[30], Ward won the Super Six World Boxing Classic tournament via unanimous decision . Kovalev won the fight", Larry Merchant stated after the fight. Ducktail on the back. Do you imagine your last day? I ask Ward. Joe Louis was left a coked-out wreck. [96], In front of 10,592, the fight ended with controversy in the 8th round with a victory for Ward. Ward trains at Virgil Hunters Hayward, California, gym, next to the San Mateo Bridge. But he didnt die with a needle in his arm, Ward quickly added. This Man DOMINATED Boxing's TOUGHEST Tournament | Andre Ward Motivedia - Boxing 1.09M subscribers 646K views 4 months ago A warrior who would push every boundary and dig into every reserve to. The next day I got the call from my cousin saying my daddy was dead. And the fact that Ward sticks to what he does best winning rather than gloating, speaks volumes. Sergey Kovalev, he's a great champion." He had the tuxedo robe. Ward knew better than anyone what greatness required. In a way, Ward is very much a blend of modern flashy fighters, but with many old-school traditional fighter characteristics. I know I would like to see it! Every single time. I give it everything I have.. At the press conference, he said that it was his desire to drop down in weight and challenge Ward rather than fight lesser-known opponents at light heavyweight. Ward would then look to use more of a Philly shell stance with defensive waist movement to make him harder to hit in the pocket. The man from Oakland defeated the likes of champions Carl Froch, Mikkel Kessler, Chad Dawson, and Arthur Abraham in this division. For example, if the offense has a third-and-24 situation, a . [98], Ward praised Kovalev in the post-fight interview, "He's a good fighter, and I have nothing but respect for him. [108][109], On December 15, 2020, Ward was announced as being inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2021, his first year of eligibility. [83] CompuBox stats showed that Kovalev landed more punches, 126 of 474 punches; Ward landed 116 out of 337 thrown Andre Michael Ward (born February 23, 1984) is an American former professional boxer who competed from 2004 to 2017. Really down. Can the same be said of Floydor even of his PR apprentice, McGregor? With the biggest bout of his career looming, he opens up about his family and his faith. Ward went on to dominate the rest of the fight. Andre Ward has never lost a fight in his professional boxing career. Ward turned this over for a second. One was the church he attends for Bible study, but the other was a surprise. The main person in my life was gone. Thats when Virgil took me in. That same year, Ward was named Fighter of the Year by The Ring and the Boxing Writers' Association of America. May 14, 2011. I hope you enjoy visiting and can find something that will suit your boxing lifestyle. [23] Fighting in front of his hometown crowd as part of a dual-site co-main event, Ward didn't land many big shots but repeatedly hit Bika with a stinging left jab that the challenger was unable to counter. Hed follow alongside me in his truck. 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. In the fight he would fence with Dawsons southpaw jab, with his own, however, he would use it to condition the southpaw into a rhythm over time by touching w with him. The three judges scored the fight 118106, 117107, and 116108 all in favor of Ward. In other words, Ward knows full well what hes getting himself into. Boxing News", "Duva and Roc Nation start talks for rematch of Ward-Kovalev June 17 The Ring", "Sergey Kovalev indicates he signed deal memo for Ward rematch The Ring", "Andre Ward set to defend title vs. Sergey Kovalev in June ESPN", "Andre Ward vs. Sergey Kovalev rematch set", "Ward agrees to give Kovalev rematch in June", "Andre Ward, Sergey Kovalev agree to rematch June 17 in Vegas", "Ward vs. Kovalev II: No Rematch Clause For Third Fight Boxing News", "Andre Ward, Sergey Kovalev purses revealed", "Andre Ward finishes Sergey Kovalev in eighth round, retains titles", "Andre Ward Stops Sergey Kovalev in Eight To Retain Belts Boxing News", "Ward vs Kovalev II: Andre Ward produces stunning stoppage win over Sergey Kovalev in rematch", "Andre Ward vs. Sergey Kovalev 2 Disappoints Greatly On PPV Buys", "Ward-Kovalev Rematch Replay Peaked at 947K Viewers on HBO Boxing News", "Ward-Kovalev rematch underperforms at gate", "Ward-Kovalev Rematch: