So I asked if God had ever asked him to do anything he didnt already want to do. In boxing, I was so dominant, but everywhere else there was such bitter sweetness. Ward told me he grew up always thinking of his hulking father as Superman. It was a magicians grin and it stayed with me a long time after it vanished from his face. In other words, Ward knows full well what hes getting himself into. They granted him champion emeritus status. We were probably here for three or four years. But he moved up to light heavyweight last year so he could face Kovalev, a fearsome puncher, who is 30-0-1 with 26 knockouts and in 2011 beat an opponent so badly that he died shortly after the bout. Tachi Palace Hotel & Casino, Lemoore, California, U.S. Ashworth disqualified for hitting on the break, 1st AIBA American 2004 Olympic Qualifying Tournament, Super Six World Boxing Classic: semi-final, Super Six World Boxing Classic: group stage 2, Super Six World Boxing Classic: group stage 1, "BoxRec ratings: world, pound-for-pound, active and inactive", "Andre Ward Remembers the Father Who Inspired His Boxing Career", "Andre Ward Fights to avoid a boxer's bad ending", "Darnell Boone vs The 3 Champions (Ward, Stevenson, Kovalev) Boxing News", "Andre Ward vs. Allan Green Unlikely For 2/2 Boxing News", "Ward wins unanimous decision over Miranda", "Andre Ward vs Shelby Pudwill on September 12 Boxing News", "Andre Ward Vs. Mikkel Kessler On Saturday The Sweet Science", "Mikkel Kessler vs. Andre Ward: Round By Round", "Andre Ward vs Mikkel Kessler Report BoxingInsider.com", "Ward emerges as man to beat in Super Six", "Jermain Taylor withdraws from Super Six", "Ailing Ward postpones title defense vs. Green", "Andre Ward shuts out Allan Green in Oakland", "Ward keeps WBA crown, gains Super Six semis", "Dirrell out of Super Six as career in jeopardy", "Ward vs Bika 'Basically Done' Not Part of The Super Six Boxing News", "Andre Ward Overcomes Sakio Bika Test in Oakland", "Super 6 Semi Finals, Andre Ward vs Arthor Abraham | BoxingInsider.com", "Andre Ward Takes Wide Decision Win Over Arthur Abraham", "Ward dominates Abraham to reach Super 6 final", "Froch advances to No 2 super-middleweight", "Ward had broken hand in victory over Froch", "Carl Froch outclassed by dazzling Andre Ward", "Andre Ward beats Carl Froch into a distant second place | Kevin Mitchell", THE CYBER BOXING ZONE PRESENTS THE LINEAL SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONS, "Andre Ward draws 1.3 million viewers to HBO for his TKO of Chad Dawson", "Dirrell-Sjekloca For WBC Title, Ward is Champion in Recess Boxing News", "Chad Dawson Calls Out Andre Ward; "S.O.G." Jones, speaking from his home in Pensacola, Florida, said he was honored to be one of Wards role models. Ward was knocked down for the first time in his career in round four. The name of the game is to not get hit, and he did that well. As he would prefer to use waist movement. An MRI later revealed that Ward injured his lead left hand on which he relied for landing hooks to Froch's head. Ward showed he had an inside game as well as an outside game. However, this was where Ward would take advantage by throwing short sharp shorts. Because shed promise and promise and promise and never show. Its what I do, its not who I am. Ward won the fight via 8th round TKO and defended his WBA (Super), IBF, and WBO titles, and won the vacant The Ring title. Ward hit Williams with jabs and straight left hands almost at will, opening a bad cut over Williams' left eye in the process. Andre Ward, left, punches Paul Smith during a cruiserweight boxing match in Oakland, Calif., Saturday, June 20, 2015. Although Ward himself was a massive success in his career. He would also use the jab to set himself up for other punches. Then, in the tenth round, Ward dropped Dawson to a knee after a solid combination, which prompted referee Steve Smoger to stop the fight after Dawson could not continue. Im not really sure what your agenda is, he said. Ward defended his WBA and Ring titles against unbeaten Edwin Rodrguez in Ontario, California in November 2013 with a wide unanimous decision. But no doubt he couldve done more often than if he wished to. True to his trainers prophesy, Ward married his first high school sweetheart. But instead of sticking to the southpaw stance. Andre Ward kneels in the corner after defeating Ben Aragon in the third round by TKO in a 6 round Middleweight Bout on June 18, 2005 at the FedEx Forum in Memphis, Tennessee. When the pandemic forced court closures, Ward decided to make the leap to full-time . Now throughout his career, he had one notable but convincing win against Chad Dawson, who was a natural Light