Prediction.

Both fighters are coming off a layoff, but Kovalev is coming off a much longer layoff, both fighters are very old at 39, but Kovalev has a lot more miles. Kovalev is a career light heavyweight, Pulev is a career cruiserweight, he has a size advantage. Both fighters are well schooled and had good amateur careers, but there's no comparison for experience as professionals, Kovalev has had twice as many fights, has been fighting at a higher level for many years. This is a massive step up in levels for Pulev, a fight of this magnitude is not new to Kovalev, Pulev will be tested mentally, and based on how dominant he's been, I don't think Pulev has transitioned well as a professional, and a prime Kovalev was a level above. Kovalev's power is usually very important, Pulev's chin is untested, but Kovalev is likely to need more punches to do the damage he normally does, which will be a challenge with his age and stamina issues, he has a weak chin, and Pulev can punch, so Kovalev will need to defend very well or nullify Pulev's offence to have a shot, he'll struggle to physically push Pulev back as well and well need to use technical skill to back Pulev up.

I think Kovalev will take centre ring and step in with his jab in the early rounds, Pulev will back up and will be on the defensive, but Kovalev will be reluctant to throw the right hand, and when he does land it, Pulev will take it fairly well, and Pulev will throw his own right hand, Kovalev will see it coming and lean away from it, but it will back him up and break his rhythm. I think Kovalev will tire from his own pace after 4 or 5 rounds, that's when Pulev will land his right hand, and hurt Kovalev. I don't think Pulev has the experience or the finishing ability to stop Kovalev as soon as he hurts him even with Kovalev's weaknesses, he will load up, will be hesitant, and Kovalev will jab and defend, but being hurt and having to survive will drain Kovalev, Pulev will only need 1 clean power shot to knock him down, and I think the longer the fight goes, the better chance Pulev has of stopping Kovalev if he hurts him.

My prediction is Pulev by late stoppage, I wouldn't be surprised if he got a mid stoppage, I'd be surprised if Kovalev won this.

This was a matter of experience, Pulev's technique didn't come apart, he was aware, but the pressure got to him, he was too hesitant to punch with Kovalev, was overly cautious of being countered. Kovalev's game plan was perfect, it was a veteran performance, he was able to consistently score points with his jab, and use it to negate Pulev's offence, he didn't take any unnecessary risks with the right hand, Pulev wasn't an easy target for it, because Kovalev's jab kept him on the defensive. Pulev did some damage when he landed clean, but he couldn't follow it up, Kovalev tired in the late rounds, but Pulev couldn't do much to take advantage.