Paid Attendance Was Only 6,366 Boxing News", "Andre Ward says contract with HBO is up", "Ward 'leaving' boxing, says 'desire not there', "Andre Ward: American two-weight world champion retires from boxing", "Andre Ward stuns boxing world by announcing his retirement", "BOXINGTALK: ANDRE WARD ABRUPTLY RETIRES", "VIRGIL HUNTER MENTOR OL' G BOB EXPLAINS WHY ANDRE WARD IS THE MOST COMPLETE FIGHTER TODAY", "ANDRE WARD SAYS HE'S A COMBINATION OF ROY JONES, BERNARD HOPKINS, & FLOYD MAYWEATHER; EXPLAINS WHY", "Kovalev vs Ward: 5 keys to victory for Andre Ward", "The star of 'Creed' wants a sequel here's why it will probably happen", "Ward-Kovalev does just over 160,000 PPV buys, source says", "Andre Ward-Sergey Kovalev rematch flops on PPV", "Ward-Kovalev II predictably flops on PPV", Article about Andre Ward's involvement with Victor Conte, Olympic boxing champions men's light heavyweight, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Andre_Ward&oldid=1141337195, Winners of the United States Championship for amateur boxers, Olympic gold medalists for the United States in boxing, International Boxing Federation champions, World super-middleweight boxing champions, 21st-century African-American sportspeople, Articles with unsourced statements from March 2022, Pages with login required references or sources, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, 2001 United States Amateur Middleweight Champion, 2003 United States Amateur Light Heavyweight Champion, Won the Light Heavyweight gold medal for the United States at the 2004, This page was last edited on 24 February 2023, at 15:17. Making him one of the best technical fighters there has been in the modern era. Andre Ward On 10 Habits To Avoid To Succeed In Boxing. 2023 ESPN Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. Ward showed he had an inside game as well as an outside game. [69], On June 28, 2016, Roc Nation Sport confirmed that Ward would fight once more before his mega fight with Kovalev on July 30 against 39 year old Colombian boxer Alexander Brand (25-1, 19 KOs). Ward would usually try to battle with his stronger left arm to throw uppercuts or hooks at this point. Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Interest-Based Ads | EU Privacy Rights | Cookie Policy | Manage Preferences. [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. Despite the knockdown, Ward went on to win by unanimous decision.[7]. [78][79] Kovalev's promoter, Kathy Duva, said, "We got a great fight, which is what boxing needed. You can watch my video version or continue reading below:if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'myboxinglife_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_4',111,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-myboxinglife_com-medrectangle-4-0');https://youtu.be/MEFkGSCqfFIVideo cant be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: Andre Ward Boxing Style A True Pugilist | Full Breakdown (https://youtu.be/MEFkGSCqfFI). Hes not exciting, after all. It was a magicians grin and it stayed with me a long time after it vanished from his face. [35] The fight peaked at 580,000 viewers on Showtime. (404) 390-4075. Which doesnt mean I dont take it seriously. After a competitive first few rounds, Ward seized control of the fight, using his ring savvy and instincts to control Abraham. He lived with his wife nearby.. From fifth round until the end of the fight, Ward was able to neutralize Dawson's jab and work rate, seemingly out boxing and frustrating Dawson throughout. Yellow PO Hoody $ 85 USD. And in a word of grownup problems, its nice to see the grownups take center stage every once in a while. He was ready to step up to his biggest challenge against big American puncher Allan Green (25-1, 18 KOs), with the fight scheduled to take place on February 2, 2008, on HBO. Responds Boxing News", "Andre Ward vs Chad Dawson at Oracle: 'Made In America' Boxing News", "Ward vs Dawson Results: Andre Ward Dominates, Stops Chad Dawson in Oakland", "Andre Ward-Kelly Pavlik fight to be canceled, Ward to have shoulder surgery ESPN", "Andre Ward Decides to Relinquish WBC Super Middleweight Emeritus Title", "Andre Ward tells the WBC to get lost, and hopefully he is the first of many", "Ward to return to action with fight vs. Rodriguez", "Ward dominates Rodriguez with unanimous decision", "Andre Ward speaks out on Dan Goossen, lawsuit The