For the fight, Ward earned $1.85 million and Barrera earned a $450,000 purse. There are those in this era of Kim and Kayne who undoubtedly believe any semblance of modesty is indicative of false modesty. But instead of sticking to the southpaw stance. But Ive taken punishment. This kid reminds me a lot of myself.. 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. He was the longtime world champion as a super middleweight, one of the most dangerous divisions in the sport. I was getting ready for the Under 19s [amateur tournament]. Email Support. From Smith's perspective, he sees a hand obstructing his path to the target, which can be very discouraging when he wants to initiate offense. Boxing is just a season, Ward said. Hes a man. Needless to say, some will smile in satisfaction if they end up seeing Ward splattered on a Las Vegas canvas this weekend. [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. Ward was inside, being stretched into a pretzel by his strength and conditioning coach. But he paused after putting his key in the ignition. Andre Ward H.O.F. I've got to go look at the tape. He dreads receiving another call like the one he received about his dad. As the high-tech Aerospace and Defense Industry continues to advance, organizations are constantly seeking ways to increase efficiency and productivity while improving safety for their employees. He lost that fight in a judges decision that like the other four he playfully questions the legitimacy of to this day. I was walking back to the hotel where everybody was staying and I saw a Rolls-Royce. Kessler was the strong favorite going into Showtime's Super Six tournament. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'myboxinglife_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_6',110,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-myboxinglife_com-medrectangle-3-0'); Although Ward himself was a massive success in his career. On March 20, 2008, at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, California, Ward defeated Rubin Williams by seventh-round TKO. Andre is the champion. Ward then would eventually move up to Light heavyweight after getting through some legal issues and surgery. I told him I loved him. During his reign as light heavyweight champion, Ward was ranked as the world's best active boxer, pound for pound, by The Ring magazine and the Transnational Boxing Rankings Board (TBRB), as well as the world's best active boxer in the division by The Ring, the TBRB, and BoxRec. I think about that all the time. 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. I was angry at God. . [12] Kessler's WBA super-middleweight championship was also at stake. He has perfected a combination of boxing styles over many years. Abraham hurt Ward a couple of times in the final round, but it wasn't enough to finish Ward, who had dominated the fight and won a lopsided unanimous decision. My dad was gone. The cut would force the referee to stop the fight. 1 Review. [18][19] Ward, defending the WBA super middleweight title, outclassed an opponent who spent most of the fight with his back against the ropes. 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." And then hed relapse. 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. [20][21], Ward was exempt from the final preliminary fight in the Super Six because he had already secured a number one position in the elimination rounds and his designated opponent (Andre Dirrell) had dropped out of the tournament. He wasnt looking too hot, but I was sure hed figure it out. Ward originally claimed the belt in November 2009 with a victory over long-time champion Mikkel Kessler in his opening fight of the Super Six tournament. The symmetry is apparent in the difficulty his opponents have had in trying to penetrate his defenses. Theres charm in his smile and a warm handshake. Every so often, Dave would force Ward into a corner and throw everything he had until, once, Ward was forced to defend himself with a right that bloodied Daves nose. In the short term, theyre only one punch away from permanent injury or death. With the biggest bout of his career looming, he opens up about his family and his faith. [114] He reprised his role in Creed II, released on November 21, 2018. The current president of the Georgia Defense Lawyers Association also became a certified mediator in 2016. Hes going to remember this for the rest of his life., A minute later, Ward finally called a halt to the sparring session and Dave mocked him for being a quitter. This is the first time in his life hes been inside the ring with somebody where he couldnt do exactly what he wanted to, Lopez said. Theres only a few guys that are all-time greats in the sport, he said. But I want people to know what Ive come through and overcome because maybe that can inspire somebody.. Ward advanced to the semi-finals. A right hand from Ward had Kovalev in trouble, which was followed by several body shots, including a low blow. Lopez climbed onto the apron with some headgear for his son and stood on a rope for Ward to climb inside. Going into the first fight, there was a cadre picking Ward, not just to win, but to win with relative ease. He successfully defended his titles in a rematch against Kovalev a year later, after which he retired from boxing. A lot of inner-city kids dont have their father. I saw him in the locker room, Ward remembered. The fight should have continued. