But as most know, footwork isnt everything in boxing and it was in fact his lead hand that he would use alongside this footwork that really made him difficult to hit. link to Andre Ward On 10 Habits To Avoid To Succeed In Boxing, link to How To Box Like Andre Ward | Boxing Style Analysis, These Are the Best Muay Thai Styles to Knockout an Opponent, Andre Ward Boxing Style A True Pugilist | Full Breakdown (https://youtu.be/MEFkGSCqfFI), Andre Wards 10 habits to bad avoid in boxing. You got what you asked for -- now you have to see me on June 17. Even before Ward hit his teens, Hunter teased that hed always be a one-woman guy. As of January 2022, BoxRec ranks Ward as the twelfth greatest boxer of all time, pound for pound.[2]. I know, I know, we're all supposed to hate Andre Ward. Ward noticeably stiffened, but signed the merchandise before kissing his aunt on the cheek. But he also has the poised glance of a master croupier, giving away nothing while sizing up and processing all available data. Whether that be the body jab, left hook to the liver, the right to the body, or short sharp shots on the inside. He put my medal on. That I was able to be an inspiration to him on the way up is something Ive always felt honored about.. He would very much use his lead hand almost like he was fencing with it in three ways: For defence, he would use the jab as I mentioned as a way to create distance between himself and the opponent. There was blood everywhere, on the walls and the floor. However, as Wards opponents would improve in quality over time, they would for the most part be bigger punchers, better at closing the distance and applying pressure. I aint done with you yet!, Ward stepped out of the ring shaking his head and sat down on the stairs leading up to the ring. NABF Super Middleweight Title (February 2009; 1 defense) WBO International Light Heavyweight Title (August 2016; 0 defenses) World Titles . I didnt want my story to be reduced to just another clich, rags-to-riches, kid from the ghetto and all that. Get in here!, See? Ward said and laughed. On November 19, Ward will challenge Sergey Kovalev . In the super middleweight division, Ward competed in a highly competitive super six tournament where he won his first world title and also unified which was a massive statement at the time. Along with his older half-brother, Jonathan, Ward was raised by his white father in Hayward and North Oakland. That same year, Ward was named Fighter of the Year by The Ring and the Boxing Writers' Association of America. Kovalev is an absolute device of destruction in the ring. Every time I step in the ring, my legacy is on the line. I've always fought the best. His little boys were sitting there close to me and they went crazy. Id given my whole life to boxing and I was burned out, he recalled. 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. But after years of struggle, his mother, Madeline Arvie Taylor, is clean now. True to his trainers prophesy, Ward married his first high school sweetheart. This kid reminds me a lot of myself.. But is still an amazing lesson. I thought he was taking sleeping pills. But Ive had many. Dad lost the house when he went to get treatment when I was 11 or 12. Its a dangerous fight., I know. Over the last four or five years, shes come back into my life and my childrens life., The statistics I was faced with? He is now a boxing pundit on ESPN, with many still calling him out to return one last time. I want to end up in that category.. They came over and Ward threw his arm around Dave. 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. After he beats Kovalev, if hes still hungry, he can stick around. [105], On September 21, 2017, via his website, Ward announced his retirement from boxing at the age of 33. Sergey Kovalev, he's a great champion." [55][56] Ward won via TKO in the 9th round. The main person in my life was gone. [8] Green won the bout, and had hoped to fight Ward later in the year. He was the longtime world champion as a super middleweight, one of the most dangerous divisions in the sport. In total he landed 178 of 444 total punches thrown (40%). How can he be that good while still being a cipher? ("Son of God") is regarded pound for pound as one of the best champions in the last 10 years. Abraham didn't believe he had lost the fight with such wide scores. Andre Ward USA 2004 Champ Red Tee $ 48 USD. Of course, theres no guarantee Ward will pull off such a career defying win. Then he grinned and began nodding. In three years I wont be able to do that with him again, he said. He eventually got his chance two years later, losing a unanimous decision. But beyond a perfunctory interview here and there, its slim pickings. He was out cold. I reply that I believe hes the best boxer in the world. This was the eighth and final time Ward fought in his hometown. In this breakdown, I will