Thursday 23 November 2017 16:10, UK
Sergey Kovalev is back in action for the first time since back-to-back defeats to Andre Ward, and Jamie Moore expects the Russian to not only "erase the memories" in style, but also set up more big unification fights... that he can win.
We've all watched Kovalev at his best before Andre Ward moved up, but I expect to see him back to his best, right away.
The sooner he erases those two defeats from his mind the better, and the best way to do that is to go out there and put on a really good performance.
Kovalev will feel he's got a point to prove, not just after those fights but also because there are some new world champions in the division. He will be on-point, and in a devastating mood.
Assuming Kovalev comes through this one, him, Stevenson and Jack are the big three and we are talking about a top-class top-level at that weight. Now Ward has retired they are all going to be vying for the top spot.
Like everybody else I expect him to beat Shabranskyy - in a good fashion as well - but on top of that, there is his old WBO title on the line and that will set up some big unification fights.
For me, Adonis Stevenson is the other big name and that is the one I would love to see. Badou Jack is in there now but is still new to the division and I can't see him causing the same problems Ward gave him, but Kovalev-Jack is one I wouldn't turn my nose up at either.
Assuming Kovalev comes through this one, him, Stevenson and Jack are the big three and we are talking about a top-class top level at that weight.
Now Ward has retired, they are all going to be vying for the top spot and until at least two out of the three have faced each other, we can't put any of them on top of the pile with confidence.
As long as doesn't take his eye off the ball - and I don't think he will do that for a second - I wouldn't be surprised if he gets rid of Shabranskyy in two or three rounds, and look good doing it.
People might perceive that those two losses change anything, or turn him into a lesser fighter, but people have to give Ward credit.
He was one of the best fighters of our generation and there is no shame in losing to him - even twice.
Ward negates everyone and he just took away Kovalev's power, accuracy, everything. Without Ward in the opposite corner, I think we'll see the old Kovalev.
Watch Sergey Kovalev vs Vyacheslav Shabranskyy, from Madison Square Garden, New York, in the early hours of Sunday, November 26, live on Sky Sports.
