Kovalev on Andre Ward: 'I don't know if I can beat him

[aldo5408]

“I don’t know if I can beat him,” Kovalev said in a remarkable bit of honesty considering the bravado often found in boxing. “But I want to fight him. It’s a huge test for me.”

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While details of his next fight remain unsettled, the plan is for a late-June date, prompting Kovalev to return to the gym this week.

“I am back,” Kovalev said Saturday in an interview with The Times and Ring magazine.

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Kovalev (29-0-1, 26 knockouts) is seeking a summer interim bout in his native Russia, saying his promoter, Kathy Duva, and manager, Egis Klimas, are aiming for a fight date of June 18 or June 25, with negotiations ongoing at multiple sites, including arenas in Moscow and Sochi.

“It’s good for me, for Russian boxing fans and lots of fans in Europe who want to see my fights live and have found it hard to get to,” in the U.S. or Canada, Kovalev said.

Klimas said the talks need to be done “like yesterday,” adding that if the site and opponent aren’t finalized in two weeks, the fight date would move to July.

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Ward is also looking to stay sharp with a summer fight near his Oakland base.

[aldo5408]

I'm actually suprised I think Kov is showing weakness and he doesnt seem to confident

[Eff Pandas]

Wouldn't have expected that sorta comment from Kovalev. Losing ain't as bad as its considered by fans doe. Its a part of a competitive world like boxers live in. Surprised its not talked about more in a real way like Kov is doing here.

[Kagami Taiga]

Both fighters seem to be aware of the challenge that the other poses. Which is how it should be. One of the bright spots for this year in boxing, which has been pretty disappointing.

[Redd Foxx]

Is that recent? If so, I find it to be a positive thing and the sign of a healthy mentality. At Andre's last fight I thought the constant, big smile on Kov's face looked blatantly fake. The type of thing someone does to hide discomfort. No one smiles for 2 hours straight unless they're at Disneyland and being in a crowded venue with people constantly bugging you isn't continually a fun thing.

Hearing him being down to earth means he's not overlooking Ward. He's going to realize the threat and muster up all he has. An over-confident Kovalev would play into Ward's hands. However, a serious and cautious Kovalev is going to be at his best. Compared to his other opponents, he's going to be going up 2 or 3 levels in competition when he fights Ward.

[SkillspayBills]

It's as close to a pickem fight as you can get. It's the best fight that can be made in the sport.

[.!WAR MIKEY!.]

good, they both know its a real fight.

[Jloro]

I think kovalev would be more dangerous going all out early. If he thinks with ward and tries to box him he is going to lose.
I can't wait though it's a great fight. I got ward

[ShoulderRoll]

Both guys are respectful of each other. As it should be.

[boliodogs]

I'm actually suprised I think Kov is showing weakness and he doesnt seem to confident

He is just being refreshingly honest in this boxing world of braggers like Khan, Martin,Mosley and Broner. He is full of confidence and anyone who has seen him fight knows he is totally fearless. He says he wants to test himself against a great fighter like Ward. Respect for his opponent is a good thing. It keeps him razor sharp and alert. My money is on Krusher K. You don't hear Ward claiming a win in advance over Kovalev either. Both boxers know they are in for a hard fight.