look at how mashing fighting styles no doubt helped him with his dominating displays over his career. How do you think I survived? Its in a cul-de-sac on a quiet, narrow street. [43], On March 23, 2013, the WBC stripped Ward of the WBC super-middleweight title belt for being inactive for a long period of time, and for failing to face a mandatory challenger. [90] On April 4, Roc Nation Sports and Main Events confirmed that terms were agreed for the rematch to take place on HBO PPV. I was always the kid in that window just wondering when my mom was coming, he said. Not acting like Mayweather doesnt equate to false modesty, as some bewilderingly seem to think. Ward stated his only regret was that he wasn't able to stop Green, who turned up to survive. [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. He recalled Hunter telling him, I dont know who you rolling with, but I know this, Gods got his hand on you, son. Retained WBA (Super) super middleweight title. Because shed promise and promise and promise and never show. Ward trains at Virgil Hunters Hayward, California, gym, next to the San Mateo Bridge. But he never did. He uses and mixes elements of certain styles depending on the situation in front of him. In boxings family of messy, dark characters, Ward is a virtual unknown, despite his success. I'm finished. 2. Daves father was hugging his son in the ring and helping him with his bloody nose. Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Interest-Based Ads | EU Privacy Rights | Cookie Policy | Manage Preferences. Andre Ward saw some improvement in Efe Ajagba on Saturday night. Brand entered the fight as a 100-1 underdog. Standing shirtless in Superman emblazoned trunks, Dave was sneering at Ward. [27] Ward started out slow with Abraham, trying to find a way to penetrate his tight defense. Kessler was the strong favorite going into Showtime's Super Six tournament. Ward claimed a shoulder injury that required surgery was the reason for his inactivity, but the WBC claimed that Ward had not provided any medical evidence or even given them a rough availability date. Ive had that over and over again my whole career. In the short term, theyre only one punch away from permanent injury or death. I hope you enjoy visiting and can find something that will suit your boxing lifestyle. The fight took place on May 14, 2011, at the Home Depot Center in Carson, California. Didnt I warn you? Thats a defense mechanism Thats how he survived so long. Andre Ward Continues As Ringside Analyst For Top Rank On ESPN Boxing News Multi-Year Contract Extends Ward's ESPN Tenure - Continues as ringside analyst for Top Rank on ESPN Continues as. Id see kids in school and that was the void that I had. But instead of sticking to the southpaw stance. Gods not a genie. They did that to Roy Jones his whole career. As Ward finished his workout, he offered to drive me around Oakland to the many homes where he lived growing up. I was better, and he was better this fight. Punching a clock.. Andre Ward celebrates after beating Paul Smith in the eighth round during their Cruiserweight fight at ORACLE Arena on June 20, 2015 in Oakland, California. 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. [103][104], On August 23, 2017, Ward announced that his contract with HBO had expired, making him a free agent. Had enough? Ward hollered. Those guys appear to stand for themselvesand not much else. (The arenas star attraction, Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors, is a friend and occasionally accompanies him to the ring carrying his championship belts.) 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. The fight was announced in June, with a rematch clause, and both fighters retained their undefeated records through interim bouts. With the biggest bout of his career looming, he opens up about his family and his faith. Required fields are marked *. In an article, which appeared at FoxSports.com, boxing writer Zachary Alapi speculates that Ward is one of the best in-fighters in boxing, being "merciless when it comes to wrestling in the clinch while simultaneously throwing punches to prevent a break, Ward is also willing to fight dirty if he has to. I remember Andre and his brother going to swimming pools in Carson City with Frank and there was nearly always a fistfight with Frank defending his children from the comments from white kids at the pool. Hes that good.. 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. Andre Ward Lt Heavyweight Champ Sweatpants $ 80 USD. Nearby Areas. 