By Vadim Pushkin

Eglis Klimas, manager for World Boxing Organization (WBO), World Boxing Association (WBA) and International Boxing Federation (IBF) light heavyweight champion Sergey Kovalev (29-0, 26KOs), says the door is currently closed on a future unification with WBC champion Adonis Stevenson of Canada.

The two sides were negotiating for several weeks before their discussions fell apart when they couldn't reach an understanding on which network would carry the fight in the United States. 

Kovalev retained his titles last month at the Bell Centre in Montreal with a one-sided TKO victory in his rematch with former WBC champion Jean Pascal.

Some of the options that Klimas reveals are possible include WBA 'regular' light heavyweight champion Juergan Braehmer and top rated Polish contender Andrzej Fonfara.

 Braehmer has a record of 47 wins (35 by knockout) and two defeats. He will defend his title on March 12th in a rematch with countryman Eduard Gutknecht.

The WBA has recently been ordering their 'super' champions and 'regular' champions to face each other. The sanctioning body wants to eliminate the widespread issue of multiple WBA champions in each division. It is expected that Kovalev-Braehmer will eventually be ordered.

Fonfara, who is rumored as a leading candidate for Stevenson's next fight, is getting close to a mandatory shot against Kovalev. He ranked at #2 by the WBO, #2 by the WBA and #5 under the IBF. He has 28 wins (16 by knockout) and three defeats.

Kovalev has a deal in place to face Andre Ward in the fall. Ward must first win his upcoming fight on March 26th against Sullivan Barrera.

"Andre Ward  must first get past Barrera, so until then we have to consider other options. There are possible opponents like Fonfara and WBA champion Braemer of Germany, but for us the issue [of fighting] Stevenson is now closed," Klimas told Gazeta.