Sergey Kovalev to fight Isaac Chilemba on July 11 in Russia

IBF/WBA/WBO light heavyweight champion Sergey Kovalev (29-0-1, 26 KOs) will fight Isaac Chilemba (24-3-2, 10 KOs) on July 11 at the DIVS Palace of Sports in Ekaterinburg, Russia.

Kovalev will be defending his world titles in his home country for the first time when he takes on Chilemba, a native of Malawi who resides in South Africa.

 "I am so excited to fight in my home country of Russia," said Kovalev. " It gives me great pride to bring my titles home at last. Chilemba is a tough opponent and I will be ready for him on July 11."

This is a kind of stay busy fight for Kovalev as he is already contracted to face former world super middleweight champion Andre Ward in November. And Chilemba, who is coming off a disputed majority decision loss to Eleider Alvarez in November, gets an unexpected opportunity to cause a huge upset.

"I thank Sergey and his team for putting their titles on the line to face me," said Chilemba. "All I want to say to them is they are in for a surprise. They gave the wrong guy an opportunity. I'll work my ass off and I'm in to win it. Russia here we come!"