Stevenson's Promoter on Kovalev vs. Ward Possibility

By Steve Kim

As we head into 2016, there is the possibility that the focus for WBA/WBO/IBF light heavyweight champion Sergey Kovalev (28-0-1, 25KOs) could be a showdown with Andre Ward (28-0, 15KOs), who plans to make 175 his new home.

If that becomes the case, WBC beltholder Adonis Stevenson - the recognized light heavyweight champion - would most likely be put on the backburner.

The Stevenson-Kovalev fight, which was such a priority in 2014 and 2015, might become an afterthought by next year.

Yvon Michel, the head of GYM (which promotes Stevenson) says:

"Look, that's a good fight. If they're going that direction, there's nothing we can do. Look, we were all set to do the Kovalev fight when they made their move and requested a purse bid , requested Kovalev to be the mandatory and fight Stevenson 

"So two days before the purse bid they (Main Events) cancelled saying that they had a contract with HBO. We realized after that they re-signed with HBO and since then they keep saying they are willing to do the fight 50-50 - but it has to be on HBO."

Kovalev and Main Events are tied to HBO, and Andre Ward and Roc Nation Sports are reportedly ironing out a new deal with the network. Stevenson, who is advised by Al Haymon, is firmly entrenched with the Premier Boxing Champions platform.

"So we haven't so far been able to get over that," said Michel. "We understand they have a contract with HBO. Adonis has fought for Showtime and PBC platforms and for the moment we don't feel it's fair for the network that has supported Adonis since the last four, five [fights] to not be in the race at all for the possibility of doing the biggest fight in that division."

Steve Kim is the news editor for BoxingScene.com.