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'myboxinglife_com-box-4','ezslot_3',112,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-myboxinglife_com-box-4-0'); When it comes to how Ward would fight. "[32][33][34], Ward won the vacant Ring and lineal super middleweight titles with his Super Six World Boxing Classic win against Froch, despite some independent sources rating then-undefeated IBF champion Lucian Bute at number one or two at the time. [85][86][87], Kovalev's manager Egis Klimas announced that negotiations had begun for the rematch between Ward and Kovalev. I thought he was taking sleeping pills. He is now a boxing pundit on ESPN, with many still calling him out to return one last time. I know the great ones that have gone before me who said some of the same things Im saying and didnt finish strong. Every time I step in the ring, my legacy is on the line. 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. Manage Settings Every prizefighter crosses his own Rubicon before he climbs half-naked between the ropes and steps foot on an illuminated canvas. First up, Ward would like to fight on the inside at different points in the fight against specific fighters in his career. Id see kids in school and that was the void that I had. [citation needed]. [45] Ward was praised for standing up to the WBC. We are a top boxing blog that brings you personal coverage on equipment reviews, training tips, fighter analysis, nutrition, news and motivation.I created Boxing Life simply because of a passion for the sweet sciencethe sport of boxing. I'll see you in November." Im not really sure what your agenda is, he said. Staying too long can lead to other ominous destinations: dementia, slurred speech, detached retinas, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, Parkinsons disease. Dawson started his career at super middleweight, but hadn't fought at the weight since February 2006. His mother would return from the streets looking for money. The American had an illustrious Amateur and Professional career winning multiple titles at all levels. [50][51] Dan Goossen died of complications from liver cancer in September 2014, leaving the future of Andre Ward's boxing career even further in doubt. In the third round, Ward dropped Dawson with a left hook and dominated the round. Over the last four or five years, shes come back into my life and my childrens life., The statistics I was faced with? Check it out! 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. Ive taken a lot of punishment. You have probably seen the beautiful catch and counter before against Barrera, but this was a rare occurrence of Ward standing like this. "[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. Over the first seven rounds, Ward outboxed Froch, successfully using his jab to neutralize Froch and beating Froch to the punch from a distance and at close range. Although Abraham was somewhat passive at times, he gave an earnest effort and frequently threw combinations that were mostly blocked by Ward. His last professional fight was a light-heavyweight title defense bout against Russian boxer Sergey Kovalev on June 17, 2017. Every time I step in a ring to spar with a young fighter trying to prove something or make a name for themselves. He retired with an undefeated record and held multiple world championships in two weight classes, including unified super middleweight titles between 2009 and 2015, and unified light heavyweight titles between 2016 and 2017. Has God ever told you no? Kovalev is a defining moment, Ward said softly. He shows up in a white Porsche a little after tipoff with his wife, Tiffany. I hope you enjoy visiting and can find something that will suit your boxing lifestyle. \"All fighters throw punches but not everyone has learned how to properly defend themselves when punches come back. Three months before Ward had his first professional fight late in 2004, Jones invited him to Memphis, Tennessee, to attend his fight against Glen Johnson. Taking vitamin D supplements appeared to ward off dementia in a new, large-scale study. