MANILA, Philippines – Undefeated American boxer Andre Ward is not completely ruling out a fight against Bernard Hopkins, despite the mutual respect between the two champions.

Ward, who holds two super middleweight championships, did the commentary for Hopkins’ fight against Tavoris Cloud last weekend, which Hopkins won via unanimous decision to become the oldest fighter to hold a major world championship.

Ward said after the fight that he and Hopkins are unlikely to fight each other, although he did not completely rule it out.

“If that’s a fight that’s in demand, and something that could set up both our families for a long time, then I think that’s something both of us would consider,” Ward said in an interview with Boxing Scene. 

Hopkins, for his part, has said he will not fight Ward for any amount since he considers the 29-year-old American as his “protege.”

But Ward pointed out that a fight between the two of them would be a “great pay-per-view event” that will likely do “a good number” in the box office.

“I think it would be a big event,” Ward said. “But all parties have to be in, and it has to make sense all the way around.”

Ward still campaigns at super-middleweight, while Hopkins is a champion at light-heavyweight.

If Hopkins turns down a fight against Ward, the champion said he hopes to find a capable opponent at super middleweight.

“I keep hearing people say there’s nobody to fight (at super-middleweight). That’s my team’s job, to find somebody for me to fight,” Ward said.

“I shouldn’t have to go up to (light-heavyweight to get a viable opponent,” he added. “Now if that’s the case, so be it. But right now, I’m at super-middleweight.”