Sullivan Barrera Hopes Kovalev Isn’t Back On The Bottle
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 05 Jun 2020
MIAMI, FLORIDA - Sullivan Barrera thought that right now he would be entertaining offers for another title shot. The former Cuban amateur standout has a lot of nice wins on his resume with a world championship the only thing missing.
Barrera was scheduled to face former champion Sergey Kovalev at a 180 pound catchweight in a DAZN streamed main event on April 25th but the coronavirus pandemic wiped out those plans as it forced the cancellation of boxing events throughout the globe.
According to Barrera, beating Kovalev was the first step in a two fight plan. First conquer the former champion then get a crack at another title. After hoisting a belt around his waist, he would be content to ride off into the sunset and focus his time and energy on his family.
"All of my focus was on Kovalev. After the surgery, I feel like a reborn fighter and I wanted to prove it to the world with a great performance against Kovalev. I know that win could have led me to a fight against one of the 175 pound champions," Barrera stated.
What is troubling to Barrera is that he hasn’t heard a word regarding the rescheduling of the fight. With boxing returning to the airwaves in the United States next week and plans for a DAZN fight card on July 4th, Barrera is perplexed at why he hasn't heard anything about the Kovalev fight and wonders if there are other issues at hand.
"I am still training, staying in shape for when my manager calls me and says that the fight is back on. So far we don't hear anything. What is the problem? I just hope Kovalev isn't back on the vodka. We all know what liquor does to him and I hope that isn't the reason why our fight isn't rescheduled. I really want this fight. I put everything into it. I even agreed to give him an extra 5 pounds so he doesn't have to train too hard. What is the problem now, Kovalev?" Barrera stated.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
LESTER MARTINEZ VS. LUKA PLANTIC ANNOUNCEMENT PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
Wed, 01 Jul 2026KORONADAL SLUGFEST: I’m always ready – Roherstrey Jhon Yor
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 01 Jul 2026THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 29 JUNE 2026: Paro UD Crocker for IBF Welter Title; Ennis Stops Zayas in 7 for WBA, WBO Welter Titles; Wins by Whittaker, Vargas and Tucker; Valenzuela KO2 De Los Santos
By Eric Armit, Tue, 30 Jun 2026Rising Featherweight Star Jaycob "The Raging Bull" Ramos Signs Exclusive Management Agreement with Boxing VIP
Tue, 30 Jun 2026Clarion to leave on July 2 for WBC Youth title
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 30 Jun 2026Gustavo Trujillo Stays Undefeated with Devastating Seventh-Round Knockout at Fist of Fury 11
Tue, 30 Jun 2026World Boxing Council Unveils Special July 4th Commemorative Belt Honoring USA 250th Anniversary
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Tue, 30 Jun 202612-Year-Old Filipina Memory Prodigy Georgina Santos to Represent the Philippines in Two World Memory Championships
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 30 Jun 2026World championship mega-fight between Christian Mbilli and Saul "Canelo" Alvarez postponed to October
Mon, 29 Jun 2026Filipino Jonas Magpantay wins Indonesia; pockets $15,000, gains steam heading to Vietnam
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 29 Jun 2026Ex-kickboxer to debut in MMA Slugfest
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 29 Jun 2026Deaño settles to a draw
By Lito delos Reyes, Sun, 28 Jun 2026Abdyrakhmanov defeats Kadiev, Kudryashov knocks out Yousefi at IBA Bare Knuckle 5 in Moscow
Sun, 28 Jun 2026WBC declares German Agit Kabayel new WBC heavyweight champion after Usyk relinquishes his title
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sun, 28 Jun 20264th Gov. RST MMA Slugfest on July 3
By Lito delos Reyes, Sun, 28 Jun 2026