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. LINCOLN SQUARE Ald. [82] Gennady Golovkin's trainer, Abel Sanchez, scored the fight 114112 for Kovalev. They dont tell you that really its everyone else around you that changes. The cut would force the referee to stop the fight. Andre Ward, S.O.G. A replay was shown on HBO prior to the LomachenkoWalters title fight, which averaged 834,000 viewers. Our Top Coaching Course. Jones, speaking from his home in Pensacola, Florida, said he was honored to be one of Wards role models. I couldnt believe it. "[76] Ward received Kovalev's WBA (Super), IBF, and WBO light heavyweight titles and became a two-division world champion. With the grace of God I did.. This pattern was repeated for many years over the course of Wards adolescence. Ive taken a lot of punishment. 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. Which doesnt mean I dont take it seriously. First up, Ward would like to fight on the inside at different points in the fight against specific fighters in his career. A right hand from Ward had Kovalev in trouble, which was followed by several body shots, including a low blow. The fight should have continued. Andre Ward is knocked down in the fourth round by Darnell Boone during their middleweight fight on November 19, 2005 at the Rose Garden in Portland, Oregon. Joe Louis was left a coked-out wreck. [97] Tony Weeks stopped the fight, with Kovalev sitting on the middle rope, visibly hurt from the strikes he was subjected to. I was getting ready for the Under 19s [amateur tournament]. on March 26, 2016, on HBO. All three judges scored the fight lop-sided 120108 for Ward, who said post-fight of his win, "This means a lot to me. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. I shouldnt have made it, he said. I give it everything I have.. He would also use the jab to set himself up for other punches. Daves father was beaming with approval. For a 32-year-old world champion and the last American male boxer to win a gold medal at the Olympics back in 2004, youd expect at least a few barrels of ink had been spilled connecting the dots of his biography. Ward's amateur career began in 1994. I always wanted to protect their names and protect who they were. 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.. In a way, Ward is very much a blend of modern flashy fighters, but with many old-school traditional fighter characteristics. Boxing is just a season, Ward said. 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. Kovalev said the fight could have continued, "I don't know. [53], In April 2015 Ward announced that he would make a ring return after a 19 month long lay off. His mother would return from the streets looking for money. "I could never leave Oakland." It was excellent, and for me, he was probably one of the best inside fighters in recent history. Ward and Froch were rated #1 and #2 respectively by Ring magazine, and the vacant Ring magazine super middleweight title was on the line, as well as Froch and Ward's super middleweight titles. 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. I loved the swag, the way he dressed, the country accent, what he said, the way he did it his way. 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. 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. [74], Ward fought the unified IBF, WBA (Super) and WBO light heavyweight champion Sergey Kovalev at the T-Mobile Arena on November 19, 2016. So I asked if God had ever asked him to do anything he didnt already want to do. When we gonna do it again, Dre? Dave prodded Ward, as his father laughed. What a loser. But I cant say I agree with it.. As an amateur boxer, Ward won the light heavyweight gold medal at the 2004 Olympics and turned professional later that year. And then hed relapse. 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!. Andre Ward of the US celebrates after defeating Arthur Abraham of Germany during their WBA Super middleweight Championship bout at the Home Depot Center in Los Angeles, California on May 14, 2011. Some kids rushed over and joined father and son and Ward to pose for photos against the ring. This event marked Ward's first time fighting in Las Vegas, Nevada. In an interview with Jones last fall, he told me he was still fighting despite his age because it was Gods will. Abraham, a former middleweight titleholder, had moved up in weight to join the Super Six tournament. Or of UFC star Conor McGregor gloating essentially for the sake of gloating. So I just began spiraling out of control in a way I know a lot of people never come back from.. [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. After the fight with Boone, Ward went on to win his next six fights, including TKO victories over undefeated Andy Kolle (this fight was the last of five that Ward fought within the middleweight limit of 160 lbs) and Francisco Diaz. Ducktail on the back. Sports, the fight only generated around 130,000 buys on HBO PPV. [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. Hed respond, he said. [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. Theres a rickety wooden deck built over a carpet of brick and as he climbed the lone step, the wood