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Ward still has a copy of the sign-up sheet. Ward showed he had an inside game as well as an outside game. [84], The fight reported to have done 160,000 buys on HBO PPV. [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. I just came to say hello., They circled one another for a few moments, exchanging smack until a buzzer sounded and Daves father called out, Time!. If I seem like Im guarded, I probably am. [77], Boxing experts have claimed that the judging was unfair. Andre Ward, S.O.G. In terms of being in the pocket with more aggressive opponents, this is where we would see Ward you elusive waist movement bending down to his right before either moving out the way or using it as an opportunity to clinch and fight on the inside. [47] The fight started with rough tactics until Jack Reiss made an unprecedented move, penalizing both fighters two points each and warning them that he would end the fight if it did not clean up. ANDRE WARD MASTER CLASS ON DEFENSE: "KNOW HOW TO USE IT AND WHEN TO USE IT" 157,070 views Jul 5, 2020 4.5K Dislike Share FightHype.com 1.2M subscribers "All fighters throw punches but not. I could never leave Oakland., They always say you change after you get famous, he said the next day. For his counter punching, it was more used with opponents who rushed in because of frustration that would be caught by him. So I asked if God had ever asked him to do anything he didnt already want to do. When Frank Ward took his nine-year-old son, Andre, to a boxing gym, he couldn't possibly have known that the youngster would blossom into one of the top amateur and professional fighters in the sport. But after years of struggle, his mother, Madeline Arvie Taylor, is clean now. [38] The fight, billed as "Ward vs. Dawson World Champions Made In America'' took place at 168lbs for Ward's super middleweight titles. [46], Ward spent most of 2013 recovering from injuries, and feuding with promoter Dan Goossen, over the inclusion of a co-manager in Ward's promotional contract. An injury and eventual surgery to the right shoulder has made Ward even more reliant on the left hand, causing him to even switch to southpaw on occasion to land his power punches. Ward is not a brawler, despite all those knockouts. Ducktail on the back. This only enraged the boy further until he was working so hard to clip Wards grinning face that sweat poured down from his brow and stung his eyes. You remember that, Andre? Before we left, as Ward stood up to say goodbye, his aunt brought out some gloves for her nephew to sign. [90] On April 4, Roc Nation Sports and Main Events confirmed that terms were agreed for the rematch to take place on HBO PPV. [81] Promoter Eddie Hearn added that Kovalev lacked a sense of urgency after the halfway point. You know who you are. May 14, 2011. But then I tried for the knockout, and I couldn't do it. He's not exciting, after all. Atlanta, GA 30315. Its in a cul-de-sac on a quiet, narrow street. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. I wanted to not care about anything. He said, "We're going to the final, baby. That night is the first game of the Western Conference Finals for the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena. I rushed to the hospital and had to see him lying on that cold slab. WORLD BOXING ASSOCIATION CURRENT CHAMPIONS WBA SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT (168 lbs) SUPER CHAMPION Andre Ward Won title: Last Defense: Last Mandatory:. Yellow PO Hoody $ 85 USD. Andre Ward On 10 Habits To Avoid To Succeed In Boxing. They came over and Ward threw his arm around Dave. Ward won his next three fights, all by knockout, before going up against Darnell Boone on November 19, 2005. After a competitive first few rounds, Ward seized control of the fight, using his ring savvy and instincts to control Abraham. While others sought the limelight, he resisted it, closely guarding his privacy and a family story that could rival any of his predecessors for pathos. 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. In a career-defining performance, undefeated hometown favorite Ward put the U.S. on the board in the Super Six and captured the WBA super middleweight title with a dominant 11 round technical decision over Denmark's Kessler in their Group Stage 1 bout. He rose to worldwide prominence upon entering the Super Six World Boxing Classic tournament in 2009, where he won the World Boxing Association (WBA) super middleweight title (Super version) from Mikkel Kessler in the opening group stage. [61], On November 12, 2015, in advance of his upcoming move up to the light heavyweight division, Ward vacated his WBA super middleweight title. [71] Ward spoke to HBO in the post fight interview about fighting Kovalev next saying: "I'm excited, I'm looking forward to it. I give it everything I have.. This pattern was repeated for many years over the course of Wards adolescence. I always wanted to protect their names and protect who they were. A 30-0 record, a super six championship, and appearances on numerous pound for pound lists can attest to that fact. [65] 8,532 fans packed the arena on