Sergey Kovalev vs Andre Ward was officially announced after Ward’s victory on August 6. On August 9, Sergey Kovalev met with the media to discuss the fight, and answered fan’s questions submitted via twitter. The event took place in Los Angeles, CA and was hosted by Michael Buffer.
Kovalev was joined at the event by Kathy Duva, John David Jackson, and Egis Klimas.
Kathy Duva expressed here frustration with what she called “sticking points” from a previous agreement with Andre Ward and RocNation for their scheduled clash on November 19.
Here are a few excerpts from the Q&A session as well as the video from the event:
We don’t see two five pound-for-pound fighters fight each other that often – what makes this fight worth the risk for you?
SERGEY KOVALEV: This fight for me is dangerous. Any fight is dangerous but this fight is really important for my career and for the boxing world because it is a really high level for both of us. When I was a child I was just dream to be on this level so this fight for me really means a lot. For me this fight means everything in my boxing career and after this fight we will find out who is the best pound-for-pound.
Are you disappointed Andre is not here? Was he supposed to be here and why is he not here?
SERGEY KOVALEV: I am not disappointed that he is not here – it will be much better if he was here but if he is here it is no problem. We can speak without him. The most important thing is that he will be in the ring on the 19th.
KATHY DUVA: He felt that it was too close to his fight to have to travel.
What is going on with the site? Apparently it was supposed to take place at T-Mobile and now there is some talk of it going to Barclay’s in New York or MSG?
KATHY DUVA: We have an agreement with the T-Mobile as far as I am concerned.
Do you think you can outbox Andre Ward?
SERGEY KOVALEV: It is my goal. I like to have goals in my life and this makes my goal, yes.
Could you imagine yourself as being the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world? Is this something you dreamed of when you were a kid?
SERGEY KOVALEV: I never dreamed about it because I never knew about this word “pound-for-pound,” so I never thought about being the best pound-for-pound. I always wanted to be the best in the light heavyweight division. But now that Andre said this is the fight for the best pound-for-pound, yes it is now my goal.
How do you rate Andre Ward as an opponent? Do you expect a hero’s welcome in your home country if you are victorious?
SERGEY KOVALEV: I cannot rate Andre Ward because I have not fought him yet. After the fight I can make some points about that. All of my Russian fans and all of my family – I will dedicate this fight to all of them. I want to bring my belts and victory to Russia.
Were you happy with your fight in Russia and your performance?
How do you think the negotiations will end?
KATHY DUVA: There is always a sticking point. There will be a sticking point until they get in the ring. Then I will be able to sit back and watch how these months of hard work and in this glorious moment, that I have been looking forward to more than anything in the world, because at that point Roc Nation isn’t going to be able to do anything for Andre Ward any more.
Do you think Andre Ward has more power as a light heavyweight to hurt you and do you think you can knock Andre Ward out?
SERGEY KOVALEV: I think so, yes. He was power – he will be a lot heavier and has been in his last two fights. He has been fighting twelve rounds to get enough experience for November 19. We saw the power when he fought in the super middleweight division. Sure, I will try to knock him out because I am Krusher and I try to live up to my nick-name. Let’s do it.
Do you look forward to the challenge that Andre Ward brings to your fighter?
