Duva: I Can't Blame Ward, I'd Rather Retire Than Face Kovalev!
By Radio Rahim
Main Events CEO Kathy Duva, who promotes Sergey Kovalev, had a good laugh when discussing some of the recent statements that were made by IBF, WBA, WBO light heavyweight champion Andre Ward.
Last month at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Ward (31-0, 15KOs) got off the floor in the second round to win a razor-thin twelve round unanimous decision over Kovalev (30-1-1, 26KOs) to capture unified crown at 175.
There was an immediate rematch clause in the contract, and Kovalev has exercised that stipulation.
But recently, Ward cautioned that if he doesn't agree with the terms of the rematch - he's more than satisfied with his career accomplishments and has no problem with walking away from boxing.
Duva is not really worried about any retirement threats.
"I can't say I blame him. I'd rather retire than fight Sergey too. I'm sure this is... we'll see. He signed a contract, he's committed to the fight. We'll see what happens. It's early, he took a beating despite the decision. He was really beat up. Sergey was the one without a mark on him. We're anxious to get in the ring again," Duva told BoxingScene.com.
They negotiations have yet to begin but Duva expects to have discussions in the near future.
"They have not begun yer, but I had nice conversation with Peter Nelson of HBO and he spoke to them, and I expect that we'll be talking soon. I remain the eternal optimist," Duva said.
As far as the date. With Manny Pacquiao pushing back his planned return to June, Duva would love to do the fight on a date in April.
"I heard that Manny Pacquiao was going to fight in April on pay-per-view, but then I read he may not fight until June. So if April's open we're there," Duva said.
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