More on request for Ward-Kovalev “Neutrality” judges: “It’s ridiculous,” says Arum

04/16/2017 James Slater

As fans may have read, a while back, Kathy Duva, promoter of former light-heavyweight champ Sergey Kovalev, requested “neutral” judges for the big June 17 rematch fight with Andre Ward. Ward of course defeated Kovalev by close, controversial 12 round decision last year, and Duva, and Kovalev, want non-American judges (or at least one non-American judge) for the return fight.

Kovalev is convinced he was robbed back in November, and he is anxious to avoid the same thing happening in the second fight. Bob Arum, in speaking with TMZ Sports, said the call for neutral, or non-American judges is “nonsense.”

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Andre Ward lists his picks for the current five best pound-for-pound in the sport

04/15/2017 James Slater

It’s arguably a tougher time than in a long time to pick a fighter everyone can agree is deserving of being ranked the best pound-for-pounder. When Floyd Mayweather was fighting, the title was his and nobody was arguing. But today, who deserves the honour: Gennady Golovkin, Vasyl Lomachenko, Andre Ward?

Ward himself, the current top P-4-P fighter in the world according to Ring Magazine, recently gave his own personal top-5. Speaking on ESPN’s “A Los Golpes,” show, the reigning light-heavyweight world champion broke it down as follows:

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Ward vs Kovalev II: Duva says Ward refused to agree to call for non-American judges; are we in store for another controversial decision?

04/13/2017 James Slater

After the sheer amount of controversy the November 2016 decision picked up by Andre Ward in his win over Sergey Kovalev caused, the rematch, set for June 17, needs a clear and decisive winner. But will we get one? A KO, scored by either fighter, would of course be the best way to settle things, but one looks unlikely.

Certainly, Kovalev, who recently said that Ward “hits like woman,” has no concerns of being stopped by Ward, while Ward being flattened, though possible, seems a long shot. So, with no KO, the rematch of one of the most debated decision fights of recent years will be decided once again by the three official judges.

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Andre Ward vs Sergey Kovalev II – LA press conference quotes

04/15/201704/12/2017 Roc Nation Sports

Tickets for Ward-Kovalev 2: “The Rematch” go on sale to the public today at 1:00 p.m. ET/10:00 a.m. PT. Tickets priced at $1,255, $755, $505, $355, $255 and $105 not including applicable service charges will be available on axs.com and at the Mandalay Bay Events Center box office.

Ward vs. Kovalev 2: “The Rematch,” a 12-round mega-fight for the WBO/IBF/WBA Light Heavyweight World Championships, is presented by Roc Nation Sports, Main Events, Andre Ward Promotions, Krusher Promotions and Corona Extra, and is sponsored by Monster Products and Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. The championship event takes place Saturday, June 17 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

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Ward-Kovalev – Oakland press conference quotes

04/13/201704/11/2017 Roc Nation Sports

On Tuesday at the Oakland Marriott in Oakland, CA, Unified Light Heavyweight World Champion Andre “SOG” Ward (31-0, 15 KOs) and former Unified Light Heavyweight World Champion Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev (30-1-1, 26 KOs) formally addressed the media regarding their highly-anticipated rematch on Saturday, June 17 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. The championship event, presented by Corona Extra, will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

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Left-Hook Lounge Mailbag: Ward, GGG, Lomachenko, & Klitschko/Joshua!!

04/11/2017 Vivek Wallace

Robbie N. (Texas): You can argue that Andre Ward lost (to Kovalev), we saw GGG look beatable against Jacobs, and Roman Gonzalez is obviously beatable, as well. What argument can be made against placing Lomachenko as #1 in your opinion?

Vito W.: I’ll give my thoughts, but as I’ve indicated before, I don’t subscribe to the ‘mythical’ angle. When we look at the text book definition of P4P, there’s no true angle for multiple men to wear that badge at one time. (For further explanation, please see past articles/mailbags where I’ve touched on that topic). As it relates to the ‘mythical’ perspective, I still think naysayers have an angle to keep him from the #1 spot, for the simple fact that he hasn’t done enough in the sport to claim the title. I think from a skill standpoint, what makes him most dangerous is the fact that he has an amazing offense to dispatch with that incredible footwork/defense. The last guy we saw deeply skilled on both offense and defense has some thinking he’s “TBE” (Mayweather). Loma has very similar attributes, and as a result, could create that same type of legacy.

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Ward, Kovalev NYC Presser

04/11/201704/10/2017 Roc Nation Sports

On Monday at Le Parker Meridien in New York City, Unified Light Heavyweight World Champion Andre “SOG” Ward (31-0, 15 KOs) and former Unified Light Heavyweight World Champion Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev (30-1-1, 26 KOs) formally addressed the media on their highly-anticipated rematch on Saturday, June 17 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. The championship event, presented by Corona Extra, will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

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Video: Andre Ward vs Sergey Kovalev II – Early Rematch Preview

04/10/201704/10/2017 Rummys Corner

On June 17 unified WBA/IBF/WBO light heavyweight champion of the world Andre Ward (31-0-0, 15 KOs) will have a highly anticipated rematch against former light heavyweight world champion Sergey Kovalev (30-1-1, 26 KOs). The bout is scheduled to take place at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Andre Ward vs. Sergey Kovalev II rematch official for June 17

04/05/201704/04/2017 Roc Nation Sports

Roc Nation Sports, Main Events, Andre Ward Promotions and Krusher Promotions are pleased to announce the highly anticipated rematch between the unified Light Heavyweight Champion of the World, Andre “SOG” Ward (31-0, 15 KOs) and former title holder Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev (30-1-1, 26 KOs). Ward vs. Kovalev II “No Excuses” will take place Saturday, June 17 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. The championship event, presented by Corona Extra, will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

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Superb double-header set for June 17: Ward-Kovalev II, Rigondeaux-Flores

04/04/201704/04/2017 James Slater

It’s always a great night in Las Vegas, especially so whenever a big fight card is going down at one of the many beautiful hotels/casinos. And fight fans are in store for a potentially classic night of boxing at The Mandalay Bay in Vegas on June 17.

Not only is the eagerly anticipated Andre Ward-Sergey Kovalev light-heavyweight title fight rematch set for then, but a superb supporting feature between junior featherweights Guillermo Rigondeaux and Moses Flores will go ahead on the card. So, with pure boxers Ward and Rigondeaux in action, fans of The Sweet Science will have plenty to look forward to; both pound-for-pound stars possessing an abundance of skill and class.

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