SERGEY KOVALEV is relieved that he is getting his rematch with Andre Ward, after disputing the decision in their first fight. But he feared that Ward could still back out.
โI am thankful the fight will take place on June 17. Well, will take place on paper for now. Iโm appreciative of my team and Team Ward that this fight will actually happen.ย I want to apologize to my fans for my performance the last time but weโre going to get this squared either way. Weโre going to see who is the best fighter. Iโm very excited for June 17,โ Kovalev said. โThe only thing I hope is that a week or two before the fight, Andre Ward does not get injured and he has enough balls to come out and fight me on June 17.โ
Ward dismissed the criticisms. โUnfortunately, thereโs perception and thereโs reality. Perception is every one thing thatโs written, every opinion but as you grow and learn this business, itโs not about perception. Nobody can point to a fight where I turned. Not one point. Thatโs not in my track record. So, I donโt mind the perception. I donโt care about Instagram. This is chess, not checkers. You can make all the rules you want to make, but itโs about the checkmate. Thatโs when the game is over,โ the American said. โThey have to understand, thereโs nothing scary about this man. You realize we just fought 12 rounds four months ago? Everyone wants to highlight the knockdown, thatโs probably one of the most beautiful moments of my career. And did you guys see the other 10 rounds? Nobodyโs talking about that. But thatโs what makes us who we are. Itโs hard concrete down there, we donโt want to fall. Weโve got another drive, weโve got another gear weโve got to tap into when we hit adversity and hit the cannons. You guys saw that, in the biggest moment of my career.
โI didnโt get to where Iโm at because thereโs something unique about me. I didnโt get to this point by happenstance. Some may not like it, but you got to respect it. You donโt have to, but weโve earned the position that we have. We donโt mind being understated. The fight is academic. When my team green-lighted it, I said go ahead and announce it. The reality is, youโve got to see me on June 17. Thatโs the reality of the situation. I love to talk, itโs all good. We knocked heads for 12 rounds, thatโs the reality of the situation. He felt me, he knows. On June 17, thatโs how weโre going to do. Weโre going to get started a little early. Whether youโre with me, or whether youโre against me, tune in. Appreciate everybodyโs time. Donโt miss this fight, June 17. You got what you asked for.โ