Barrera: After I Beat Andre Ward - Bring on Sergey Kovalev!

By Carlos Boogs

Sullivan Barrera (17-0 12 KOs) is still basking in the glow of his HBO Latino televised 5th round knockout of rugged veteran Karo Murat.  The knockout was something that even legendary fighter Bernard Hopkins couldn't achieve against the sturdy Armenian. With the victory, Barrera is now the IBF mandatory challenger to IBF/WBA/WBO light heavyweight champion Sergey Kovalev.

Now rumors are swirling that the former standout in the Cuban amateur program may face former super middleweight champion Andre Ward in March. 

Barrera has spoken to BoxingScene.com on many occasions and has been asking for big fights and is willing to forgo his guaranteed title shot against Kovalev if he is offered a fair purse to face Ward.

"I just read that I might be fighting Andre Ward next," stated Barrera.  "Of course I would love that fight. I want the big fights but no one has even offered it to me. I would love to fight him. They just need to call my promoter and manager and make deal. I know I have what it takes to beat Ward then I will fight Kovalev after."

Barrera is a student of the game and  said that he has heard many fighters have been paid big money to face elite level opponents like Ward. Boxers that aren't well known in the United States such as Daniel Geale and Blake Caparello were paid very well by Ward's promoter Roc Nation Sports, and big money was also paid to Brandon Rios to face Tim Bradley and James Kirkland to fight Canelo Alvarez in their most recent bouts. 

Barrera has proven that the Cuban fighter stereotype doesn't apply to him as he has stopped six opponents in a row.  His TKO victory over Murat on HBO's airwaves cements his fan friendly status even further. 

"I think my record and skills speak for themselves.  Me and Ward would be a great fight.  Call my team and Ward can be number 18 on my record," Barrera told BoxingScene.com.