Ward vs. Kovalev II: No Rematch Clause For Third Fight
Posted: 10 Apr 2017, 19:24
NEW YORK – If the outcome of the Andre Ward-Sergey Kovalev rematch is as close and/or controversial as the result of their first fight, neither fighter is contractually obliged to participate in a third fight.
Kathy Duva – whose company, Main Events, promotes Kovalev – said Monday that there aren’t clauses in the contracts for the Ward-Kovalev rematch that would guarantee a third fight. There was an immediate rematch clause in the contracts for their November 19 light heavyweight title fight, which eventually led to the scheduling of their rematch.
That wasn’t a scenario Kovalev was interested in discussing Monday before a press conference in Manhattan that kicked off a three-day, three-city press tour to promote their rematch. Russia’s Kovalev declined to answer when he was asked if he would agree to a third fight if he beats Ward in their rematch.
“Let’s just see what’s gonna happen in the second fight,” Kovalev said.
Kovalev obviously would open himself up to criticism if he defeated Ward and didn’t partake in a third fight. The former IBF/WBA/WBO light heavyweight champion repeatedly disparaged Ward on social media when Ward was taking his time to decide whether he wanted to fight Kovalev again or retire.
Kathy Duva – whose company, Main Events, promotes Kovalev – said Monday that there aren’t clauses in the contracts for the Ward-Kovalev rematch that would guarantee a third fight. There was an immediate rematch clause in the contracts for their November 19 light heavyweight title fight, which eventually led to the scheduling of their rematch.
That wasn’t a scenario Kovalev was interested in discussing Monday before a press conference in Manhattan that kicked off a three-day, three-city press tour to promote their rematch. Russia’s Kovalev declined to answer when he was asked if he would agree to a third fight if he beats Ward in their rematch.
“Let’s just see what’s gonna happen in the second fight,” Kovalev said.
Kovalev obviously would open himself up to criticism if he defeated Ward and didn’t partake in a third fight. The former IBF/WBA/WBO light heavyweight champion repeatedly disparaged Ward on social media when Ward was taking his time to decide whether he wanted to fight Kovalev again or retire.