By Ryan Burton
Shortly after his disputed unanimous decision victory over Sergey Kovalev this past November, Andre Ward (31-0, 15 KOs) spoke to BoxingScene.com and other reporters about his future plans.
One name that was brought up was that of WBC light heavyweight champion Adonis Stevenson. Ward is contractually obligated to face Kovalev in a rematch but a fight against Stevenson would produce an undisputed light heavyweight champion. Even with that being said, Ward feels that Stevenson has had his chances for big fights and hasn't stepped up to the plate.
"I can't call it [if that fight will happen]. It's not even about Adonis right now. Adonis has had so many opportunities to step up and fight [the top guys]. And it's funny that all of a sudden he's calling out the winner of this fight. Honestly, I'm not even interested in talking about Adonis," Ward said. "He's had opportunities to fight [the top guys at 175] Why now [does he want them]?"
Stevenson believes there is another reason why Ward doesn't appear eager to face him.
"Andre Ward came in and he just won the titles against Kovalev so he wants to milk his titles now. I don't have a problem fighting him but I am not going to call his name everyday. If he doesn't want it then I don't care. I'm not going to kiss his butt," Stevenson stated.
Rudy Louis, who advises Stevenson, agrees with his fighter. He said they have no problem facing him but they are not going to chase him.
"If Ward wants to fight we can make the fight happen. We are not worried about Andre Ward. We are not worried about Sergey Kovalev. Whoever wants to step in the ring with Superman can get it," said Louis.
The 38-year-old Stevenson is scheduled to return to the ring in the first half of 2017 against an opponent to be announced in the near future. Joe Smith Jr. has been mentioned as a possible opponent. He is also obligated by the WBC to face the winner of the February 24th clash between the #1 ranked Eleider Alvarez and former champion Lucian Bute.
Stevenson brushed off Ward's comments by saying that the Oakland, Calif. resident can't be the undisputed champion without facing him.
"I don't need to run after him. I got the lineal championship. I got the WBC belt. If you want it, come get it," Stevenson told BoxingScene.com.
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