By Steve Kim

For a showdown between Sergey Kovalev (29-0-1, 26KOs) and Andre Ward (28-0, 15KOs) to take place, Ward must defeat Sullivan Barrera (17-0, 12KOs) this coming Saturday night at The Oracle in Oakland, California.

The Cuban just happens to be promoted by Main Events, who also have Kovalev in their stable. There is already a deal in place for Ward and Kovalev to fight in the fall.

The situation makes for an interesting scenario given that a Main Events boxer stands in the way of a big fight of another one of their clients.

Kathy Duva, the head of Main Events, states to BoxingScene.com - "The thing is, if Ward is going to lose let it be to a guy that I have. If Sullivan wins he's got a tremendous win on his resume' and the way I see it it's a win-win situation for the fans, mostly. With what we're headed towards with Ward and Kovalev, we knew from the beginning it was always going to be on shaky ground. A lot of things would have to happen first, and Andre Ward has been inactive for a very long time, he's moving up in weight.

"Sullivan was the most interesting opponent for him that was available at this time.  So when they came to us there was no way on earth we would hold back Sullivan's career. We can't favor one fighter's career over the other."

According to Duva, Kovalev is on track to defend his WBO/WBA/IBF world titles in Russia in June.

Steve Kim is the news editor for BoxingScene.com.