Hunter Warns Kovalev: If You Kick Ward, You Will Get Kicked Back!

By Rick Reeno

MGM Grand, Las Vegas - WBA/IBF/WBO light heavyweight champion Sergey Kovalev (30-0, 26KOs) is very concerned with possibility of "dirty tactics" being used against him by Andre Ward (30-0, 15KOs).

Kovalev is ready to defend his world titles against his toughest opponent to date, when he faces Ward this coming Saturday night at the T-Mobile Arena. The fight will headline a four fight card on HBO Pay-Per-View.

After reviewing some of his fights, Kovalev explained to members of the media that Ward often uses his elbows, comes in with his head, and he excessively holds his opponents.

Kovalev has issued several warnings, that if Ward tries to rough him up with his head, with elbows or holds beyond reason - the Russian puncher will take matters into his own hands. Kovalev has threatened to "break Ward's hands" and even "kick" Ward.

Hunter aggressively disputes any claim of Ward being a dirty fighter.

In his opinion, Kovalev is just repeating what other people are telling him to say. He believes that Kovalev's team members are trying to create a buzz that Ward is a dirty fighter - in order to put him under the spotlight with the referee.

But at the same time Hunter issued a warning, advising Kovalev that if he goes outside the rules - Ward will not be bullied in the ring and will issue a physical response.

"I believe somebody probably told Kovalev to say that Ward is a dirty fighter because you go eight, nine weeks and all of a sudden he is a dirty fighter? Kovalev will learn, one day, to not be everyone's robot and do what they tell and ask him to do. He does it because he's loyal. It doesn't even sound like him. That's not him saying that. That's not in his character. That is his promoter saying that. It's nothing but if he kicks Ward, he'll get kicked back. Simple as that," Hunter said.