Yeah, HBO doesn't even wanna pay Ward his headlining fee.
He is the best boxer at 168, I think he wins vs. GGG and if anyone has the skills to nullify the power of Stevenson and Kovalev it is Ward.
But there isn't a lot of incentive to fight him. He in himself isn't a big draw. GGG keeps saying he'll stay at 160 - he can get the same money and possibly more if he gets Sergio. JCC has been a draw himself and can make good money without facing him. It sounds like he'll go after the Froch-Groves winner. And LH is loaded with good matches for another year or two - they don't need Ward.
Ward may be the toughest opponent out there for each guy, but each fighter can take a bigger money fight against a quality opponent and not have to face Ward. Hell, even Froch said I'll fight you again, but come to the UK.
Ward is the best fighter in that weight class, 2nd best P4P...but no one NEEDS him right now. He and Rigo should get together and share a beer about how no one appreciates their skills.
I love Ward's skills...but he overestimates his value in comparison to public demand.