Drozd: "Kovalev's time is over"

Renowned Russian boxer, promoter and commentator Grigory Drozd believes that former WBA super, IBF, WBO light heavyweight champion Sergey Kovalev will no longer be able to return to his former level after his disqualification.

"Sergei is no longer young, it will be difficult for him to return to the top of the heavyweight division. I'm not saying it's impossible, but I think it will be difficult. What has he been doing all this time? How does he look physically? Has he been working on his body? If he hasn't, of course it's going to be hard to get back. But the way I see it, his time has passed. For the big tops, his time has passed. It should be honestly understood.

Seryoga did what no one else could do. He made the way, he made the fantastic. He made the dream of a boy from CHTZ into a magical fairy tale. To me, he didn't need anything else. He's achieved everything. He needs to hang his gloves on the nail, and that's all. Seryoga's a beauty, really. He's beaten everyone. He has so many names under his belt - and in that, perhaps, there can only be a comparison with Kostya Tszyu. I would advise Serog to stay healthy, to take care of his family, to do what he loves, but to finish with boxing," Drozd said.

Kovalev had his last fight in November 2019, losing by knockout to Saul Alvarez.