By Rick Reeno

Multiple sources with direct knowledge of the negotiations have advised BoxingScene.com that a deal is "basically done" for WBA super middleweight champion Andre Ward (22-0, 13KOs) to defend his titles against Sakio Bika on November 27 at the Oracle Arena in Oakland, California. Both sources advised BoxingScene that Ward-Bika "will not be part of the Super Six" Boxing Classic.

Ward's original opponent, Andre Dirrell, withdrew from the tournament last week with neuological issues that likely stem from his March disqualification win over Arthur Abraham. Dirrell's team members have claimed the fighter has experienced bad headaches since taking the right hand that led to Abraham's disqualification in the eleventh round.