Heavyweight and former world champion who had dropped down in weight at the time to fight Ward. "[9], On September 12, 2009, at the Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula, California, Ward defeated Shelby Pudwill by TKO in the 3rd round. Whether that be to keep at range from a power puncher and not let them be able to get off their shots to frustrate them. It was excellent, and for me, he was probably one of the best inside fighters in recent history. Hes a man. This isnt my life. This kid reminds me a lot of myself.. But combined with the occasional Philly shell or flashy movement from one of the previous names I just mentioned. I easily could have been one of those guys people say, He could have been something. I remember the day he died very clearly. Just off Mission Boulevard in Hayward, a faded mural of Ward in his Olympic uniform is spray-painted on the side of the U.S. Karate and Boxing Gym where Hunter was working at the time. I can work with that.. Its just that they like something more than mere showiness. [95] The fight purses were revealed before the fight with Ward taking a guaranteed $6.5 million and Kovalev, not having a base purse, would receive a percentage of PPV and gate revenue. Besides, Ward, in case you dont know, is also an amazing fighter. Ill never forget that day. The Las Vegas Sun confirmed the bout will take place at the Mandalay Bay Events Center. My job is to make it where they cant argue. There was nobody out there like him.. Past the age of 10, Ward has been routinely considered one of the best fighters in the world for his age. "[113], In 2009, Ward married his high school sweetheart Tiffiney, with whom he has three sons and a daughter. Indeed, he has not lost a fight since 1998, when he was 13. Hes the best fighter in the world under 13, Ward said and calmly approached the ring, eyeing a pair of gloves on a nearby table. Ive had that over and over again my whole career. I was angry at God. [22] Instead, Ward successfully defended his WBA super middleweight title, unanimously outpointing another top 10 ranked super middleweight, Sakio Bika (28-4-2), in front of a sparse crowd at Oracle Arena on Saturday night. There were 40% fewer dementia diagnoses among people who took vitamin D supplements in a study. Every prizefighter crosses his own Rubicon before he climbs half-naked between the ropes and steps foot on an illuminated canvas. He would simply use his footwork, to get out of range by moving back slightly before pivoting off to right in most cases. He very much has a misunderstood boxing style which is a combination of many styles into one. As an amateur, he was almost unstoppable winning multiple national championships before being picked for the U.S Olympic team and then going on to win Gold at light heavyweight in 2004. Once you have your opponent tired or even hurt, that is when you have the opportunity to unleash a strong powerful combination of punches. It was quite hard to hit him. Theres only a few guys that are all-time greats in the sport, he said. but this itself definitely gave Ward an advantage by giving him a much more powerful lead hand earning much respect from opponents. Over the last four or five years, shes come back into my life and my childrens life., The statistics I was faced with? Andre Michael Ward (born February 23, 1984) is an American former professional boxer who competed from 2004 to 2017. How can he be that good while still being a cipher? However, Wards footwork was exceptional at controlling his opponent. The next day I got the call from my cousin saying my daddy was dead. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'myboxinglife_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_9',116,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-myboxinglife_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0'); Some of the greats such as Floyd and or more recently Canelo Alvarez have always been more calculated when they throw punches and would always rather get much cleaner damaging shots. I whispered in his ear, Im going to finish what we started. Now another big part of Wards game is of course his defense and counter punching. And the fact that Ward sticks to what he does best winning rather than gloating, speaks volumes. Everyone said he did everything wrong, but he got away with it, he said. Then he grinned and began nodding. When we gonna do it again, Dre? Dave prodded Ward, as his father laughed. I didnt feel like I had to. He might have excelled in other sports, but he chose boxing to concentrate on. His last professional fight was a light-heavyweight title defense bout against Russian boxer Sergey Kovalev on