Barrera: I Will Knock Andre Ward Out in Eight or Nine Rounds!

By Carlos Boogs

Cuban light heavyweight contender Sullivan Barrera (17-0) is currently in the high altitude of Big Bear, Calif. training for his March 26th HBO televised clash against Andre Ward (28-0).

While many feel that Barrera doesn't have much of a chance against Ward, the unbeaten 34-year-old said he will capitalize on the big opportunity that has been presented to him.

"I know what is at stake," Barrera told BoxingScene.com. "It is the big prize. I know that beating Ward won't get me a title but it is a great victory and it will put Cuban boxing on even a higher level."

To take this fight Barrera gave up his mandatory title shot against WBA/WBO/IBF light heavyweight champion Sergey Kovalev. Last year he knocked out world title challenger Karo Murat in an IBF final eliminator to claim a mandatory position in the rankings.

But a victory over Ward - an Olympic gold medal winner and one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the world - will place Barrera right back in line, as Ward already has a deal in place to face Kovalev in the fall. Since Kovalev and Barrera share the same promoter Main Events, the fight should be fairly easy to make.

"Kovalev is in my sights. Like I said at his press conference in May in Los Angeles before his fight against Najib (Mohammedi). I am coming for Kovalev. He is the champion and I want to be the world champion," Barrera stated.

As for a prediction for his fight against Ward, Barrera said that judges won't be needed.

"I will knock him out in 8 or 9 rounds! Watch!" Barrera exclaimed.