By Rick Reeno

T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas - Kathy Duva, promoter for Kovalev (30-1-1, 26KOs) , advised BoxingScene.com that she will exercise their contractual option for an immediate rematch with Andre Ward (31-0, 15KOs).

Kovalev suffered the first defeat of his career on Saturday night, when he lost a razor close twelve round unanimous decision to capture the IBF, WBA, WBO light heavyweight titles. All three judges scored it 114-113 for Ward.

"Absolutely," said Duva when BoxingScene.com asked her about exercising an immediate rematch clause. "We want to get him back in the ring as soon as possible to right this wrong."

Duva indicates that Ward does NOT have the ability to take an interim fight once the rematch clause is exercised.

She plans to advise Roc Nation Sport by Monday of Kovalev's intention to rematch Ward.

When and where it will happen is unknown at the moment. There is a contractual stipulation that it can't be held in California or Russia - so neutral territory will be needed.

Duva further said - "the only way it won't be immediate is if we both agree that it won't be, and since we don't plan to do that - it will be immediate."

HBO Sports will present the replay of the on Saturday, November 26. Other HBO play dates: Nov. 27 (9:15 a.m.) and 28 (12:50 p.m.). HBO2 play dates: Nov. 29 (1:00 a.m.). HBO Signature: Nov. 27 (5:30 p.m.).