Andre Ward vs. Sergey Kovalev 2: Latest News, Rumors on Potential Fight

Sergey Kovalev will reportedly pursue a rematch with Andre Ward after losing a narrow points decision to the American on Saturday night at the T-Mobile Arena in Paradise, Nevada.

Ward recovered from a knockdown in Round 2 to clinch the bout 114-113, 114-113, 114-113, capturing the IBF, WBA Super and WBO world light-heavyweight titles in the process.

According to ESPN's Dan Rafael, Kovalev is keen to do it again:

After the fight, Kovalev did little to hide his dissatisfaction with the outcome. "Everybody is here, witnesses are here, everybody saw what happened," he said, per Gareth A Davies of the Daily Telegraph. "He got maybe a few rounds. But not the whole fight. I kept control. I lost maybe three rounds."

Kovalev was keen when asked about the prospect of a rematch. "And I'll kick his ass," the Russian added.

Kovalev looked set to secure a stunning win early on, landing with a shuddering right hand and leaving Ward floored for the first time in 11 years. Following the knockdown, Kovalev dominated the first half of the fight before Ward was eventually able to establish a foothold in the latter stages.

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Although the former champion was disappointed with the outcome, Bleacher Report's Patrick Wyman thinks the decision could have gone either way:

Indeed, Ward deserves credit for bouncing back after the early setback, showcasing superb defensive skills while Kovalev piled on the pressure. The 32-year-old's career record now reads 31 wins from 31 professional outings; this one was the hardest earned of the lot.

For Kovalev, the first defeat of his career will be a difficult one to take, especially given the tight nature of the bout. However, it seems as though he'll get a chance to make amends. Given how gripping the first fight was, plenty will be happy to see these two square off for a second time.