Mobile Home | Desktop Version




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:

  • Four Pinoys in line for title shots
    By Joaquin Henson, Fri, 23 Jan 2026
  • After the meeting in Mexico City, the WBC is ready for 2026
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, Fri, 23 Jan 2026
  • Former world title challenger Jerry Belmontes Returns to ring at home after nearly a decade in Retirement on January 31 in Texas
    Fri, 23 Jan 2026
  • SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT RONNY ALVAREZ TRAINING CAMP NOTES
    Thu, 22 Jan 2026
  • STRICKLAND STUNS REYES AS SOUQUET SEALS REDEMPTION | WNT LEGENDS
    Thu, 22 Jan 2026
  • Knicks defeats Nets 120-66 to post largest margin of victory in franchise history
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, Thu, 22 Jan 2026
  • Mauricio Sulaiman: "We simply urge Zuffa Boxing to respect and protect boxing and the boxer"
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, Thu, 22 Jan 2026
  • January 31: Xander Zayas-Abass Baraou Junior Middleweight Title Unification Showdown to Stream LIVE on Top Rank Classics FAST Channel in the United States
    Thu, 22 Jan 2026
  • Mike Tyson to Launch “Mike Tyson Invitational,” a Three-Day Amateur Boxing Showcase Aimed at Elevating the Future of American Boxing
    Thu, 22 Jan 2026
  • KAIPO GALLEGOS TRAINING CAMP NOTES
    Thu, 22 Jan 2026
  • REYES AND BUSTAMANTE DELIVER HOME-SOIL MASTERCLASS | WNT LEGENDS
    Wed, 21 Jan 2026
  • Reigning World 10-ball Champion Filipino cue master Jonas Magpantay to see action in Indonesia pool tourney
    By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 21 Jan 2026
  • OLYMPIC BOXING 7: 1936 OLYMPICS AT BERLIN, GERMANY
    By Maloney L. Samaco, Wed, 21 Jan 2026
  • Usyk and Zuffa Boxing Negotiations Update
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 21 Jan 2026
  • Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimán: Twelve Years Later, Don José is Still With Us
    By Mauricio Sulaimán, Tue, 20 Jan 2026