Considering I think they had a rematch clause, most people thought Kovalev won, and he's guaranteed to make a ton of money, I say yes.
Ward's post fight commentary is no more ridiculous than Kovalev's. It's simply their respective sides of the story. What is ridiculous (and mind-numbingly stupid as well) is to call either of these great champs cowardly. Just stow that ****. Makes you look like a sycophant. Though I thought Kovalev won the first fight and that Ward got lucky with the decision, I absolutely wish to see the rematch as I believe Ward will win it by enough of a margin to shut everybody the hell up. Ward has Sergei's measure now and will beat him worse each time were they to fight one another the next 10 in a row. That is my considered opinion. Furthermore, I think Kovalev thinks that as well. However, Ward is gonna' do it on his schedule and not mine (more's the pity). I don't like it and will become increasingly poopy about it should he fight a bunch of chumps now. But that said, Ward has earned some slack with me. Maybe not the same amount as I gave B-Hop just before he retired. Or how much I'd give JMM or Manny or Cotto now on the tail end of their careers having fought nearly every scary mother****er that got close enough for them to take a swing at. Maybe not that much. But Ward did step up and fight Kovalev. Most people on here didn't think he would do even that. So if we can't get The Krusher next, can we get Stevens? I wouldn't be pissed if he fought Badou Jack and especially not if Jack got a chance to acclimate himself to the division with a tune up first? Work with me, S.O.G.
Bottom line is... Both Kovalev & Ward signed a contract that stated there was a rematch clase. Ward must either begin negociating a rematch immediately or be stripped of the titles & join Canelo Alvarez in the cowards section Give him till March 1 to abide by the contract or be stripped as he did not live up to the contract He broke it
My only concern is Ward stringing Kovalev along, handicapping his earning capacity. If Ward is going to retire, then do it now. Don't have Kovalev waiting to June or July.
Is it officially not happening? No official word? Then quit crying. The talk is nothing but talk. People said the same thing before the first fight was signed.
Who is crying? Ward agreed to the rematch in principle when he signed for the fight. I'll be surprised if Ward does an about-face. It will be a cowardly way to end a career if he doesn't honour the contractual agreement.
Talk is noise, people need to wait until an official decision is made. If Ward retires then it's open season.