Sergey Kovalev vs. Nadjib Mohammedi: ‘Krusher’ kicks off first Vegas fight week

Photo credit: Jim Laurie, Main Event Productions
Photo credit: Jim Laurie, Main Event Productions

With light heavyweight champion Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev set to make his Las Vegas fighting debut against Nadjib Mohammedi Saturday at the Mandalay Bay, he was welcome to Southern Nevada in style.

Met by Clark County Commissioner Mary Beth Scow at McCarran International Airport on Monday, the City of Las Vegas officially named July 18, 2015 Sergey Kovalev Day.

That’s an honor few boxers have had bestowed upon them, with the latest being hall of fame boxer Oscar De La Hoya last September.

On Tuesday Kovalev then made his way to meet some of the Russians that call Las Vegas home.

Receiving a warm welcome from the bunch mad KovalavĀ (27-0-1, 24 KOs) feel right at home, despite it being his first time in Vegas for his own fight week.

All these events lead up to the fight on Saturday, which pits the knockout making they call “Krusher” against the largely unknown Mohammedi (37-3, 23 KOs).

Despite being the No. 1 contender for, no one is giving Mohammedi much of a chance, with odds as high as 60-1.

Kovalev is coming into the fight fresh off his Round 8 TKO of Jean Pascal, and his dominating performance over the ageless wonder, Bernard Hopkins.

Kovalev is poised to defend his WBA, WBC and IBF light heavyweight titles, and could have a huge bout waiting in the distance with who most consider a Top 5 pound-for-pound fighter in Andre Ward.

First Kovalev will have to dispose of Mohammedi, which most think won’t take long, before setting his sights on a possible Ward bout.

The co-feature will include a ten-round light heavyweight match-up between Jean Pascal (29-3-1, 17 KOs) and Yunieski Gonzalez (16-0, 12 KOs).

Tickets are on sale now and start at $25. Tickets can be purchased through TicketMaster and all MGM Resorts Properties Ticket Offices. The HBO World Championship Boxing telecast begins at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.