By Edward Chaykovsky
WBO, WBA, IBF light heavyweight champion Andre Ward (31-0, 15KOs) has yet to confirm the existence of an immediate rematch clause, but former beltholder Sergey Kovalev (30-1-1, 26KOs), and his promoter Main Events, are adamant about their contractual right to an immediate second fight.
Ward captured the belts last Saturday night with a tight twelve round unanimous decision over Kovalev at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. All three of the official judges scored it 114-113. There was a lot of controversy over the scorecards, with the majority scoring the fight for Kovalev, but a sizable number of observers had Ward winning close or a draw.
Kovalev says Ward has no choice, according to their contract terms. He must to face him next and has no ability to take an interim-fight.
Ward has no problem with sitting down at the table to discuss a second fight, as long as Kovalev and his team understand their position in the discussion. Most rematch agreements have the momentary terms outlined prior to the first fight ever taking place, so it's not clear as to what Ward is referring to as he won't discuss the actual terms of that contract in public.
"I think a rematch is something that can definitely take place. I'm not going to negotiate that right now. That's why you have a tremendous team. While I'm resting and recuperating and enjoying my family right now, my manager James Prince and my lawyer Josh Dubin - my team is already putting things in place," Ward told TMZ Sports.
"But one thing that the Kovalev team has to understand, the negotiations are going to be different now. We're negotiating from a place of strength. I'm the champion and he's the challenger now. If everybody can come to the table with that understanding, something can get done for sure."