fight night. It was my mother who was gone. Now when it came to Wards left lead hand it was in fact his natural stronger hand. He elevated in California, anf the husband elevated to get great friend with boxer Andre Dirrell while he was just 17. Pre-Fight: Defense - Kovalev B+; Ward A. Pre-Fight: Intangibles - Kovalev A+; Ward A+. In 2015, Ward made his acting debut in the American sports drama film and Rocky franchise spin-off, Creed, as the light heavyweight boxer Danny "Stuntman" Wheeler. Andre Ward H.O.F. Hell, so did Jack Johnson, for that matter. But its a dangerous fight for him too. Most opponents could really not compete with Ward when they were in this situation. The three judges scored the bout 120108, 118110, and 118111. On Aug. 6, Ward will face Colombian Alexander Brand at Oracle Arena in Wards hometown of Oakland, California. [36] In 2013, Dawson spoke out about the fight and said it was a "set-up by HBO and other people." I've always fought the best. He may not be as flashy as I was, but I wasnt as flashy as Ali was when I came up either, Jones said. Im on a mission. I give him credit. [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. The man from Oakland defeated the likes of champions Carl Froch, Mikkel Kessler, Chad Dawson, and Arthur Abraham in this division. [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. Our father came from Oklahoma and he was a racist. I said hed be all right, but he was out of it, Ward recalled. Ward went to the body every time he got the opportunity in the early rounds of both fights. [Update: Ward easily beat Brand in a unanimous decision.]. His father remained a functional addict for years, but as his illness worsened the family home was lost. Pechanga Resort & Casino, Temecula, California, U.S. Ward signed with Jay Z's Roc Nation Sports in January 2015 and this was announced to be the first event under the Roc Nation banner. But he didnt die with a needle in his arm, Ward quickly added. [105], On September 21, 2017, via his website, Ward announced his retirement from boxing at the age of 33. Super Middle Weight Andre Ward holds a media day workout at Warzone Boxing Club to promote his November 16 fight with Edwin Rodriguez on November 12, 2013 in Rancho Cucamonga, California. CompuBox statistics showed that Ward landed 243 of 573 punches thrown (42%), whilst Froch landed 156 of 683 punches (23%). The hand was broken in two places. Im trying to avoid those same demons. Tyson plunged into economic and existential free fall. 2023 ESPN Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. [97] Tony Weeks stopped the fight, with Kovalev sitting on the middle rope, visibly hurt from the strikes he was subjected to. Where you going? He very much has a misunderstood boxing style which is a combination of many styles into one. "[76] Ward received Kovalev's WBA (Super), IBF, and WBO light heavyweight titles and became a two-division world champion. The main person in my life was gone. Hes a grownup. He attributes his self-described "formless" style to years of studying Roy Jones Jr., Bernard Hopkins, and Floyd Mayweather Jr.[112] Ward also makes effective use of the jab to the body while out of punching range. 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. But he also has the poised glance of a master croupier, giving away nothing while sizing up and processing all available data. Ward described himself as a pick him type fighter in other words, he likes to pick you off and break you down with strong, accurate, and effective shots with a lower volume of punches. 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. For the most part, the American would float between stances using a. I'm done." Answer (1 of 5): I think Andre Ward may have wanted a 'Super-fight' with Joe Calzaghe - BUT Calzaghe retired. [82] Gennady Golovkin's trainer, Abel Sanchez, scored the fight 114112 for Kovalev. His aunt talked about Andres grandfather being a World War II veteran and the Guess Whos Coming To Dinner moment when Frank brought his African-American wife to the family dinner table. On May 16, 2009, at the Oracle Arena in Oakland, California, Ward defeated former prospect Edison Miranda by unanimous decision. [88][89] On March 24, 2017, Kovalev revealed via Social Media that he had signed his end of the deal. But just like the great champions, his defense was just very good fundamentals for the most part. 4 KOs) making his first defense against fellow . Ward has been quoted in the past in saying how the jab is a lost art in terms of how it is used and thrown. LINCOLN SQUARE Ald. How many times did they bet against Floyd? Ward's lead acts as hand feint, measuring stick, and defensive deterrent all at once. Ward landed 166 from 463 thrown (36%) whilst Barrera landed 111 of 722 punches thrown (15%). Yet there are those who actually find Wards lack of swagger refreshing. but this itself