Roach: I Think Kovalev Will Be Too Big, Strong For Andre Ward

By Edward Chaykovsky

Last month, Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach worked the corner of Jean Pascal as he went up against WBO/WBA/IBF light heavyweight champion Sergey Kovalev (29-0-1, 26KOs) at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Canada.

The fight was a rematch of their exciting bout in March of 2015, which Kovalev won by TKO in eight rounds. The second time around was even easier for Kovalev, who dominated the fight until it was stopped in seven rounds.

Kovalev's next fight is going to take place in the summer, possibly in Russia.

Provided Kovalev wins his upcoming fight, there is a deal in place to fight Olympic gold medal winner Andre Ward (28-0, 15KOs) at the end of the year.  

Ward has a fight scheduled for March 26th in Oakland. The opponent is going to be unbeaten Cuban contender Sullivan Barrera. Ward has been inactive since last June's TKO win over Paul Smith. Prior to that, Ward's last fight took place in November 2013 when he won a decision over Edwin Rodriguez.

Roach is giving the edge to Kovalev. He feels the odds are stacked against Ward.

While Roach credits Ward with being a fantastic fighter, he feels the former super middleweight king has been too inactive and he's going to face another talented fighter who is very active, much bigger and much stronger.

"Kovalev is a good friend of mine, going into the fight we were friends, during the press conferences maybe not so friendly but we shook hands again afterwards. He’s a respectful person and I am too to him, he’s a very nice guy. I wish him the best in that fight. I think he’s too big and strong for Ward," Roach told On The Ropes Boxing Radio.

"I know Ward’s a great boxer but he’s been off for a long time and he hasn’t improved with the downtime, his comeback fight was not that great against not that great of an opponent. I know Andre Ward was one of the best boxers in the world, but I think the layoffs are gonna hurt him and I think Kovalev might be too strong for him. I like both fighters, I’m friendly with both fighters and I wish them both luck. I do want to watch that fight, I want to see that fight."