Sergey Kovalev's war of words with Quebec boxer Adonis Stevenson escalates to racism

The behind-the-scenes travails behind trying to set up a light-heavyweight unification title fight between Russia's Sergey "Krusher" Kovalev and Quebec's Adonis "Superman" Stevenson, when it's all over, might prove to be just as intriguing as the fight itself.

(More on that here)

But in the meantime, as Main Events and Yvon Michel's GYM organization go back and forth about broadcast networks, location, purse split and all the rest, the two boxers have a little time on their hands and they've been jousting over social media.

And then, Kovalev crossed the line. A big, fat line.

(The pic above, with the kid's face obscured, was taken from this Journal de Québec column by noted sports columnist and personality Réjean Tremblay. We republish it here to respect the boy's privacy).

The Tweet was swiftly deleted. But the damage was done.

Stevenson has been having fun on his Facebook page. But his worst offence seems to have been to compare Kovalev to a Duck Dynasty redneck.

Stevenson's promoter, Michel, was in Haiti finalizing details for Stevenson's next fight, scheduled to be held in late June. He said this to Journal de Montréal columnist Réjean Tremblay:

Stevenson took the high road in response.

It all adds spice and controversy to a potential showdown – at this point, still very much "potential"– that already has plenty of it. It doesn't need to get down to that level to create interest.

Your move, Sergey Kovalev. Be smart.