By Gregory Stangrit

Discussions are still ongoing to finalize the next opponent for Andre Ward, scheduled for November 21 at the Mandalay By in Las Vegas as part of the Miguel Cotto-Saul Alvarez HBO Pay-Per-View undercard.

As previously reported, the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) rejected a proposed fight between Ward and Australian contender Rohan Murdoch. The NSAC felt the fight was too uneven with a huge gap in class between the two fighters and Murdoch was also required to face Ward at the light heavyweight limit of 175-pounds.

Two names being considered for Ward: Cedric Agnew (28-2, 14KO), who last year lost by knockout to light heavyweight champion Sergey Kovalev. And Alexander Brand (24-1, 19KO), who three years ago lost an eight round decision to the current WBC super middleweight champion Badou Jack.

Ward will eventually head into a showdown with Kovalev near the end of 2016. Kovalev is likely returning on the 30th of January in a rematch with Canadian star Jean Pascal, who was stopped by the Russian champion earlier this year.

Gregory Stangrit covers boxing for Allboxing.ru