Kovalev's title defence will now most likely be against Australian Blake Caparello (19-0-1), who handed Berridge the only loss of his professional career in 2012, when the Kiwi took the fight on short notice.
"Caparello is the world's most boring fighter," Higgins said. "I think he's only had two knockouts in the past three years."
Berridge (23-1-1), ranked 10th in the WBO and 13th with the WBA, will fight again on the undercard of Joseph Parker's heavyweight clash with American Brian Minto in Auckland on July 5.
No opponent has been locked in yet for Berridge but Brazilian Rogerio Damasco has emerged as a potential name to meet the WBO oriental champion.
Meanwhile, Higgins said Super 8 champion Kali Meehan could be a potential opponent for Parker in the next 12 months.
Meehan (41-5) has a decent profile within New Zealand, which could help market the fight but given his recent inactivity he may not be interested in building up for a 10-round bout.
At 44, Meehan's best days are behind him but he is a big, durable man at 1.96m who has power in both hands and would be another test for Parker.
"Kali has good credentials and he's a very experienced fighter," Higgins said. "He knows all the tricks."
One sticking point is due to Meehan's inactivity he holds little to no global ranking points so if Parker was to fight him and beat him, it would do little to boost Parker's standing in boxing's complicated pecking order.
After his Super 8 victory on Wednesday, Meehan said he never makes a quick decision about upcoming fights after competing.