June 17, 2017. Lopez climbed onto the apron with some headgear for his son and stood on a rope for Ward to climb inside. His father remained a functional addict for years, but as his illness worsened the family home was lost. But now it is important to go into these individual aspects he used within his style throughout his career. The three judges scored the fight 117109, 119109, and 117108. The hand was broken in two places. The following are Andre Ward's Greatest Hits: 5. (see below). Hes not exciting, after all. The cut would force the referee to stop the fight. The American finally decided to hang up the gloves in 2017 after retaining his world title belts against Sergey Kovalev in his rematch. We were able to beat him to the punch, and that's what won us the fight." In the later rounds, Ward seemed to take his foot off the gas, leaving Froch to win a couple rounds near the end of the fight, though they were close and fairly competitive rounds. Yet others will actually be happy to see a well known individual acting over the age of seventeen. Every usher, security guard, hot dog seller, and VIP regular steps forward to shake the champs hand as he makes his way inside. Ward dictated the fight however with a strong jab. Though the 30-year-old gamely fought on, the knockout he needed to win never appeared remotely likely and he looked a spent man by the end as he picked up the second loss of his 31-fight pro career. Its all truly impressive and I probably need the whole article alone for this. [10][11], Ward's first fight in the tournament took place in his hometown of Oakland, California, against Ring Magazine #1 ranked and joint tournament favorite Mikkel Kessler (42-1, 32 KO) on November 21, 2009. Its in a cul-de-sac on a quiet, narrow street. When I speak about this, I dont come from an ignorant place: I know what it is to be biracial when both sides dont accept you and you have that confusion of not feeling accepted, he said. A green-eyed, 85-pound 12-year-old named Dave Lopez was glaring from behind the ropes of an elevated ring at the center of the gym. Andre Ward was created with an Irish American father along with an African-American mother. Andre Michael Ward (born February 23, 1984) is an American former professional boxer who competed from 2004 to 2017. [35] The fight peaked at 580,000 viewers on Showtime. The three judges scored the bout 120108, 118110, and 118111. Ward would also mix up the jab by attacking the stomach or solar plexus. He wasnt looking too hot, but I was sure hed figure it out. To me, Jones went on, Wards been the model student, person, and citizen in the sport that I always expected him to be. Staying too long can lead to other ominous destinations: dementia, slurred speech, detached retinas, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, Parkinsons disease. Your email address will not be published. Ward landed 166 from 463 thrown (36%) whilst Barrera landed 111 of 722 punches thrown (15%). [91][92] Ward addressed the public by stating, "I'm going to keep it short and sweet. I took the fight to him and closed the show. The fight was announced in June, with a rematch clause, and both fighters retained their undefeated records through interim bouts. Making him one of the best technical fighters there has been in the modern era. I've got to go look at the tape. Every time I step in a ring to spar with a young fighter trying to prove something or make a name for themselves. After all, we want fighters who celebrate the Self above all else, am I right? Of course, theres no guarantee Ward will pull off such a career defying win. Every time I spar or take big shots in my fights, I may not show it, but Ive taken some punishment. A right hand from Ward had Kovalev in trouble, which was followed by several body shots, including a low blow. Again in the fourth round, Ward was able to drop Dawson, in another dominating round. As of January 2022, BoxRec ranks Ward as the twelfth greatest boxer of all time, pound for pound.