Skip to content

Ward v Kovalev II: Andre Ward insists defeat is not an option against Sergey Kovalev

By Peter Gilbert

Tuesday 6 June 2017 11:59, UK

HAYWARD, CA - JUNE 2: Andre Ward works out during an open media workout on June 2, 2017 in Hayward, California. Ward held a public workout in preparation f
Image: Undefeated Andre Ward is currently Ring magazine's pound-for-pound king

Andre Ward has hit back at Sergey Kovalev ahead of their light heavyweight rematch later this month, live on Sky Sports.

Kovalev recently said he wanted to destroy Ward, branding him a "fake" champion and vowed to avenge his narrow points defeat to the American in Las Vegas on June 17.

However, Ward, who ended the Russian's 31-fight undefeated record and relieved him of his WBA, WBO and IBF titles when they met in November, believes Kovalev's anger will lead to his downfall in the ring.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Watch highlights of Sergey Kovalev and Andre Ward's title clash in November

"If you think he's unnerved now, just wait until June 17 and see what happens," said Ward.

Live Fight Night International

"Get mad. I want you to get as mad as you can get. Because it's going to get worse and worse and worse, round by round. I don't mind his anger or any of that. I welcome it. He's gonna make mistakes and run into something."

LAS VEGAS, NV - NOVEMBER 19: Sergey Kovalev punches Andre Ward during their WBO/IBF/WBA Light Heavyweight Championship fight at T-Mobile Arena on Novembe
Image: Sergey Kovalev has secured 26 of his 31 wins by stoppage

Kovalev floored Ward in the second round of their first fight and has vowed to finish the job and take the decision out of the judges' hands this time round.

However, Ward, who boasts a record of 31 straight wins, with 15 inside the distance, is adamant he will not join Kovalev's long list of knockout victims.

Also See:

HAYWARD, CA - JUNE 2: Andre Ward shadow boxes during an open media workout on June 2, 2017 in Hayward, California. Ward held a public workout in preparatio
Image: Ward shadow boxes during an open media workout

"It's not just gonna happen. He's gonna have to bleed to do it," added Ward. "When you start talking about taking me away from my family or taking food off of my family's plate, it's not gonna happen, bro. That's how I look at it."

Watch the rematch between Andre Ward and Sergey Kovalev, live on Sky Sports 1, in the early hours of Sunday, June 18, from 2am.

Around Sky

Upgrade to Sky Sports to get 80% of all televised PL matches this season

Not got Sky? Get instant access to Sky Sports with no contract