Sergey Kovalev has entertained fans over the years for his fierce punching power but last night the big hitting Russian knockout artist fell victim to knockout defeat himself.

It was the second stoppage loss of his career since losing to Andre Ward in their rematch a few years back but last night Kovalev looked like a fighter who perhaps had seen better days since then.

After fighting Andre Ward and losing in those two fights, perhaps it all caught up with him last night and showed just how much those two fights had taken out of him.

Here’s the moment the show was closed for Kovalev last night:

https://twitter.com/BlackSportsNW/status/1025957720594178048

A huge shock and upset across the board.

Some have suggested that this might in fact be the last time we see the Russian in a professional boxing ring and if that does prove to be the case, he can certainly hold his head high after an excellent career.

For me, I first became aware of him, perhaps like many, when he surprised Welshman Nathan Cleverly years ago and stopped him to win the WBO light-heavyweight title.

After that Kovalev developed a ferocious reputation and was known at one time as one of the best fighters in the world and hardest punchers, pound for pound.