By Luke Furman
In a move reminiscent of Floyd Mayweather's infamous phone call to Manny Pacquiao - Jean Pascal pulled off his own version of the scenario by calling his Canadian rival Adonis Stevenson to discuss the possibility of facing each other next.
The two boxers were once stablemates under promoter Yvon Michel of GYM. When Pascal left Michel last year, and Stevenson rose in stature with the WBC light heavyweight title, the two fighters began a verbal war or words in the press.
"Yes, I called Adonis Stevenson. I told him - 'Listen Adonis, we talk like two adults, two businessmen, two sportsmen. You're 38, you should be able to meet me over dinner and discuss our business. We could clarify the points that seem to cause irritating. What is really being said and what others can bring," Pascal told the Montreal Journal.
"I had the impression that he thought it was a trap. I was sincere. We are two adults and we have fans who would love a bout between us to be organized. Why don't we try to find a way? He said he would call me."
Stevenson told the paper the he doesn't have any interest in facing Pascal, and instead wants a unification with WBA/IBF/WBO champion Sergey Kovalev.
"Yes he called me and I checked with my team and we're not interested. My goal is to meet Kovalev. His case is closed," Stevenson stated.
Pascal is not without opportunity. He says an offer is on the table to face Kovalev in a rematch on an HBO date in January.
Luke Furman covers boxing for bokser.org