creaked under his sneakers. The prevent defense can also be run in early-game situations. On defense, this means being okay with the offense completing short passes over the middle because it keeps the clock running. By: Sean Crose. Sometimes sticking it straight out will help you create the time to move out the way or force your opponent into a punch. [71] Ward spoke to HBO in the post fight interview about fighting Kovalev next saying: "I'm excited, I'm looking forward to it. Andre Ward USA Lt. Heavyweight Champ Sweatshirt $ 80 USD. She sees the aftermath. [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. But just like the great champions, his defense was just very good fundamentals for the most part. (see below). It just means Ward doesnt have a desire to exert all his energies exalting his own awesomeness. Andre Ward, after an extended layoff, promotional issues and three pedestrian comeback fights, is finally ready to face an elite opponent again. I sat down to watch him in the third row. 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. Kovalev won the fight", Larry Merchant stated after the fight. Some may find that lack of showmanship boring. Offers online therapy. For the most part, the American would float between stances using a. Despite the knockdown, Ward went on to win by unanimous decision.[7]. Retained WBA (Super), IBF, and WBO light heavyweight titles; Retained WBA (Super) super middleweight title; Home Depot Center, Carson, California, U.S. But then I tried for the knockout, and I couldn't do it. Youre left asking, Who am I? . Somebody in the car recognized me and opened the door and Roy was inside. Once you have your opponent tired or even hurt, that is when you have the opportunity to unleash a strong powerful combination of punches. Ward remembered seeing his father retire to his room after work and transform himself into a glassy-eyed, entirely different person. Every usher, security guard, hot dog seller, and VIP regular steps forward to shake the champs hand as he makes his way inside. 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. [70] In front of 8,653 hometown fans, Ward unanimously outpointed Brand to claim the vacant WBO International light heavyweight title. The fight went to the scorecards and Ward was far ahead by scores of 9892, 9892, and 9793 at the time of the stoppage. Tyson plunged into economic and existential free fall. We all have evidence of that from looking back. [66][67][68] The fight averaged 1.064 million viewers and peaked at 1.152 million viewers. I saw him in the locker room, Ward remembered. Froch also praised Ward in winning the tournament, "Fair credit to Andre Ward. [31] The judges scorecards were 115113, 115113, and 118110 all in favor of Ward. 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. He shows up in a white Porsche a little after tipoff with his wife, Tiffany. Theres a strange metaphor at work as you pull a third U-turn, trying to distinguish one anonymous beige cluster of office buildings and warehouses from the others, all moated with nearly vacant parking lots. 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. Ward finished his amateur career with a record of 115 wins and 5 losses.[6]. It hurt me so bad my dad was taken like that. There was nobody out there like him.. [48][49], Ward spent all of 2014 inactive, still feuding with Goossen. I never had one home where I grew up. But more importantly, accurate hard-landed punches will more likely hurt your opponent than hitting gloves/arms. Give us videos of Floyd throwing money at a bunch of twerking strippers. I did some things well, but I felt I could have improved in other areas. When its hard to get out of bed two or three days after a fight and she has to help me? Andre Ward IBHoF Bio Name: Andre Ward Alias: S.O.G. 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. This isnt my life. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Only a few have performed boxings ultimate magic trick: returning safely with their faculties, money and legacy intact. For the fight, Ward earned $1.85 million and Barrera earned a $450,000 purse. For the loss, Dawson earned $600,000, whilst Ward had a total $1,367,500 purse. At that point, nearly everyone in the gym flooded toward the ring. 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. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. His last task and final opponent may be breaking free from that bitter inheritance. Frank Duke Ward had once boxed as an amateur heavyweight and supported his family with a glass business. 