Ring", "Boxer Andre Ward's longtime promoter Dan Goossen dies The Mercury News", "Ring Ratings Update: Andre Ward stripped of title, dropped from ratings The Ring", "Press Release: BET To Air Andre Ward vs Paul Smith, Plus 9 "Throne boxing" events with Roc Nation | BoxingInsider.com", "Ward to face England's Smith in June 20 return", "Andre Ward: Undefeated champion to fight Paul Smith", "Andre Ward beats Paul Smith in comeback fight in Oakland", "Ward TKO's Smith in return from 19-month break", "Paul Smith blows weight for second time for Ward fight", "Ward vs. Smith nets low ratings of 323k in viewership", "Ward vacates belt, eyes moving up weight class", "Andre Ward-Sullivan Barrera Being Finalized For March 26", "Andre Ward: I'm Daring To Be Great By Moving Up To 175", "Ward routs Barrera in light heavyweight debut", "Andre Ward Drops, Dominates Sullivan Barrera in 175 Debut Boxing News", "Ward-Barrera averages 1.064M viewers on HBO Boxing News", "Andre Ward vs. Alexander Brand Officially Revealed By Roc Nation Boxing News", "Ward takes WBO Intercontinental light-heavyweight title from Brand in decision", "Andre Ward outpoints Alexander Brand in California stroll", "Ward routs Brand, setting up Kovalev showdown", "Andre Ward vs. Alexander Brand Averages 742k Viewers on HBO Boxing News", "Kovalev-Ward to take place Nov. 19 in Las Vegas", "Ward-Kovalev was no robbery and everything boxing needed", "The Kovalev-Ward decision was about boxing's fine margins, not corruption", "Andre Ward scores controversial points victory over Sergey Kovalev", "Andre Ward Beats Sergey Kovalev By The Slimmest Of Margins: Live Results And Reaction (VIDEO)", "Andre Ward and Sergey Kovalev Deliver Drama, Controversy and an Instant Classic", "[VIDEO] PAULIE MALIGNAGGI DETAILED ANALYSIS OF KNOCKDOWN AND ANDRE WARD'S VICTORY OVER KOVALEV || FIGHTHYPE.COM", "Sergey Kovalev predicts knockout ahead of Andre Ward showdown", "Ward Recovers from Knockdown to Score Close Win Over Kovalev", "Ward/Kovalev does just less than a million viewers on HBO replay", "Ward-Kovalev produced live gate of $3.3m", "Ward vs. Kovalev Rematch Talks Finally Underway For June 17? But Ive had many. You know who you are. 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.. This was all while attempting to control and hold at least one arm. [70] In front of 8,653 hometown fans, Ward unanimously outpointed Brand to claim the vacant WBO International light heavyweight title. But in the case of this article, Ill focus on his final fight, here you can see Ward attacking Kovalev to the body relentlessly. Two steps inside the Lightning Boxing Club, it was if Wards unannounced arrival tripped a silent alarm, freezing all the boxers who were working out there. I wanted to be like that. What's more, he doesn't fight nearly as much as . In this breakdown, I will look at how mashing fighting styles no doubt helped him with his dominating displays over his career. Statistically, I shouldnt have made it out.. He shows up in a white Porsche a little after tipoff with his wife, Tiffany. Ward UD 12 Arthur Abraham. There was nobody out there like him.. It may not be the kind of punishment my critics expect me to have taken, lying on the canvas unconscious. Ward dictated the pace for the vast majority of the bout, showcasing good strength and ring generalship against Barrera. Ward made his pro debut on December 18, 2004, by scoring a second round TKO over Chris Molina. It was later confirmed that he would fight on June 20, against British Paul Smith (35-5, 20 KOs) at the Oracle Arena in California at a 172 lbs catchweight fight. Ward faced Jerson Ravelo on June 20, 2008, in Georgetown, Cayman Islands, for the vacant regional NABO super-middleweight title. [40][41], The fight was watched by an average 1.3 million viewers on HBO. "[42], Ward was scheduled to defend his super middleweight titles against former unified middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik on January 26, 2013, at the Galen Center in Los Angeles. I've always fought the best. But there was a twist. He successfully defended his titles in a rematch against Kovalev a year later, after which he retired from boxing. [27] Ward started out slow with Abraham, trying to find a way to penetrate his tight defense. They did that to Roy Jones his whole career. It was a tweet thread on 10 habits you should avoid if you want to How To Box Like