Ward has only just been awarded the best victory of his career against Duva’s biggest star in Sergey Kovalev, although is already pondering whether he’s achieved all he can in the sport.
Despite the doubts suddenly creeping in, Duva is still fully expecting Ward to follow through with his contracted agreement to give Kovalev a chance to win his titles back following what was a wafer-thin points win for the ‘S.O.G’ in Las Vegas in November.
“Let’s face it, Ward doesn’t want any more of Sergey and we all know that. Look at ward’s face before and after the decision – he knows who won,” Duva exclusively told World Boxing News before responding to being asked whether she was worried Ward would walk away from the rematch.
“Not at all. Ward made an agreement whereby he promised to give Sergey a rematch if he won in exchange for getting the opportunity to fight for Sergey’s three titles in the first place. We expect Andre Ward to live up to his signed agreement.”
And on whether Kovalev could move up in weight to target a two-weight world title at 200 pounds, Duva said the Russian puncher would be remaining at light-heavyweight as long as he can make the weight easily.
“Sergey addressed the cruiserweight question multiple times during the Ward promotion,” pointed out Duva.
“He said that he is a natural light heavyweight and that is where he intends to stay, as he has no trouble making the weight, thus far.”
Ward v Kovalev II was thought to be heading for a spring date in 2017, although the uncertainty surrounding the return could push it back as far as the summer – if at all, as the champion wrestles with his future.
