Sergey Kovalev stopped Igor Mikhalkin at the end in the 7th round as the referee and ringside doctor had seen enough of the bloody mess that was ensuing.

A trademark – bone crunching performance from Kovalev really.

Painful memories of his losses to Andre Ward now seemingly distant memories for the 34-year-old Russian who looks to have plenty left in the tank just yet.

The two Russians fighting this weekend were good friends before hand (and still are) but you would not have known it from the first bell, as they both got down to business quickly.

It was Kovalev who imposed his fight best but Mikhalkin a proud warrior, gave plenty back in the early rounds himself and moved well at times.

However when a bad cut formed over his right eye the writing was on the walls against a fighter as ruthless as Kovalev.

He smelled blood and proceeded to make things worst. Here’s how it played out courtesy of HBO YouTube:

Afterwards Kovalev mentioned Badou Jack of Sweden as a possible future opponent down the road.

He downplayed talks of a third fight with Andre Ward.