Andre Ward is in talks to step up to take on light-heavyweight kingpin Sergey Kovalev next year, the Russian's promoter has revealed.
Kovalev (27-0-1-KO24) holds the WBO, WBA (super) and IBF belts at 175lbs and with Ward (28-0-0-KO15) having stopped Liverpool's Paul Smith at a catchweight of 172lbs on his return in June, many expect him to desert the super-middleweight division.
Kovalev's promoter, Kathy Duva, said: "We have been talking to Andre Ward’s people all week and I think we all agree the fight is going to happen. It is just a matter of when.
"The talks have been very amicable. They are deciding who they want to fight next, and we have Sergey’s schedule for his next few fights planned. By the end of next year, maybe a little sooner, you’re going to get to see that fight.
"We’re very happy about that because Sergey has made it clear that he wants to fight the very best out there. You’re talking about a fight between two guys who are both in the top five pound-for-pound in the world.
"The best fighting the best is what people want to see. That’s the kind of fight that gets everybody excited, the kind of fight that gets our blood moving. So we’re really hoping to be able to complete that deal within the foreseeable future."
Kovalev, 32, is in action on July 25 when he takes on France's Nadjib Mohammedi (37-3-0-KO23).