By CompuBox

Sergey Kovalev, working behind a steady jab (10 landed per round) survived an anxious eight round (Anthony Yarde landed 34 punches) to wear down his opponent. Kovalev had a 90-17 edge in landed punches over the last 3 rounds.

Yarde's 132 landed punches were the most by a Kovalev opponent in 21 of his fights tracked by CompuBox.

Chelyabinsk, Russia - WBO light heavyweight champion Sergey Kovalev (34-3-1, 29 KOs) survived a scare in the eigth round to score a knockout of mandatory challenger Anthony Yarde (18-1, 17 KOs) in the eleventh.

Kovalev may have now secured a showdown with Mexican superstar Canelo Alvarez, which is targeted for the end of the year.