Sergey Kovalev's latest defeat has secured him an upcoming match with Bernard Hopkins in November.
According to The Ring, contracts were signed on Friday for Hopkins and Kovalev to face off on November 8 in Atlantic City, or possibly Barclays Center in New York.
Main Events CEO Kathy Duva said Kovalev needed to win his match against Blake Caparello Saturday night to confirm the upcoming match.
Kovalev succeeded by knocking out Caparello in the second round.
Kovalev later talked to reporters about his next match with Hopkins.
"He's very smart. He's very sneaky. He's very experienced," Kovalev said. "I am surprised he is almost 50 years old. But my next fight is against Bernard Hopkins and I am very happy. It's a big fight, interesting fight. I was surprised he said yes. It is one of my dreams to fight him."
