By Carlos Boogs
IBF, WBA, WBO light heavyweight champion Andre Ward (31-0, 15 KOs) has made it clear that Sergey Kovalev (30-1, 26 KOs), his handlers, and his promoter Main Events are not in control of the rematch negotiations.
Ward won a close twelve round unanimous decision over Kovalev last November to capture the light heavyweight crown at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. All three judges had Ward up by one, 114-113, on their cards.
There was an immediate rematch clause in place. Kovalev exercised that clause in the aftermath of his loss.
In the weeks that followed their November showdown, there was a lot of controversy regarding the scoring - with Kovalev openly criticizing the officials for showing favoritism to the American fighter.
In the last few days, it's been revealed by Kovalev's handlers that both sides have finally come together to negotiate the details of the rematch.
Ward's promoter, Roc Nation Sports, has reserved the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas for June 17 - which is reportedly the date preferred by HBO for broadcasting the second fight.
Ward took to Twitter, to set the record straight regarding some of the information being leaked out in the press. He says unless his team is disclosing the information regarding the rematch - it's not official.
"A lot of talk about the details of a rematch. Nothing is official or taking place until you hear something from my side. It's that simple. The other side can kick and scream all they want. They can leak info until the cows come home. They are not in control. And [they are] mad. All these old boxing tactics of having their friends in the industry write disparaging things doesn't move my team. We are focused. The other side is mad because they are not in control. Well, as far as I'm concerned, they can stay mad," Ward stated.
