Sergey Kovalev dominates Bernard Hopkins in 12-round title bout

Sergey Kovalev roughed up Bernard Hopkins from the opening bell, winning a unanimous decision in Atlantic City, New Jersey early Sunday to stake his claim as the best light heavyweight. Kovalev (pictured) has three versions of the 175-pound belt after taking two from the 49-year-old Hopkins in the decisive victory. Kovalev is 26-0-1 with 23 knockouts. Kovalev received winning scores of 120-107 from two judges and 120-106 from the third. The 31-year-old Russian won the IBF and WBA light heavyweight belts to go with his own WBO title. Two months shy of 50, Hopkins (55-7-2) could face retirement after a rare title bout where he was never a factor. Kovalev knocked down Hopkins in the first round and never backed off his punishing pace. – AP