Earlier this week, a few news outlets ran with the story that Andre Ward and Sullivan Barrera were a lock to face off against one another on March 26 at the Oracle Center in Oakland, CA.
Dan Rafael of ESPN.com stated late last month that while there was no confirmed opponent, Barrera was indeed the target fighter for Ward to face.
On Saturday, Ward took to Twitter to refute any claims that he has an opponent officially confirmed.
Premature information being leaked to the media. I don't know who my next opponent for my next fight is. I have no contract.
— Andre S.O.G. Ward (@andreward) January 9, 2016
Kathy Duva, CEO of Main Events (who promotes Barrera), also confirmed (via Ring TV) that no agreement has been made between her company and Ward’s promoter–Roc Nation Sports.
“Contrary to what other outlets have written, I have not made a deal with Roc Nation (Sports, Ward’s promoter) yet,” said Duva. “Though I am optimistic that it will get done.”
Barrera, perhaps seeing an opportunity to build some interest for the fight, snapped at Ward and Roc Nation Sports via Twitter for seemingly stalling.
@andreward @danrafaelespn Stop find excuse. Tell promoter to send contract. Is your promoter Jay Z or JC Penny?
— Sullivan Barrera (@sullivanbarrera) January 9, 2016
Ward took the bait and fired back at Barrera.
@sullivanbarrera Only time I'm gonna respond to you buddy. You can call us JC Penny, we ain't got no money for you. Not getting rich off us😂
— Andre S.O.G. Ward (@andreward) January 9, 2016
One thing is for sure, if Ward does plan on fighting Sergey Kovalev at the end of 2016, Barrera would be a great step towards getting prepared for “The Krusher.”
Defeating Barrera wouldn’t be a given by any means and a convincing victory for Ward could prove to his naysayers that he can compete with the big boys at 175 pounds.
Do you want to see Andre Ward fight Sullivan Barrera?
Photos by Tom Hogan/Roc Nation Sports
