! Bektemir Melikuziev is going to the ring against a boxer of this level in his 7th fight in professional boxing. Ruslan Chagaev was the last to enter the ring against such a high-level opponent. Against Klitschko, of course. With deep respect for Akhmadaliev's championship belts, it can be said that this is the most important event of professional boxing for Uzbekistan in the last 10 years. Although Bektemir does not have much experience in professional boxing, he is a boxer worthy of such fights. It is his duty to take such big risks, to look for new challenges. If we separate the two best boxers in Uzbekistan, one of them is undoubtedly Bek "bully", but also the best. So it must have made sense that it was Bek who was taking us back to such great battles again.

When it comes to the upcoming bout, it is clear that it will not be easy. As I said, Kovalev was a world champion in his weight class just a year ago, even though he was getting older. He only lost the title to Canelo. In this sense, it will be very difficult for Bektemir. Of course, it's hard to expect Kovalev to be in top form, who hasn't fought for more than a year. Melikuziev should take advantage of it. God willing, he will succeed. I don’t want to make predictions before the fight. I want this day to come sooner and enjoy watching the super fight.

Mars Kochkarov - Boxing coach

- To be honest, I have always disliked Kovalev's fighting style and tactics. In addition, he is much older. Melikuziev is young and his main goal is not to make money, but to show results. Bektemir has its own technique and strokes. He tortures Kovalev. Because Sergey has never faced such a category of boxers. I don’t think the fight will go distance. The reason is that Kovalev has lost his durability. Bektemir wins by stoppage. It seems that the Russian boxer did not prepare so seriously for the fights. Melikuziev is preparing very well. In any case, Melikuziev, as I mentioned above, will win. Of course, this is my personal opinion!

Mahmud Khodjaev - Boxing coach

- Bektemir is a very strong and great boxer. His punches are strong and he can move very well even on his feet. He also has vast experience in amateur boxing. I know that Kovalev was also the champion of Russia in the amateur direction and, ifI'm not mistaken, the world champion among the military. Nevertheless, I think that Melikuziev's school is strong. Kovalev is a great boxer. There is no doubt about it! But lately, his goal has been to make money. Because age demands it. Therefore, it can be said that Melikuziev will stop him earlier.

Utkirbek Haydarov - Boxing coach

- Bektemir's chances are high ... Kovalev's activity is backward now. Bektemir has a very strong shot and his ability to feel is also high. It doesn’t hit much and can carry the blow as well. I think Bektemir can win.

Tolqin Kilichev - Boxing coach

- It doesn't matter where the fight take place. Will it be at Luzhniki or in the United States ... Personally, I believe in Bek! He’s a very talented boxer and doesn’t like to lose. By the grace of Allah, Bektemir will surely win.

Jahongir Kurbanov - Boxing coach

- It will be a very interesting fight. I consider Bektemir to be a very uncomfortable opponent for Kovalev. Kovalev is superior in terms of experience. But in Bektemir the physical opportunity is high. Bektemir enters quickly at close range and moves very well at this distance. Kovalev's fighting style is more amateurish, that is, he works more on long-range jab. I can tell Bektemir that this style is very convenient. Of course, time will tell who will win. After all, this is boxing! Any situation can happen in this sport. Still, my confidence in Bek is high. At the expense of interest 70/30 for Bek.

Jalol Akhmedov - journalist

- Promoters have a lot of confidence in Bektemir Melikuziev. It is rare for a boxer who has been in his professional career for a year to fight an opponent like Kovalev. Bektemir's punch is much stronger and can also coordinate foot movements. Kovalev is far superior in usin jab. In his fights, it was these jabs that brought him success. Bektemir is a little lower in height, basically, he needs more body shots, and we have seen in previous fights that Bektemir has done a great job. Presumably in this fight Bektemir will try to finish the fight ahead of time and I think he will be able to do it.