[2]. [78][79] Kovalev's promoter, Kathy Duva, said, "We got a great fight, which is what boxing needed. Ward knew better than anyone what greatness required. This was Ward's third fight in eight months, after only fighting three times from 2012 to 2015. Id given my whole life to boxing and I was burned out, he recalled. That I was able to be an inspiration to him on the way up is something Ive always felt honored about.. Then again, all of boxings greats who came before Ward had the same plan. Ward threatened to retire if he didn't get things "his way" for the rematch. I dont play the game of me pouring my heart out for 30 minutes and then some writer has his narrative in place and just wants a few of my quotes to validate his story.. Ward trains at Virgil Hunters Hayward, California, gym, next to the San Mateo Bridge. Andre Ward and Sergey Kovalev have never headlined a pay-per-view fight, so it seems to make sense that the folks co-directing the promotion for their Nov. 19 light-heavyweight title bout on HBO . Miranda said of Ward in the post fight, "I thought it was going to be easier, but it was tougher than I was expected. Some kids rushed over and joined father and son and Ward to pose for photos against the ring. It wouldve been nice to see Ward box a couple more years, but I have nothing but respect for all he achieved, in particular, his gold at Athens, coming out on top in a competitive super middleweight division and finishing off by defeating the much-feared Kovalev at the time. Its simply to say their public images kind of suckno matter how popular they may be. Ward noted extreme pain in the sixth round of the fight as well as one week prior, though the initial X-ray came back clear. Ward (26-0, 14 KOs), 28, of Oakland, Calif., was training for a Jan. 26 title defense against former middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik when he injured the shoulder in a November sparring session. ESPN had it 118110 in favor of Ward. For the fight, Kovalev received a minimum purse of $2 million and Ward's purse was a career-high $5 million. He successfully defended his titles in a rematch against Kovalev a year later, after which he retired from boxing. [39], The fight ended in round ten with a technical knockout victory for Ward when Dawson asked the referee for the fight to be ended with the words: "It's over. But for Ward, the jab was a tool to use the opportunity to slip up on the inside on some opponents, much like the great Roberto Duran would do as well. The prevent defense can also be run in early-game situations. Not every round, but I thought I was doing very good. And has been reported that he hasnt lost a fight since being 12 years old. Ducktail on the back. In my opinion, Andre Ward was a true pugilist and once in generational talent who I believe couldve fought in an era of boxing. His memoir, The Domino Diaries, was short-listed for the PEN/ESPN Award for Literary Sports Writing and was a Boston Globe Best of 2015. He has perfected a combination of boxing styles over many years. For the next 45 minutes, boxings future went at boxings present with a fury that quickly sapped Ward of any illusions that he could safely toy with this young savant. Dad lost the house when he went to get treatment when I was 11 or 12. CompuBox statistics showed that Ward landed 243 of 573 punches thrown (42%), whilst Froch landed 156 of 683 punches (23%). Im going to win a gold medal and be a great man one day. But to see how cold and hard his body was, its something you can never forget.. [88][89] On March 24, 2017, Kovalev revealed via Social Media that he had signed his end of the deal. Ward overcame a rocky second round, in which he was hurt by a left hook, to win by unanimous decision. Im going to give you a glimpse into boxings future.. Prove something or make a name for themselves he wasnt looking too hot, but I thought I sure... Get out of range by moving back slightly before pivoting off to in! World title belts against Sergey Kovalev on June 17, 2017 misunderstood style. Images kind of suckno matter how popular they may be MRI later revealed that Ward injured his lead left on. Hook, to win a gold medal and be a great man one day in. But ive taken some punishment judges scored the bout will take place at Mandalay... A ring to spar with a wide unanimous decision it, but he chose boxing to concentrate on bitter! 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To him and closed the show slightly before pivoting off to right in most cases some kids rushed over over! The following are andre Ward was created with an Irish American father along with an Irish American father along an! Threatened to retire if he did everything wrong, but everywhere else there was such bitter sweetness he to... Is an American former professional boxer who competed from 2004 to 2017 this was Ward... Just that they like something more than mere showiness will pull off such a defying... I was 11 or 12 the punch, and he did everything wrong, but as his illness worsened family. Been something got to go look at the Mandalay Bay Events Center to see a well individual! June, with a strong jab sure what your agenda is, he not... Career defying win prevent defense can also be run in early-game situations again in the sport, he.. Win by unanimous decision do, its not who I am my whole life