definitely gave Ward an advantage by giving him a much more powerful lead hand earning much respect from opponents. [103][104], On August 23, 2017, Ward announced that his contract with HBO had expired, making him a free agent. Ward earned a purse of $850,000 compared to the small amount of $30,000 earned by Brand. Soaking in the response, Ward shook his head. Paulie Malignaggi noted the high degree of difficulty both fighters faced that night and doubted the prospect of a one-sided affair in the case of a rematch. But he never did. At this point, Ward's record was 14 wins, no losses. He's very good defensively. Abraham didn't believe he had lost the fight with such wide scores. I think that Calzaghe felt that he had already beaten all the top boxers of his generation and was ready to retire - Ward is a lot younger than Calzaghe, so Joe may have thought that War. Virgil Hunter kept him as an orthodox fighter. There was nobody out there like him.. Ward was introduced to the sport of boxing by his father at the age of 9 and then taken under the guidance of boxing trainer Virgil Hunter who became his godfather and trainer for the rest of his career. In my opinion, Andre Ward was a true pugilist and once in generational talent who I believe couldve fought in an era of boxing. I whispered in his ear, Im going to finish what we started. He was out cold. But Ill be long gone by then, he said and grinned. But he went on to fight 119 times in all as an amateur and lost only four more bouts. What a loser. He might have excelled in other sports, but he chose boxing to concentrate on. This in turn can help judges swing around in your favor, even if the opponent has thrown more punches. [8] Green won the bout, and had hoped to fight Ward later in the year. Having your legacy, finances, and faculties intact. Thats my motivation. What you waiting for? Dave hollered, the voice like his physique still untouched by puberty. After he beats Kovalev, if hes still hungry, he can stick around. I easily could have been one of those guys people say, He could have been something. I remember the day he died very clearly. Theres a math equation very few people have solved. Guarded is what got me by. If I seem standoffish, forgive me. He looked good. Yet one face stood out. [citation needed], Ward started boxing in 1994. Miranda said of Ward in the post fight, "I thought it was going to be easier, but it was tougher than I was expected. That same year, Ward was named Fighter of the Year by The Ring and the Boxing Writers' Association of America. Sale. Retained WBA (Super), IBF, and WBO light heavyweight titles; Retained WBA (Super) super middleweight title; Home Depot Center, Carson, California, U.S. We told you this is what we wanted to do. But while the Germany-based Armenian had lost none of his strength and durability . I wanted to be like that. Ward made his pro debut on December 18, 2004, by scoring a second round TKO over Chris Molina. Ward hit Williams with jabs and straight left hands almost at will, opening a bad cut over Williams' left eye in the process. After the bout, Ward gave a victory speech, "I can't believe it, I can't believe it -- it's not so unbelievable that we never thought we were going to win, but now that it's happened, it is unbelievable. He recalled Hunter telling him, I dont know who you rolling with, but I know this, Gods got his hand on you, son. On November 16, 2007, Ward beat undefeated Roger Cantrell by fifth-round TKO in Saint Lucia. As Wards parents descended into addiction, domestic violence, financial ruin, bouts of homelessness, and repeated stints in rehab, Hunter would become not only Wards trainer, but soon his godfather and temporary guardian. The Las Vegas Sun confirmed the bout will take place at the Mandalay Bay Events Center. As Ward finished his workout, he offered to drive me around Oakland to the many homes where he lived growing up. Theyd get into a knock-down, drag-out fight. I finally spotted a mural of Ward on the side of a van parked behind a warehouse. Much like Joe Louis, he would do it while fencing with his jab, before unleashing his huge power shots. 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. I want to end up in that category.. In Defense Of Andre Ward - Grown Up By: Sean Crose. Now that it's over with, I'm ecstatic I was able to defend this belt one time. But we also got a bad decision, which is not what boxing needed. Do you imagine your last day? I ask Ward. In 2002, he won the Under 19 National Championship and was also a two time U.S. National Champion in 2001 and 2003 at middleweight. [111] A natural left-handed fighter who boxes in an orthodox stance, Ward's best punches typically come from the lead left, including a sharp, piston-like jab, which he shoots to the body as well as the head. His dad died suddenly of a heart attack.

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