Russia, Monday.It was Kovalevs poorest performance in his three-year reign as

Sergey Kovalev earned a hard-fought unanimous points decision against Isaac Chilemba to stay on course for a big pay-per-view bout against Andre Ward.In only his third professional fight in his homeland, U.S.-based Kovalev (30-0-1, 26 KOs) could not produce the knockout performance he wanted at the DIVS Sports Palace in Ekaterinburg, Russia, Monday.It was Kovalevs poorest performance in his three-year reign as world light-heavyweight champion that will have been encouraging viewing for Ward at home in Oakland. However, Kovalevs status as unified world light-heavyweight champion was never in doubt at the end of 12 rounds and he was awarded scores of 117-110, 116-111 and 118-109.Malawi-born Chilemba (24-4-2, 10 KOs) recovered from a seventh round knockdown to force Kovalev to go the distance for just the fourth time in his career. Only Bernard Hopkins had managed to go to points with Kovalev in eight previous world title fights after a disappointing and unimaginative display from the Russian.It also sets up a big bout next against Ward at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Nov. 19. Undefeated former super-middleweight world champion Ward (29-0, 15 KO) will have to overcome Alexander Brand (25-1, 19 KOs) on Aug. 6 in his own interim bout before the fight with Kovalev is confirmed.The fight with Ward has become a more interesting prospect after Florida-based Kovalev failed to dominate the first half of the fight against a plucky challenger.Chilemba, 29, had lost his previous fight -- controversially on points to Eleider Alvarez in Nov. -- in a WBC world title eliminator. Despite that setback, Chilemba still got his shot at Kovalevs WBA, IBF and WBO world light-heavyweights titles and proved a stubborn opponent.The challenger got through with some right hands and Ward will have been encouraged to see how Chilemba managed to land in the fourth round when Kovalev was caught coming forward with left jabs.Kovalev began finding his range and rhythm later in the fifth round but in the sixth was caught flush by a left hook. Kovalevs biggest weapon is his right hand which Chilemba finally found out about in the seventh round.The Russian followed a straight left with a right to the jaw which left Chilemba staggering across the ropes and down for a count. Had there been more time left in the round, Kovalev might have finished it there and then.Chilemba was hurt again late in the eighth round after being caught with a left to the chin but Kovalev, looking tired, allowed his opponent to grow in confidence in round ten. Kovalev finished strong, with blood pouring from Chilembas nose, but his renowned power punching could not force the stoppage that his home crowd wanted.Kovalev has been based in the United States since turning professional seven years ago and last boxed in his homeland at the same venue five years ago. That bout ended in tragedy when Kovalevs opponent Roman Simakov, who was knocked out in the seventh round, died as a result of head injuries three days later. Sale Air Max 90 Australia .Y. -- The Buffalo Sabres have recalled forward Kevin Porter and defenceman Chad Ruhwedel from the minors as part of a five-player roster shuffle made by the NHLs worst team. Cheap Nike Shoes Australia Online . "I dont know that were close," said general manager Alex Anthopoulos. "I just think, right now, the acquisition cost just doesnt work for us right now. I dont know if I can quantify how far off or things like that that they might be but I would say we continue to have dialogue. http://www.airmax90saleaustralia.com/ .S. Open champion Justin Rose birdied the first hole with a blind shot he hit to a foot of the pin, and he stayed in front Tuesday until he completed a 4-under 67 for a two-shot lead over Jason Dufner in PGA Grand Slam of Golf. Cheap Air Max Australia . Rinne played two periods in his first game since left hip surgery in early May. Gabriel Bourque scored 3:07 into the second period and Austin Watson tallied 5:15 later for Nashville. Cheap Air Max 90 Australia Free Shipping . JOHNS, N. Twenty-two years after Michael Jordan joined the Chicago White Sox, Scottie Pippen has done the same -- well, sort of.Yes, thats Pippen wearing a White Sox jersey and his more familiar Chicago Bulls shorts. The White Sox unveiled the bobblehead Tuesday, and Pippen chimed in quickly afterwardd.ddddddddddddThe Pippen bobbleheads will be distributed on?Chicago Bulls night at U.S. Cellular Field in September, but be forewarned, theres a limited amount. ' ' '