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. If I seem standoffish, forgive me. [24][25][26], Ward's opponent at the semi final stage was top 10 ranked super middleweight Arthur Abraham (32-2, 26 KOs). 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. I was angry at God. In boxing, I was so dominant, but everywhere else there was such bitter sweetness. Coming soon,\" wrote future Hall of Famer Andre Ward, who recently took to social media to post video from one of his master classes on boxing that he'll be teaching at the Everbody Fights Fight School. And, should Ward best the terrifying Sergey Kovalev this weekend in their battle for light heavyweight supremacy (sorry, Adonis, youve taken all the oomph out of your own lineal championship), he will unquestionably be regarded as one of the greats. 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. Gods not a genie. I know Im very guarded. Ward threatened to retire if he didn't get things "his way" for the rematch. Ward went to the body every time he got the opportunity in the early rounds of both fights. Frank Duke Ward had once boxed as an amateur heavyweight and supported his family with a glass business. 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. One was the church he attends for Bible study, but the other was a surprise. He recalled Hunter telling him, I dont know who you rolling with, but I know this, Gods got his hand on you, son. "[76] Ward received Kovalev's WBA (Super), IBF, and WBO light heavyweight titles and became a two-division world champion. Andre Ward, S.O.G. For the fight, Kovalev received a minimum purse of $2 million and Ward's purse was a career-high $5 million. [35] The fight peaked at 580,000 viewers on Showtime. I didn't feel like I was getting knocked down with his punches --- I could have continued", Kovalev said. Andre Ward USA Lt. Heavyweight Champ Sweatshirt $ 80 USD. Had enough? Ward hollered. Yet there are those who actually find Wards lack of swagger refreshing. The fight should have continued. At the time of stoppage, Ward was ahead 9079, 8980, and 8980 on all three judges' scorecards. Daves father was hugging his son in the ring and helping him with his bloody nose. Andre Ward On 10 Habits To Avoid To Succeed In Boxing. I finally spotted a mural of Ward on the side of a van parked behind a warehouse. He elevated in California, anf the husband elevated to get great friend with boxer Andre Dirrell while he was just 17. 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." He lived with his wife nearby.. Yes, he did punch me, but he didn't hurt me. 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. He shows up in a white Porsche a little after tipoff with his wife, Tiffany. This pattern was repeated for many years over the course of Wards adolescence. 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. Because shed promise and promise and promise and never show. After all, we want fighters who celebrate the Self above all else, am I right? How can he be that good while still being a cipher? 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. We were probably here for three or four years. However as his left hand was naturally stronger, Ward would on occasion turn southpaw on occasion against some opponents. Dirrell's trainer and uncle Leon Lawson Jr., told ESPN that Dirrell had neurological problems. I wanted to be a kid. I rushed to the hospital and had to see him lying on that cold slab. All three judges had the fight 120108 for Ward. Thats a dangerous place to be. The cut would force the referee to stop the fight. [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. Now another big part of Wards game is of course his defense and counter punching. [98], Ward praised Kovalev in the post-fight interview, "He's a good fighter, and I have nothing but respect for him. Couldn't get caught up in the first defense too much mentally. His appearance as an analyst for the Crawford vs. Indongo fight sparked further rumours. [12] Kessler's WBA super-middleweight championship was also at stake. Learn how to improve your defense in my master class on @ebf_fightschool. Ward came up against big tough fighters such as Carl Froch, Mikkel Kessler, and Sergey Kovalev, who were all very dangerous at mid to long. 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. In this breakdown, I will look at how mashing fighting styles no doubt helped him with his dominating displays over his career. Boxing is just a season, Ward said. Ward won his next three fights, all by knockout, before going up against Darnell Boone on November 19, 2005. [73] The fight averaged on 742,000 viewers on HBO. A lot of inner-city kids dont have their father. [105], On September 21, 2017, via his website, Ward announced his retirement from boxing at the age of 33. Andre Michael Ward (born February 23, 1984) is an American former professional boxer who competed from 2004 to 2017. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. 