Andre Ward and Kovalev meet in New York ahead of their rematch this summer that will take place at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.

The two light-heavyweight top dogs will face one another again on the 17th of June, after a close and controversial decision in their first fight last November.

It would be fair to say the majority of fans believe that Kovalev deserved to get the decision on the night, but Ward walked away with the unanimous verdict after been knocked down in the contest.

Whatever your opinion is though, both fighters will have the opportunity to set the record straight this summer in a genuine grudge match.

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Well, certainly on Kovalev’s part.

The Russian big hitter has been consistent in his verbal warfare towards Ward since the decision that night and appears hell bent on winding up Ward to throw him off his game plan.

The two met today for the first of their media obligations ahead of this summer’s showdown and seemed fairly calm in the initial head to head:

Ward and Kovalev meet ahead of rematch – hat tip Fight Hub YouTube

No fireworks today but it’s what happens in the ring that counts. Nice to see they are starting the build-up early with plenty of time ahead of the rematch too.

A fight of this calibre deserves it.