Kovalev-Pascal... more of what boxing needs

A big puncher who can also box, traveling to the hometown of an unorthodox counterpuncher who can bang and himself has a great chin. All in front of a wildly partisan crowd, which ironically had been criticized by Max Kellerman during the previous fight for being too passive. Non-stop action from the beginning... with a lot of heart shown by the eventual loser, who got in some big shots of his own. An overly-excited crowd, no dodgy decisions... and a definitive ending. A showing both fighters can be proud about. Two well-known names, but of their own making... not the coddled sons of previous superstars, riding the coattails of fame and undeservingly so. Two non-controversial human beings, with kids of their own... and none of the woman-beating, drug-using, 30-pound-rehydrating shenanigans we have to put up with on a regular basis.

MMA's cool for whoever enjoys it. But... it'll never threaten or dislodge boxing from its pedestal.