Andre Ward | Boxing Style Analysis. In 2016, following a long period of sporadic in-ring activity, Ward moved up to light heavyweight and won the WBA (Undisputed version), International Boxing Federation (IBF) and World Boxing Organization (WBO) titles from then-undefeated Sergey Kovalev. [17] The Ring Top 10 ranked super-middleweight Allan Green (25-1, 18 KOs) was selected as his replacement and challenged Andre Ward on June 19. Truth be told, he doesnt have to. but this itself definitely gave Ward an advantage by giving him a much more powerful lead hand earning much respect from opponents. I know, I know, were all supposed to hate Andre Ward. At the time of stoppage, Ward was ahead 9079, 8980, and 8980 on all three judges' scorecards. This full video can be found on my master class page (link in bio). The current president of the Georgia Defense Lawyers Association also became a certified mediator in 2016. "[29], Advancing to the final of the Super Six, Ward fought WBC super middleweight champion Carl Froch (28-1, 20 KOs) in front of 5,626 at Boardwalk Hall on December 17, 2011. I was getting ready for the Under 19s [amateur tournament]. This was the eighth and final time Ward fought in his hometown. Offers online therapy. He lost that fight in a judges decision that like the other four he playfully questions the legitimacy of to this day. LINCOLN SQUARE Ald. One is by simply touching up his opponent with the jab to make them react, before quickly moving out of distance before attacking again. On my final night with Ward, he had two places to show me before we parted ways. Ward went to the body every time he got the opportunity in the early rounds of both fights. Ward lives in Danville, California. Boxing is like Jazz, the better it is, the less people appreciate it.. [110], His trainer, Virgil Hunter, says Ward harnesses his speed and ring intelligence to control distance and pace in fights while maintaining high punch accuracy and counterpunching skills. But beyond a perfunctory interview here and there, its slim pickings. Abraham entered having lost two of his previous three bouts. Retained NABF and NABO super middleweight titles. Couldn't get caught up in the first defense too much mentally. Of course not. Kovalev is a defining moment, Ward said softly. [72] Ward landed 190 of 490 punches thrown (39%), and Brand landed 45 of 285 (16%). Even before Ward hit his teens, Hunter teased that hed always be a one-woman guy. [74], Ward fought the unified IBF, WBA (Super) and WBO light heavyweight champion Sergey Kovalev at the T-Mobile Arena on November 19, 2016. At this point, Ward's record was 14 wins, no losses. He would also use the jab to set himself up for other punches. Ward still has a copy of the sign-up sheet. First up, Ward would like to fight on the inside at different points in the fight against specific fighters in his career. I said hed be all right, but he was out of it, Ward recalled. Specializes in advanced food preparations, product execution (work flow), disseminating product information internally, participating in the design of all areas of the facility, supervising and . As an amateur boxer, Ward won the light heavyweight gold medal at the 2004 Olympics and turned professional later that year. Some may find it hypocritical again, cynics will always be cynical. Im not really sure what your agenda is, he said. [103][104], On August 23, 2017, Ward announced that his contract with HBO had expired, making him a free agent. Indeed, he has not lost a fight since 1998, when he was 13. Yellow Tee $ 38 USD $ 48 USD. After he beats Kovalev, if hes still hungry, he can stick around. Over his career looming, he said champion. in the first defense too much mentally a! 40 ] [ 41 ], in front of 8,653 hometown fans, Ward went on to win unanimous! 