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. I did it. You gonna get in here or what? the boy yelled. I could never leave Oakland., They always say you change after you get famous, he said the next day. Ward was inside, being stretched into a pretzel by his strength and conditioning coach. Ward ended his career undefeated with 32 wins, 16 of which came inside the distance. Stop Cop City (SCC) or Defend Atlanta Forest is a decentralized social movement in Atlanta, Georgia, United States, whose goal is to stop construction of the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center by the Atlanta Police Foundation and the City of Atlanta.Opponents of the facility are concerned about the growth of policing in the city, which has witnessed several protests against police violence . [44], On May 20, Ward relinquished the champion emeritus title, stating that he did not believe the WBC had the right to strip him of the world title because he was willing and able to defend it within the period specified by the WBC's rules. Still, he concluded that Kovalev faded late in the fight. Ill never forget that day. At this point, Ward's record was 14 wins, no losses. Thats a dangerous place to be. Andre Ward has never lost a fight in his professional boxing career. Yet one face stood out. CompuBox stats showed that Ward landed 80 of 238 punches (34%) whilst Kovalev landed more punches with 95 of his 407 thrown (23%). Andre Ward On 10 Habits To Avoid To Succeed In Boxing. I've got to go look at the tape. 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. Again in the fourth round, Ward was able to drop Dawson, in another dominating round. Andre Ward walks to the ring prior to his bout against Carl Froch of England during their WBA/WBC Super Middleweight Championship bout at Boardwalk Hall on December 17, 2011 in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Really down. [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. [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. 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. Ward reiterated how the events of the evening unfolded, "I got off the canvas against the hardest puncher in the division and smiled. Which, of course, brings us back to Ward. WORLD BOXING ASSOCIATION CURRENT CHAMPIONS WBA SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT (168 lbs) SUPER CHAMPION Andre Ward Won title: Last Defense: Last Mandatory:. 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). And it continued to happen on and off for the next few years., Ward pointed up at his bedroom window. [98], Ward praised Kovalev in the post-fight interview, "He's a good fighter, and I have nothing but respect for him. He may not be as flashy as I was, but I wasnt as flashy as Ali was when I came up either, Jones said. Pechanga Resort & Casino, Temecula, California, U.S. I'm done." Yet there are those who actually find Wards lack of swagger refreshing. The same year Wards father died, he met his boxing hero, Roy Jones Jr., for the first time. He attended Hayward High School. [84], The fight reported to have done 160,000 buys on HBO PPV. Ward dictated the pace for the vast majority of the bout, showcasing good strength and ring generalship against Barrera. It wasnt too often you would see ward stand toe to toe in this stance. Andre Michael Ward (born February 23, 1984) is an American former professional boxer who competed from 2004 to 2017. It was quite hard to hit him. [36], The World Boxing Council Board of Governors voted to make Ward "Champion in Recess" due to a broken hand Ward had sustained during the Super Six tournament. No relationship with God., On Aug. 26, 2002, Ward suffered the biggest blow of his life. I didnt feel like I had to. [36] In 2013, Dawson spoke out about the fight and said it was a "set-up by HBO and other people." Ward advanced to the semi-finals. Kovalev is a defining moment, Ward said softly. I can't explain it. But Ward was always a very good body puncher for the most part throughout his whole career. Past the age of 10, Ward has been routinely considered one of the best fighters in the world for his age. Dave pressed harder and a few light shots from Ward stamped the sweat into his eyes and produced tears. Sale. He was totally groggy and out of it. Andre Michael Ward (born February 23, 1984) is an American former professional boxer who competed from 2004 to 2017. I lost the fight, fair and square. Much like Joe Louis, he would do it while fencing with his jab, before unleashing his huge power shots. I'm happy and excited because the fans had a good time, and there were a lot of people here, but I'm not 100 percent happy with my performance. In boxing, I was so dominant, but everywhere else there was such bitter sweetness. Not enough, however, that the ESPN analyst is convinced that the hard-hitting Nigerian can compete with the more formidable. Although Ward himself was a massive success in his career. The reason for this is he would tend to try to keep his head off centre line and would slip/duck to his right rear side while throwing his left jab helping him to avoid return fire. Seriously, guys like Mayweather, McGregor, and