
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:
Xander Zayas vs Jaron Ennis: Breakout Moment in Brooklyn
By Chris Carlson, Sat, 27 Jun 2026GAB Must Look Into Exploitation of Rated Filipino Fighters in Japan
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Sat, 27 Jun 2026TITLE FIGHT ON: Zayas and "Boots" Ennis Hit the Scales for Brooklyn Super-Welterweight Showdown
By Dong Secuya, Sat, 27 Jun 2026USC's Galen Center confirmed as Martinez-Plantic, Lopez-Carrillo venue August 29, live on ProBoxTV
Sat, 27 Jun 2026July 4: Albert Bell Steps In to Challenge Abdullah Mason in All-Ohio WBO Lightweight World Title Showdown at Cleveland State University’s Wolstein Center LIVE on TNT and DAZN
Fri, 26 Jun 2026Zamboanga relinquishes her ONE Women’s title
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 26 Jun 2026Top-ranked Charly Suarez facing Manuel Avila, plus two more fights added to July 18 ProBoxTV event
Fri, 26 Jun 2026Yanon fights Kaji in Tokyo on July 4
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 26 Jun 2026Preparations underway for 2026 IBA men’s divisional continental championships
Fri, 26 Jun 2026Highland Boxing Promotions Presents "Warrior Showdown" in Bangkok on June 27
By Carlos Costa, Thu, 25 Jun 2026Usyk reportedly considering retirement but could face Kabayel before the year ends
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Thu, 25 Jun 2026Luke Littler and Ben Whittaker join forces as Matchroom Sport takes over New York City
Thu, 25 Jun 2026IOC Announces $10,000 'Fit for the Future' Grant for All Qualifying Olympians, Including Boxers
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Thu, 25 Jun 2026Boxers did it first: IBA President welcomes IOC’s decision on allocating funds among athletes
Thu, 25 Jun 2026PH national now ready for Asia-Oceania Sambo
By Lito delos Reyes, Thu, 25 Jun 2026