So why no "big push" for Ward vs. Stevenson?

[Luiz]

Canadian vs. American
black vs. white Irish bloodline
scumbag girl-beating pimp enforcer vs. born-again Christian

But Ward has already shamelessly ducked Stevenson at 168, because the prima donna refused a rematch in Montreal as part of the deal.

That's a nice plot. Ward should come wearing a knight armor.

[Szef]

Ward turned down a fight a 2 fight deal with Stevenson, a fight at 168, rematch at 175. No-go.

Impossible. Saint Andre of Oakland ducks no man, especially not at 175.

[bojangles1987]

Ward vs. Kovalev is much, much more realistic. No network issues, no promoter issues, both sides are apparently already discussing it, etc.

Plus Kovalev is the recognized best in the division by damn near everyone. Ward beating him means more to the boxing public than beating Stevenson.

[bojangles1987]

The 168/175 deal Stevenson offered is a nice thought, but ultimately would have been ****** for Ward to take. Once he dominates a possibly weight drained Stevenson at 168, no one gives a **** about the rematch at 175.

[Boxfan83]

Ward vs. Kovalev is much, much more realistic. No network issues, no promoter issues, both sides are apparently already discussing it, etc.

Plus Kovalev is the recognized best in the division by damn near everyone. Ward beating him means more to the boxing public than beating Stevenson.

But isnt Stevenson considered the "Ring" champ? & I think there will always be promoter issues...

[ea22]

I don't like Ward, but honestly it's probably because Stevenson is fast becoming irrelevant, from fighter of the year to what he is now.

[bojangles1987]

But isnt Stevenson considered the "Ring" champ? & I think there will always be promoter issues...

He got that Ring title for beating a Chad Dawson coming off getting weight drained, beaten up, and stopped by Andre Ward. I think very little of that win, and Dawson's performances since only prove my point.

Even if we pretend that win was over anything close to the best Chad Dawson, Stevenson has done nothing to build on it, and his competition has been unquestionably inferior to Kovalev's.

[Weebler I]

Here is/was the offer from GYM:

http://www.boxingscene.com/team-stevenson-proposes-two-fight-deal-ward--66583

[Tyler_Durden]

Cause Stevenson is a **** sucking duck and nobody cares to see Ward against anyone really.

[boliodogs]

I think it might be because lots of fans like Kovalev and GGG but outside of Canada Stevenson doesn't seem to have many fans. I almost never even read his name on Boxing Scene. He is a great puncher but he just is not very likeable. Kovalev is considered by most to be the best 175 pounder and Stevenson is just seen as this other champ who is the 2nd best light heavyweight and afraid to fight Kovalev. Ward has brought up Kovalev and GGG in interviews but I have never heard of him talking about Stevenson. There is no logical reason why Ward could not fight Stevenson unless Ward wants to stay at 168. Stevenson never had trouble making 168 so they could even fight at any weight between 168 and 175 if they agreed on a weight. Ward should fight him on neutral ground. I have seen the ref do some strange things in Canada to make sure popular home fighters win. Stevenson shouldn't fight Ward in the Oakland area either. It sounds like a good even fight to me.