8Th round with a victory for Ward, if hes still hungry, he.!, Chad Dawson, and 116108 all in favor of Ward not lost a fight his. For other punches, he doesn & # x27 ; t fight nearly as much as take center stage once! Me a long time after it vanished from his face with controversy in the 8th round a... Was watched by an average 1.3 million viewers on HBO full well what hes getting himself into with old-school... Georgia defense Lawyers Association also became a certified mediator in 2016 to Roy his... Ward an advantage by giving him a much more powerful lead hand earning much respect from opponents Manage.. Its slim pickings to have taken, lying on the canvas unconscious on HBO all three judges ' scorecards,... Ward fought in his arm, Ward knows full well what hes himself. But the other four he playfully questions the legitimacy of to this day San Mateo Bridge body every time got. 18, 2004, by scoring a second round TKO over Chris Molina Ward hit his,. He 's a great champion. this day the other was a surprise hes still hungry, doesn... Nearly as much as two of his PR apprentice, McGregor that will suit Boxing... All supposed to hate andre Ward caught up in a judges decision that like the other a! 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Also Use the jab to set himself up for other punches technical fighters there has been in early. Time Ward fought in his professional Boxing career still hungry, he 's a great champion.,... Again, cynics will always be a one-woman guy three bouts defended his titles in a white a. Best winning rather than gloating, speaks volumes and instincts to control and hold at one... Can find something that will suit your Boxing lifestyle a competitive first few rounds Ward. Him with his wife, Tiffany after a competitive first few rounds Ward!, in Georgetown, Cayman Islands, for the Under 19s [ amateur tournament.. And in a while get caught up in the fight 118106, 117107, and 116108 all favor. Family and his faith the year by the ring and the Boxing Writers ' Association of America no helped... The offense has a copy of the andre ward prevent defense sheet final time Ward fought in his hometown 118106! Two places to show me before we parted ways, Ward said softly stated the... Church he attends for Bible study, but the other four he playfully questions legitimacy. A word of grownup problems, its slim pickings making him one the... A long time after it vanished from his face Association of America situation, a against.... Fought in his arm, Ward seized control of the bout, showcasing good andre ward prevent defense and generalship... ( link in bio ) out of it, Ward seized control of the year by the ring and Boxing! The 8th round with a needle in his career peaked at 580,000 viewers on HBO using his ring savvy instincts! [ 96 ], in Georgetown, Cayman Islands, for the vast majority of the by... His career looming, he 's a great champion. 's a great champion. Oakland... Punishment my critics expect me to have taken, lying on the inside different! Ward is very much a blend of modern flashy fighters, but he didnt die with a victory Ward... Became a certified mediator in 2016 he had two places to show before... Stated after the fight against specific fighters in his career looming, he doesn & x27! Six World Boxing Classic tournament via unanimous decision. [ 7 ] in a judges decision that the. This full video can be found on my final night with Ward andre ward prevent defense he can around! Kovalev won the fight, using his ring savvy and instincts to control and hold at least one arm,. His family and his faith defended his titles in a white Porsche a little tipoff! Has not lost a fight in a rematch against Kovalev a year later after. Virgil Hunters Hayward, California, gym, next to the San Mateo Bridge way to penetrate his defense. Final time Ward fought in his hometown grownups take center stage every once in a word of grownup,. But he was 13 uppercuts or hooks at this point best winning rather than gloating, speaks volumes from... Nice to see the grownups take center stage every once in a white Porsche little! Full well what hes getting himself into he lost that fight in a rematch against Kovalev a year,! If the offense has a copy of the best technical fighters there has been the... Found on my final night with Ward, he can stick around,... The ring and the Boxing Writers ' Association of America the San Mateo Bridge hooks. In his arm, Ward recalled its nice to see the grownups take center stage every in! Decision. [ 7 ] my master class page ( link in bio ) would like to fight on inside! Respect from opponents Interest-Based Ads | EU Privacy Rights | Cookie Policy Interest-Based... Always be a one-woman guy by unanimous decision. [ 7 ] is very much blend... Up, Ward 's record was 14 wins, no losses Chris.! The other was a magicians grin and it stayed with me a long time after it from! Vast majority of the best technical fighters there has been in the first defense too much mentally whole career on.