BoxRec

July 16, 2015
KATHY DUVA: WARD-KOVALEV "SHOULD HAPPEN" IN 2016

http://www.boxingtalk.com/pag/article.php?aid=28421

Kathy Duva of Main Events had this to say about the possibility of a fight between WBO/WBA/IBF light heavyweight champion Sergey Kovalev, whom she promotes, and world super middleweight champion Andre Ward:

"We have been talking to Andre Ward's people all week. We all agree the fight is going to happen; it is just a matter of when. Sergey's schedule for his next few fights is planned. That fight should happen by the end of next year. Sergey wants to fight the best.

The best fighting the best is what people want to see. We want to complete that deal in the foreseeable future." source: main events press release

Ward wins vs Kovalev. Too smart, too skilled.

If Ward beats GGG and Kovalev, he'd be the most hated boxer in Europe of all time.

BAD INTENTIONS wrote:If Ward beats GGG and Kovalev, he'd be the most hated boxer in Europe of all time.

If Ward beats GGG and Kovalev he'll be P4P #1.

BAD INTENTIONS wrote:If Ward beats GGG and Kovalev, he'd be the most hated boxer in Europe of all time.

For beating 2 US based fighters?

I'll be honest, I'd just love to see the fights happen.

I'd fancy the size difference to tell against GGG and would heavily fancy Ward
but it would be a more even affair against Kovalev, it could go either way but I'm still leaning towards Ward in a very ugly fight.

davie wrote:

BAD INTENTIONS wrote:If Ward beats GGG and Kovalev, he'd be the most hated boxer in Europe of all time.

For beating 2 US based fighters?

I'll be honest, I'd just love to see the fights happen.

I'd fancy the size difference to tell against GGG and would heavily fancy Ward
but it would be a more even affair against Kovalev, it could go either way but I'm still leaning towards Ward in a very ugly fight.

I share your enthusiasm. Both promise to be great fights if they can get made.

BAD INTENTIONS wrote:If Ward beats GGG and Kovalev, he'd be the most hated boxer in Europe of all time.

No, he'll be immensely respected.

Won't happen

BAD INTENTIONS wrote:If Ward beats GGG and Kovalev, he'd be the most hated boxer in Europe of all time.

Would he - why?

I don't care where fighters are from, I appreciate them if they are good and/or exciting, end of.

Ward is a once in a generation talent - a special fighter, hopefully this fight happens and he gets to really prove it.

Kovalev should have fought Stevenson, but they ducked it.

Riddick Blowe wrote:Won't happen

'Won't happen' is about the safest prediction you can make in boxing these days.

WTF? Why not change Kovalev's schedule and make Ward a priority. Or vice or versa. The end of 2016. Just talk.

MachoTime wrote:WTF? Why not change Kovalev's schedule and make Ward a priority. Or vice or versa. The end of 2016. Just talk.

Kovalev is fighting soon. No way Ward would want Kovalev for his first fight at 175, or his second fight total. I'm guessing he'll want at LEAST one tune up, possibly two.

punchoutsb wrote:

MachoTime wrote:WTF? Why not change Kovalev's schedule and make Ward a priority. Or vice or versa. The end of 2016. Just talk.

Kovalev is fighting soon. No way Ward would want Kovalev for his first fight at 175, or his second fight total. I'm guessing he'll want at LEAST one tune up, possibly two.

Well if Ward is such a special talent as some say on this board he shouldn't need any tune ups. Matter of fact he already had one just recently.

MachoTime wrote:

punchoutsb wrote:

MachoTime wrote:WTF? Why not change Kovalev's schedule and make Ward a priority. Or vice or versa. The end of 2016. Just talk.

Kovalev is fighting soon. No way Ward would want Kovalev for his first fight at 175, or his second fight total. I'm guessing he'll want at LEAST one tune up, possibly two.

Well if Ward is such a special talent as some say on this board he shouldn't need any tune ups. Matter of fact he already had one just recently.

He is definitely a special talent. I don't think a tune up is unreasonable for a guys second fight in two years and his first at a new weight. Had he been active this whole time I would say differently, but given the circumstances I think 2016 would be fine.

There is no way the "Special Talent" Ward has his way with either GGG or Kovalev like some are saying. He is not that "Special". At best they are all equal.

Ward-Kovalev is arguably the most intriguing fight that can be made in boxing right now. Some will argue Ward-GGG but that's b/c they arent realistic or smart. It will take a bigger, stronger man to beat Andre Ward. Not a smaller man.

MachoTime wrote:

punchoutsb wrote:

MachoTime wrote:WTF? Why not change Kovalev's schedule and make Ward a priority. Or vice or versa. The end of 2016. Just talk.

Kovalev is fighting soon. No way Ward would want Kovalev for his first fight at 175, or his second fight total. I'm guessing he'll want at LEAST one tune up, possibly two.

Well if Ward is such a special talent as some say on this board he shouldn't need any tune ups. Matter of fact he already had one just recently.

There's no doubt Ward is a special talent. Surely you aren't trying to cast doubt on that?

Ward will fight GGG first, unless GGG refuses to come up to 168. Then he will fight the Krusher, according to a recent article I read. He beats them both I predict.

That is why I respect Kovalev light years more than GGG.

He doesn't write checks with his mouth that his arse can't cash like Golovkin.

And win or lose against Ward (who I also like) I will always be a fan of Sergei.

I think Ward will come out cream of crop and there will be some great fights. Both GGG and Kov are so offensive and i think Ward will shine massively.

Ward will be loved in Europe, as he has class in abundance.

First off, Duva really loves to negotiate fights on the eve of her fighters next fight doesn't she? Why she likes to put this kind of pressure on Kovalev is beyond me. This is the the third time she's gone public about negotiations for Kovalev's next fight before he's gotten in the ring for his current fight.

With that said, I really hope that this isn't just Duva trying to push Wards hands. I hope it's legit because it would be a fantastic fight and just the thing that both fighters need. If Ward beats Kovalev then i will be forced to give in and give the guy his due as one of the top P4P fighters out there. If Kovalev wins then the GGG vs. Kovalev fight will start gaining some traction. Either way, the fans win and i'm all for it.

Ward's people will make demands of some sort, Duva won't agree to anything that isn't entirely in her terms, and this falls apart. Their MO is to give HBO the bare minimum to to keep the relationship together. For what ends, who knows. But I'll believe it when I see it.

There is a reason GGG is willing to fight Ward at 164, but would fight JCC jr or Froch at 168. Ward will fight Kovalev at 175 sometime in the next year, and will beat him. Ward has the skills and smarts to do it. I know everyone has jumped on the Krusher bandwagon since he beat BHop, but imo don't think he is at Ward's level.

Badhusker wrote:There is a reason GGG is willing to fight Ward at 164, but would fight JCC jr or Froch at 168. Ward will fight Kovalev at 175 sometime in the next year, and will beat him. Ward has the skills and smarts to do it. I know everyone has jumped on the Krusher bandwagon since he beat BHop, but imo don't think he is at Ward's level.

He is not on Ward's level speed wise and with some other skills, but Ward's lack of power gives Sergey huge advantage. He will eventually land on Ward's soft chin or body and will stop him.