Ward-Kovalev 2 Set for June 17 in Las Vegas

Andre Ward will collide with Sergey Kovalev in one of the most eagerly-anticipated rematches in ages on June 17.

On the heels of their dramatic first encounter last November at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas that ended in controversy, the two best light heavyweights on the planets will hopefully settle the score once and for all. Though he was dropped and hurt badly early in the fight, Ward (30-0, 15 KOs) righted the ship and seized control of the latter rounds to win a narrow unanimous decision. All three ringside judges saw it 114-113 for “SOG” though many fans and members of the boxing media thought that Kovalev should have had his hand raised.

“I'm going to keep it short and sweet,” said Ward on Tuesday during the fight announcement. “You got what you asked for, now you have to see me on June 17. This time, leave the excuses at home.”

Kovalev (30-1-1, 26 KOs) lost his WBA, IBF and WBO 175-pound titles in the loss, which he vehemently protested. Though he’s admitted to allowing the American back into the fight down the stretch, the Russian knows has can knock Ward out and that’s what he expects to do when they lock horns again.

“I'm glad to know that rematch will happen,” stated Kovalev. “I really hope that Andre Ward will get into the ring for this rematch. Fans of boxing will see the real ‘Krusher’ -- the one they have missed for couple of my last fights. For me this rematch is very important as no other bout in my entire boxing career.”

Ward – Kovalev II: No Excuses will be televised live on HBO Pay-Per-View from inside the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. The action will begin on PPV at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. Guillermo Rigondeaux (17-0, 11 KOs) will defend his WBA super bantamweight title against Moises Flores (25-0, 17 KOs) in one of the featured undercard bouts as well.