By Carlos Boogs
BoxingScene.com caught up with light heavyweight contender Sullivan Barrera Saturday night shortly after his friend Gennady Golovkin stopped Willie Monroe in 6 rounds at The Forum in Inglewood, Calif. Both undefeated fighters train under the guidance of elite trainer Abel Sanchez.
The highly decorated former amateur star Barrera is planning on returning to the ring in July and is hoping to secure a fight against one of the big names in the division by the end of the year.
"We are just waiting on a date for our next fight. It could be on Kovalev's card (July 25th) but we don't know yet. We are in the gym staying in shape," Barrera stated.
Barrera would love to face his promotional stablemate Sergey Kovalev by the end of the year. Barrera insists he has the style to slow down the Russian wrecking ball.
"I have the experience, strength and heart to beat Kovalev. Kovalev is a great boxer but he takes a lot of chances to use his power and throw big shots - those risks that he takes are my opportunity and I will capitalize," Barrera stated confidently.
If Barrera can't lure the IBF/WBA/WBO light heavyweight champion in the ring by the end of the year, he said that he would also be interested in facing former super middleweight kingpin Andre Ward who is moving up in weight for his June 20th fight against Paul Smith.
"That would be a great fight and a great opportunity. I'm ready for anything. I think Andre Ward is a great fighter. He's a world champion and now he's moving up in weight. That would be a great opportunity as well. If I can't get Kovalev then I want Ward," Barrera told BoxingScene.com.