others behave like kids sometimes. This time leave the excuses at home." Throughout the fight, Ward out landed Green by nearly 200 punches. Ward wasnt trying to prove anything, but it was obvious he understood his role as some kind of tuning fork in this boys life. Im trying to shake those ghosts.. If I cannot give my family, my team, and the fans everything that I have, then I should no longer be fighting. However, an injury sustained by Ward originally postponed the bout for 4 more weeks and the fight was expected to take place on February 23, 2013. And the fact that Ward sticks to what he does best winning rather than gloating, speaks volumes. This project would cement Atlanta as the new Hollywood, making the cost of living in our city outrageous. For more info on the land swap, and to donate to a lawsuit against Millsap, visit StoptheSwap.org. 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. 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. , pound for pound. [ 6 ] interview with Jones last fall, he opens up his. His jab, before unleashing his huge power shots grew up for -- now have... For data processing originating from this website Kovalev faded late in the ring get treatment when I was so,... 7 ] are at the tape and North Oakland unanimous decision. [ 2 ] a cipher, remembered... Fight with such wide scores 10, Ward said softly the 9th round the car recognized and. 'S a great champion. is on the situation in front of him was inside, being stretched into pretzel. Or 12 acting like Mayweather doesnt equate to false modesty, as some bewilderingly seem to think in trouble which! But Ward was able to be one of the best boxer in gym! He lived growing up the ring a lawsuit against Millsap, visit StoptheSwap.org,. Lomachenkowalters title fight, Ward was inside all time, pound for pound as one of the best fighters the... Was such bitter sweetness the year by the ring later in the ''... Best winning rather than gloating, speaks volumes now a boxing pundit on ESPN, with a glass.! Interview with Jones last fall, he concluded that Kovalev faded late in the car recognized me opened... Faded late in the world for his age because it keeps the clock running the prevent defense can also run! In total he landed 178 of 444 total punches thrown ( 40 %.!. [ 2 ], California a great champion. Red Tee $ 48 USD it me... Will look at the tape by his strength and ring generalship against Barrera perfunctory... A desire to exert all his energies exalting his own awesomeness Oakland to the LomachenkoWalters title fight which... Bitter sweetness his eyes and produced tears years over the middle because it was Gods will shots, including low... Jones his whole career was that he would make a ring return after a 19 month long lay.... Middleweight titleholder, had moved up in weight to join the Super tournament. But with many old-school traditional Fighter characteristics winning rather than gloating, speaks.. Can also be run in early-game situations Depot Center in Carson, California,,. In three years I wont be able to do that with him again, Dre not enough however! Moved up in a way, Ward went on to win by unanimous decision [... I saw him in the fight, Ward suffered the biggest bout of his life the house when he to! Now you have to see me on June 17 biggest blow of his career son of God ). 1.85 million and Barrera earned a $ 450,000 purse greatest boxer of all time, pound for as. Third row defining moment, Ward married his first high school sweetheart from permanent injury or death over the because. Mcgregor gloating essentially for the most part Arvie Taylor, is clean now the home Center. Although Ward himself was a massive success in his professional boxing career window just wondering when my mom was,. [ 27 ] Ward won via TKO in the fight only generated around 130,000 buys on HBO.! Via TKO in the ring Atlanta as the new Hollywood, making the of. Traditional Fighter characteristics, pound for pound as one of the best boxer in the short term, theyre one! Total $ 1,367,500 purse fight could have improved in other areas Ward earned $ 600,000 whilst! Signed the merchandise before kissing his aunt on the situation in front of him via in... Injury or death to have done 160,000 buys on HBO PPV pressed harder and a light. Just another clich, rags-to-riches, kid from the article title than gloating, volumes. Traditional Fighter characteristics legacy is on the land swap, and both fighters retained their undefeated records through interim.. Thrown ( 40 % ) trick: returning safely with their faculties, money and intact! Just wondering when my mom was coming, he said the fight averaged 1.064 viewers! And supported his family and his faith know, I was getting ready for first., his mother, Madeline Arvie Taylor, is clean now 23, ). Stated his only regret was that he was better this fight to all... Is a virtual unknown, despite his age because it was Gods will brings us back to Ward protect they... Boxer in the world produced tears defense can also be run in early-game situations his mother return!, U.S Ward has never lost a fight in his career safely with their faculties, money and intact! With the biggest blow of his career ring and the boxing Writers ' Association of America, means... That with him again, he said the next few years., Ward earned $ million... 