There is nothing binding Andre Ward to Showtime. Ward-Dawson on HBO next?

I know, the source is in French, Google your way around it if you want, I've translated a few things...

http://www.rds.ca/boxe/chroniques/338474.html


Le nouveau président de HBO Sports et ancien vice-président de Showtime Ken Hershman semble avoir déjà établi un plan de match pour son futur protégé. Une rencontre au sommet entre Ward et Chad Dawson serait même dans les cartons.
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HBO Sports new president and former VP at Showtime, Ken Hershman, already seems to have a gameplan for his protege (Ward). A titans clash between Ward and Chad Dawson allegedly is in the books.


« La majorité des observateurs croient que Dawson remportera son combat prévu contre Bernard Hopkins le 28 avril », ajoute Michel. « HBO prévoit présenter le duel Dawson-Ward à l’automne. »
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"A majority of boxing analysts believe Dawson will win his upcoming fight against Bernard Hopkins on April 28th", says Michel (GYM President). HBO is planning on showing the Dawson-Ward fight this Fall.


Par contre, rien ne dit que Showtime laissera filer le champion des poids super-moyens de la WBA et du WBC sans réagir. Même si le réseau n’a pas les moyens financiers de son grand rival, il possède néanmoins une carte cachée dans sa manche.
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However, nothing indicates that Showtime will let go of the WBC/WBA supermiddleweight champion without a fight. Even though the network doesn't have as much available to them, financially, as their main rival does, it can count on a wild card.


« Il n’y a pas de contrat qui lie officiellement Ward à Showtime, mais le réseau a le droit d’égaler toute offre éventuelle de HBO », précise le promoteur québécois.
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"There is no contract that officially binds Ward to Showtime, but Showtime is allowed to match HBO's bid on his next fight", states Michel.





...Ward-Dawson in the Fall? Catchweight?!

I thought Ward absolutely wanted to unify the division. Ward-Dawson (assuming he beats BHop) is cool but not as epic as Ward-Bute (assuming he beats Froch).

No epicness. :bart

 

Yeah well, Ward hasn't demonstrated a will to do that TBH. He doesn't feel the need to make an offer to Bute (assuming he wants him in Oakland or in Cali anyway), and says Bute should 'beat somebody' after saying Bute was 'the fight to make for the S6 champ'. Well done.

Why won't he unify?! Thought he wanted all of them belts. And Bute would definitely be available in the Fall. :conf

 

He was looking at fighting Sergio a couple weeks back, and called for a Kessler rematch after he won the S6. Doesn't sound like tune-ups, but anyhow... Hershman exposed Ward's talent to the world, and wants him back on his payroll ASAP. That's reality.

I've been calling for Ward to fight southpaw body puncher Magee in prep for Bute. No rumors of that, at all.

Looks like he'll be waiting until the Fall to fight. The article suggests that given the fact he declined a June 2nd fight date, and considering the networks are already planning the Fall broadcasting schedules, his next fight could be.. Dawson.

 

Pascal's promoter says otherwise. :hey