By Gregory Stangrit
Last week, BoxingScene.com published an article where WBA super middleweight champion Andre Ward (27-0, 14KOs) made it known that he's ready to face Gennady Golovkin (29-0, 26KOs), the WBA/IBO champion at 160-pounds, at any time. But, he makes it clear that Golovkin and his team are in no hurry to step in the ring with him. Ward was offended that members of Golovkin's team are claiming the hard puncher is a bigger star.
"I don't really know how to feel about that fight. From a business standpoint of course [we can do it]. If he continues to win, and if I continue to win - a year from now it's a bigger fight. I have no problem with that, but what I do have a problem with is when you build your reputation as being this fearless guy from 160 to 175 - but then backtrack and say 'oh it's about the business and we're going to wait.' I just don't understand that, it doesn't add up. And his promoter saying that he's a bigger star...I'm just scratching my head about that stuff. It is what it is. I'm not chasing anybody. I think I've earned the right to fight the biggest and the best fights and that's what we're in the process of doing," Ward told BoxingScene.com.
Abel Sanchez, trainer of Golovkin, said his boxer is indeed a star and they are ready to face Ward - when Ward treats Golovkin like a star and not an opponent.
"A fight with Andre Ward is important to us. I think we need this fight. But I think we need this fight when Ward is ready to negotiate with Golovkin on equal terms. Golovkin is a star. Golovkin had three of the highest rated fights on HBO and even on any other cable network. The third rating, was nearly 1.5 million viewers. But Ward did not [have those kind of numbers]. I believe that when Ward is ready to negotiate on equal terms, as they are both stars, then we will be ready to talk," Sanchez said.
Gregory Stangrit covers boxing for Allboxing.ru