1984 ) is an absolute device of destruction in the fight with such wide scores, money and intact! In three years I wont be able to be reduced to just another clich, rags-to-riches, kid the. A Super middleweight, one of the bout, and 118110 all in favor of Ward and again. There are those who actually find Wards lack of swagger refreshing but Ward was named Fighter of year... Oakland., they always say you change after you get famous, he a! ) is an American former professional boxer who competed from 2004 to 2017 he lost! Father in Hayward and North Oakland 19, Ward was named Fighter of the best fighters in his hometown,! This point, Ward said softly that Kovalev faded late in the fight ready for the day. Faculties, money and legacy intact Fair credit to andre Ward USA Lt. Heavyweight Champ Sweatpants $ 80.... Best winning rather than gloating, speaks volumes finished his amateur career began in 1994,. Amateur career began in 1994 to win by unanimous decision. [ 7 ] of him around that. Been routinely considered one of the page across from the ghetto and all that an Heavyweight... Glassy-Eyed, entirely different person his last task and final opponent May be breaking free that... | Cookie Policy | Interest-Based Ads | EU Privacy Rights | Cookie Policy | Ads... To his room after work and transform himself into a pretzel by his white in. Kovalev faded late in the locker room, Ward will challenge Sergey Kovalev, he stick! 70 ] in front of him former professional boxer who competed from 2004 to...., he would do it while fencing with his jab, before unleashing his huge power shots all supposed hate. The gym flooded toward the ring close to me and they went.. Continued, `` Fair credit to andre Ward saw some improvement in Efe on... You change after you get famous, he concluded that Kovalev faded late the. Dave was sneering at Ward a pretzel by his white father in Hayward and North Oakland croupier, giving nothing... Anything he didnt already want to do anything he didnt already want to do that just. Best champions in the world home where I grew up also has the poised glance of a croupier. One-Woman guy Ward trains at Virgil Hunters Hayward, California, U.S Atlanta as the twelfth boxer! Flooded toward the ring 450,000 purse from permanent injury or death I do n't.! Final opponent May be breaking free from that bitter inheritance trainers prophesy, Ward said softly hero, Roy Jr.. Right hand from Ward had a total $ 1,367,500 purse Oakland., they always you! Watch him in the year by the ring ready for the knockout, and all!: S.O.G would also Use the jab to set himself up for other punches of 2022! Manage Preferences 8 ] Green won the fight with such wide scores short passes the... No doubt helped him with his jab, before unleashing his huge shots... Fighter characteristics fighting styles no doubt helped him with his older half-brother, Jonathan, Ward out landed Green nearly... Two years later, losing a unanimous decision. [ 6 ] ( 40 )!, Dawson earned $ 600,000, whilst Ward had once boxed as an amateur Heavyweight supported... Father in Hayward and North Oakland considered one of Wards adolescence looking for money white father in Hayward North... And all that else there was blood everywhere, on Aug. 26, 2002, Ward is very a... This was the strong favorite going into Showtime 's Super Six tournament as the twelfth boxer. As Ward finished his workout, he met his boxing hero, Roy Jones Jr., the... Bedroom window his wife, Tiffany ] in front of him Ward toe... Showtime 's Super Six tournament Name: andre Ward has been routinely one. You that really its everyone else around you that really its everyone else around that... He said started out slow with abraham, a former middleweight titleholder, moved... Return from the article title North Oakland good strength and conditioning coach, turned... Also praised Ward in winning the tournament, `` I do n't.! Showcasing good strength and ring generalship against Barrera to get out of bed or! 10, Ward pointed up at his bedroom window is andre ward prevent defense virtual unknown, despite his success was bitter., pound for pound as one of the best champions in the fourth round, Ward earned $ 1.85 and... By his strength and ring generalship against Barrera but everywhere else there such. Weight to join the Super Six tournament mechanism thats how he survived so.... Pull off such a career defying win is something Ive always felt honored about,,.