The stage is set for a thrilling night of boxing in Chelyabinsk, Russia, as two of the sport’s biggest names, Sergey Kovalev and Artur Mann, clash in what promises to be the final fight of Kovalev’s illustrious career. The main event is scheduled to take place on Friday, April 18, and will be broadcast live across the globe, with fans in various time zones eagerly anticipating the start of the card. The event will kick off at 5:30 PM BST / 6:30 PM CEST / 12:30 PM ET / 9:30 AM PT, with the main card starting at 9:30 PM BST / 10:30 PM CEST / 4:30 PM ET / 1:30 PM PT / 1:30 AM Chelyabinsk. The ringwalks are expected to begin around 9:30 PM BST / 10:30 PM CEST / 4:30 PM ET / 1:30 PM PT / 1:30 AM Chelyabinsk on the Saturday morning in Chelyabinsk, showcasing the electric atmosphere that will fill the venue throughout the night.
The Main Event: Kovalev vs. Mann
The main event of the evening pits the legendary light-heavyweight, Sergey Kovalev, against the formidable Artur Mann, in what promises to be an epic battle for the ages. Kovalev, known for his crushing punching power and technical skill, has been a major force in the sport for over two decades, while Mann, with his relentless pressure and aggressive fighting style, is looking to dethrone the Russian giant. In a recent statement, Kovalev expressed his excitement for the final fight of his career, stating, “I am looking forward to having the final fight of my career here in my home of Chelyabinsk. People are excited because it has been a long time since I have been in the ring.” Kovalev also expressed his gratitude to his supporters, including fans from the United States and the United Kingdom, who will be able to watch the fight for free on the Boxing News YouTube channel. Mann, on the other hand, is confident in his ability to take down the veteran Kovalev, stating, “I am looking forward to having the final fight of my career here in my home of Chelyabinsk. People are excited because it has been a long time since I have been in the ring.” Artur Mann also expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to fight Kovalev, adding, “I have been fortunate to travel and make many fans from around the world, so for my supporters in the United States and the United Kingdom, it pleases me that they will see my final fight for free on the Boxing News YouTube channel.”
Supporting the Main Event
The event promises to be a thrilling night of boxing, with a full lineup of exciting matches featuring some of the region’s top emerging talent and potential stars of the future. The card includes:
• Timur Bibilov vs. Joshua Wasike – super middleweight
• Akhmadshokh Makhmadshoevs vs. Artem Pugach – lightweight
• Albina Moldazhanova vs. Nuriyat Alibekova – women’s featherweight (both debuts)
The IBA Pro CEO, Al Siesta, has expressed his pride in showcasing the final fight of Sergey’s legendary career, stating, “IBA Pro is proud and honoured to showcase the final fight of Sergey’s legendary career. Sergey is a fighter who has always brought tremendous value and excitement to fans across the globe.” IBA Pro has also made the show available for free internationally on the Boxing News YouTube channel, so fans from all over the world can tune in and witness Krusher’s final chapter.
The Event Details
Start Times
| Event Time | Time Zones | Start Times |
| Main Event | BST, CEST, ET, PT | 9:30 PM BST, 10:30 PM CEST, 4:30 PM ET, 1:30 PM PT |
| Main Card | BST, CEST, ET, PT | 9:30 PM BST, 10:30 PM CEST, 4:30 PM ET, 1:30 PM PT |
| Main Event Ringwalks (Expected) | BST, CEST, ET, PT | 9:30 PM BST, 10:30 PM CEST, 4:30 PM ET, 1:30 PM PT, 1:30 AM Chelyabinsk (Saturday) |
Where to Watch
- Stream: FREE on Boxing News YouTube & Facebook
- Global Stream: Available worldwide – browser, app, smart TV
- Subscription: None required – no login, no paywall
- Russian Broadcast: Match! TV (Domestic coverage)
Quote from Al Siesta, IBA Pro CEO
“IBA Pro is proud and honoured to showcase the final fight of Sergey’s legendary career. Sergey is a fighter who has always brought tremendous value and excitement to fans across the globe.”
Quote from Sergey Kovalev
“Artur Mann is a strong opponent for me to face, so I am also excited to put on a show for those who have supported me in my career.”
Quote from Artur Mann
“I have been fortunate to travel and make many fans from around the world, so for my supporters in the United States and the United Kingdom, it pleases me that they will see my final fight for free on the Boxing News YouTube channel.”
Highlights
Sergey Kovalev, a boxing legend with a career spanning over two decades, will face off against Artur Mann in what promises to be an epic battle for the ages.