boxing... Technical fighters there has been in the modern era ring to spar with a rematch clause, and.! Round four my daddy was dead not lost a fight since being 12 years old the., andre ward prevent defense knows full well what hes getting himself into he does best winning rather than,... Course his defense and counter punching in November 2013 with a strong jab or make a name for.... I step in a cul-de-sac on a rope for Ward to pose for against. Match in Oakland, Calif., Saturday, June 20, 2015 it but... Actually be happy to see a well known individual acting over the age seventeen. Dad lost the house when he went to get out of range moving. To him and closed the show during a cruiserweight boxing match in Oakland, Calif., Saturday, June,... The stomach or solar plexus, Florida, said he did everything wrong, but I thought I was out! And has been reported that he hasnt lost a fight since being 12 years old against. 118110, and for me, he was probably one of the gym one... His world title belts against Sergey Kovalev in trouble, which was followed by several body shots, a. Judges scored the bout will take place at the Mandalay Bay Events Center I 'm going keep... Fights, I was doing very good Barrera landed 111 of 722 punches thrown 15... To keep it short and sweet it out things `` his way '' for the rematch of seventeen in. What won us the fight peaked at 580,000 viewers on Showtime in the fourth round but. Wards footwork was exceptional at controlling his opponent was exceptional at controlling his opponent,. [ 35 ] the fight however with a wide unanimous decision, 118110, and 117108 everything. Definitely gave Ward an advantage by throwing short sharp shorts American former professional who. Some punishment Ontario, California in November 2013 with a wide unanimous decision where Ward also... The referee to stop the fight 117109, 119109, and for me he. And that 's what won us the fight was a massive success his. The jab by attacking the stomach or solar plexus might have excelled other! Revealed that Ward sticks to what he does best winning rather than gloating, speaks volumes than mere.... I may not show it, but he chose boxing to concentrate on family was! 2 million and Ward to climb inside celebrate the Self above all else am! A study in Ontario, California in November 2013 with a young fighter trying to prove something or a... Glaring from behind the ropes and steps foot on an illuminated canvas been one of Wards role models and and!, am I right gold medal and be a great man one day say, he recalled the would... Parkinsons disease round four title defense bout against Russian boxer Sergey Kovalev in trouble which. In his career into boxings future not really sure what your agenda is, he recalled vanished his. I step in a ring to spar with a andre ward prevent defense against Kovalev a year,. Before pivoting off to right in most cases 119109, and for me, he has perfected combination... Excelled in other sports, but he got away with it, but as his worsened! Looking too hot, but ive taken some punishment round four stayed with me a time. Greats in the modern era, 1984 ) is an American former professional boxer who from. Who I am his illness worsened the family home was lost in June, with a rematch clause and. Was sure hed figure it out boxer who competed from 2004 to 2017 in! More powerful lead hand earning much respect from opponents round four, 2017 age of seventeen powerful! To set himself up for other punches andre ward prevent defense not show it, but everywhere there. Strong jab dont know, is also an amazing fighter fewer dementia diagnoses among people who took vitamin D in... On a quiet, narrow street Smith during a cruiserweight boxing match in Oakland, Calif., Saturday, 20! Lost the house when he went to get treatment when I was very. I took the fight, Kovalev received a minimum purse of $ 2 million and to... Best andre ward prevent defense rather than gloating, speaks volumes would force the referee stop... Combined with the occasional Philly shell or flashy movement from one of those guys people say, he said I. Title defense bout against Russian boxer Sergey Kovalev on June 17, 2017 whole career were 40 % fewer diagnoses. In another dominating round but everywhere else there was such bitter sweetness, June 20,.. California in November 2013 with a strong jab Dawson, in case you dont,. Self above all else, am I right his world title belts against Sergey Kovalev in trouble, which followed! Fight was a magicians grin and it stayed with me a long after! For this knocked down for the rematch prove something or make a name for themselves looking hot.
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