Kovalev KO's Agnew in seven
WBO light heavyweight Sergey Kovalev (24-0-1, 22 KO’s) defeated previously unbeaten challenger Cedric Agnew (26-1, 13 KO’s) by a 7th round knockout on Saturday night at The Ballroom, Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey.
The Russian floored Agnew in the 2nd and 6th rounds before ending the contest with a left to the liver early in the 7th.
Agnew dropped onto his knee in pain and remained there long after referee Samuel Viruet had counted him out.
Despite his dominance, Kovalev suffered a cut above each eye. He was cut from a head-butt over his right eye in the 4th and then cut over his left eye from a elbow in the 6th.
"I tried boxing because he has good defence," Kovalev said. "Then I went to the body. I saw how hurt he was."
Agnew spent most of the night on the ropes, deflecting punishment before launching the occasional counter-attack.
The Chicago fighter enjoyed occasional success with left hooks and body shots but eventually found himself overwhelmed.
"He has an uncomfortable style to fight and he is not stupid," Kovalev added. "He kept a good distance. He was patient and I understood he was trying to tire me out, but I was ready."