By Alexey Sukachev

According to Sergey Kovalev (19-0-1, 17KOs), a hard-hitting Russian light heavyweight prospect, he is tentatively set to collide with former WBA champion Gabriel Campillo (21-4-1, 8 KOs), 33, on January 19 of 2013. A potential venue is the Sands Casino Resort in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, which was a host for Kovalev’s two recent outings versus Darnell Boone (TKO 2) and late sub Lionell Thompson (TKO 3), who replaced Campillo in September.

The Russian fighter is ranked #10 by the WBC and #15 by the IBF, while Campillo, who withdrew from his Sep. rendezvous with Kovalev due to an injury, is rated #3 by the International Boxing Federation. If successful against the veteran Spaniard, Kovalev, who has recently signed with the Main Events, is expected to rise considerably in the world ranks. The bout, meanwhile, is said to become a headliner of the event, aired by the NBC Sports Network.

“I hope it won’t be another trick for my next fight. I’m really thrilled and positively excited to kick Campillo’s ass”, wrote Kovalev in Russian. “As soon as the deal is reached, I’ll surely report here, on my site”.