Sergey Kovalev to return in March 2015

Following the biggest win of his career over Bernard Hopkins to cap a year that might land him Fighter of the Year honors, Sergey Kovalev is currently looking at a return to action in March 2015, according to promoter Kathy Duva of Main Events.

Kovalev (26-0-1, 23 KO) shut out Hopkins on November 8 in Atlantic City, handing the 49-year-old legend the most one-sided loss of his 25-year career. The 31-year-old Kovalev has emerged as one of the top fighters in the sport over the last couple of years, and a genuine rising star whose exciting style and vicious power make for must-see TV.

There's no word on who the opponent may be for Kovalev in March, but it's worth remembering that with the IBF, WBA, and WBO light heavyweight titles in his possession for the moment, he's going to have plenty of mandatory challengers and such to deal with in due time.

The current top rated contenders for the WBA belt are Robin Krasniqi, Seanie Monaghan, and Nadjib Mohammedi. The top three IBF contenders are Mohammedi, Gabriel Campillo (whom Kovalev has already beaten), and Erik Skoglund. And the top WBO contenders are Jean Pascal, Krasniqi, and Eleider Alvarez.