By Edward Chaykovsky
Former world champion Sergey Kovalev (30-1, 26 KOs) is more than eager to get Andre Ward (31-0, 15 KOs) back in the ring for a rematch.
Last November at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Ward got off the floor to win a twelve round unanimous decision over Kovalev to capture the IBF, WBO, WBA light heavyweight belts.
All three judges scored the fight 115-113. There has been a lot of controversy over the scores, with many observers complaining that Kovalev did more than enough to win the fight.
There was an immediate rematch clause, which Kovalev exercised.
The negotiations for the second fight have been dragging out. A date of June 17th is being targeted by both sides, but no deal has been finalized as of yet.
Kovalev is getting frustrated and believes Ward is dragging his feet to sign the contract. Ward has stated in recent interviews that he wants to get Kovalev back in the ring to set the record straight.
"I'm already feeling good, because I understand that people's love for me means much more than the titles. Everybody around me, around you, everybody says that Andre Ward lost the fight. If he's a man, he will get into the ring and prove it. I'm still waiting for him to sign the contract for the rematch," Kovalev told IFL TV.
"I know that I won the fight, it's not only my opinion because I'm very happy that boxing fans feel like me. It was just dirty business. My goal right now is to get my belts. I'm happy that this loss happened, because I saw how much bullsh*t around me. Now I understand that my friends are only how many fingers I have [on my hand], [and] my close friends, my real friends and not just people who I meet."
"I hope [the rematch happens]. If he's a real champ. Ande Ward, if you are real champ - you will give me the rematch. Are you a man or a girl? Let's do it. You scared motherf***er."