Sergey Kovalev vs. Jean Pascal: Winner, Recap and Reaction

It wasn't easy, but WBA, IBF and WBO light heavyweight champion Sergey "Krusher" Kovalev (27-0-1, 24 KOs) defeated Jean Pascal (29-3-1) via eighth-round TKO in a very good fight. Pascal fought well from rounds four through six in his adopted home of Montreal, Quebec, but he simply couldn't withstand the powerful Russian champion's assault.

ESPN.com's Dan Rafael congratulated both men.

Early on, it was clear Pascal's game plan was to catch and shoot the hard counter right hand back at Kovalev. In the first three rounds, the plan wasn't working very well. Kovalev was connecting with the jab and left hooks. At the end of the third round, a thunderous right hand nearly sent Pascal through the ropes in the corner.

He never actually hit the mat, but because the ropes held him up, referee Luis Pabon appropriately ruled it a knockdown. The shot happened at the end of the round and Pascal was saved by the bell.

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At the beginning of the fourth round, it didn't look as if Pascal would survive the frame. Not only did he weather the storm, Pascal was able to land the counter right hands he was looking for early. He gained some momentum and was able to land a good number of hard shots in the fifth and sixth rounds. 

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For the first time in Kovalev's career, he actually looked to be stung by a few of the shots. When it was over, he acknowledged the punches he took but didn't speak too highly of the effect of the shots, per ESPN Boxing on Twitter.

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Kovalev: "He got me a couple good punches but I didn't lost control. I gained my control in my mind and did my job. It's boxing."

— ESPN Boxing (@ESPNBoxing) March 15, 2015"

In the seventh, Pascal appeared to tire. Kovalev started to feint and double up on the jab and it shifted the momentum back in his favor. By the eighth round, Kovalev was firmly in control. He badly hurt Pascal, who fell against the ropes on wobbly legs. Pabon checked Pascal's eyes and chose to call off the fight.

Pascal and Philippe St-Martin of BoxRec Canada didn't like the stoppage.

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Pascal: "I gave my best. I don't want to take anything from Kovalev, but that was a bulls--- stoppage."

— ESPN Boxing (@ESPNBoxing) March 15, 2015"

It was clear, the referee's decision was a proactive one. In the interest of safety, no one should have an issue with Pabon's call.

Kovalev had some anxious moments, but he remained undefeated with another powerful performance. At this point, the only intriguing competition left for Kovalev is WBC champion Adonis "Superman" Stevenson. The two men have seemingly been on a collision course for the last two years.

Stevenson's Showtime and Premier Boxing Champions affiliation may complicate the process of making the fight, but it is undoubtedly the bout the boxing community wants to see.

Pascal did well enough in defeat to at least sustain his stock as a serious contender. He had a decent game plan. Perhaps a more coordinated and smooth athlete who employs the same style might have better success.

We can only hope the next challenger to Kovalev's crown delivers as spirited an effort.

Follow Brian Mazique on Twitter. I dig boxing and MMA.