Pascal Says Kovalev Win Does Not Guarantee Stevenson

By Luke Furman

Jean Pascal was the WBC's mandatory challenger to champion Adonis Stevenson. The two of them were unable to reach an agreement over the financial split. Pascal wanted an eve 50-50 split, which Stevenson rejected - looking for something more in line to a 60-40.

After both fighters were deadlocked in their positions, Pascal made a deal to face WBO champion Sergey Kovalev on March 14th at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Canada. The WBC ordered Stevenson to fight the Kovalev vs. Pascal winner.

Though Pascal says he will explore his options, if he wins in March, and not immediately running for the Stevenson fight - probably looking to make the WBC champion sweat it out.  

"If I beat Sergey Kovalev, I get to this fight against Stevenson with three belts [around my waist]. He does defends [one belt]. I presume that mathematical logic is easy to understand. I should get 75% of the [split]. But as I a man of good will, I will not abuse the situation," Pascal told the Montreal Journal.

"I also would like to emphasize a point. This is the WBC which requires their champion to defend his title. Me, with my three belts, there is nothing that will force me to face him. There are some very good opponents to face and money to do elsewhere."

Luke Furman covers boxing for bokser.org