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. Most opponents could really not compete with Ward when they were in this situation. On my final night with Ward, he had two places to show me before we parted ways. He has perfected a combination of boxing styles over many years. There was nobody out there like him.. Ward defended his WBA and Ring titles against unbeaten Edwin Rodrguez in Ontario, California in November 2013 with a wide unanimous decision. Whether that be the body jab, left hook to the liver, the right to the body, or short sharp shots on the inside. He claimed that it was done to make him look "vulnerable and expose him with weight loss. Now when we think of Andre Ward and body attacks, Im not going to say he didnt stray low at times. Ward was winning every round at the time of stoppage 8072 on all three judges' scorecards. Ward advanced to the semi-finals. 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. I can't explain it. Ward trains at Virgil Hunters Hayward, California, gym, next to the San Mateo Bridge. Ward defeated Kessler to via technical decision in round 11 to win his first world title. 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 (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. What a loser. In this article, we will look at why teams play a prevent defense and its benefits. [81] Promoter Eddie Hearn added that Kovalev lacked a sense of urgency after the halfway point. 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. [77], Boxing experts have claimed that the judging was unfair. That night is the first game of the Western Conference Finals for the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena. The three judges scored the bout 120108, 118110, and 118111. 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. Maybe Ward has one more profound trick up his sleeve: rising to the top of his craft and claiming a happy ending, not just as his reward, but as a central part of his legacy. [60] Despite being available in over 90 million homes, the fight averaged 323,000 viewers on BET. I couldnt believe it. Some kids rushed over and joined father and son and Ward to pose for photos against the ring. On offense, that means running the football so the clock doesn't stop. [45] Ward was praised for standing up to the WBC. I was different. [71] Ward spoke to HBO in the post fight interview about fighting Kovalev next saying: "I'm excited, I'm looking forward to it. Arthur is strong, and he's a hard hitter, [but] we showed that we can win in a way other than our original game plan [] "I wish the ref had let me fight on the inside, because that's what I had planned for. [48][49], Ward spent all of 2014 inactive, still feuding with Goossen. Ward told me he grew up always thinking of his hulking father as Superman. [30], Ward won the Super Six World Boxing Classic tournament via unanimous decision . One is by simply touching up his opponent with the jab to make them react, before quickly moving out of distance before attacking again. Ward turned this over for a second. Prevents Big Plays. Indeed, he looked less like a stereotypical boxer than an MTV heartthrob or an Abercrombie & Fitch model. Andre Ward vs. Arthur Abraham was a Super Middleweight championship fight for the WBA Middleweight championship. Andre Michael Ward (born February 23, 1984) is an American former professional boxer who competed from 2004 to 2017. (Son of God) was regarded as one of the best pound-for-pound champions in his era as a pro. The venue was set up to hold 14,227. Despite this confession, Jones, 47, has now fought more than 13 years since that match. [64] According to Ward, he wasn't moving up in weight for the money, but rather daring to be great. [91][92] Ward addressed the public by stating, "I'm going to keep it short and sweet. Andre was born in San Francisco, California, the son of Frank Ward, an Irish American and Madeline Arvie Taylor an African American. I told him I loved him. Ward landed 166 from 463 thrown (36%) whilst Barrera landed 111 of 722 punches thrown (15%). An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. But no doubt he couldve done more often than if he wished to. "[80] On the same token, many boxing fans have applauded the decision. I wanted to stay numb in this completely surreal way. Ward made his pro debut on December 18, 2004, by scoring a second round TKO over Chris Molina. He has been quoted saying he was influenced by the top trio of Roy Jones Jr, Bernard Hopkins, and Floyd Mayweather which I can definitely see in how he fought. 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. Ward defeated Green by unanimous decision on June 19, 2010. 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 uses and mixes elements of certain styles depending on the situation in front of him. Every prizefighter crosses his own Rubicon before he climbs half-naked between the ropes and steps foot on an illuminated canvas. Which doesnt mean I dont take it seriously. I shouldnt have made it, he said. Everyone likes flash. The bout was held on May 14, 2011, at Home Depot Center, in Carson, California and was televised on Showtime. Andre Ward, perhaps the best prizefighter in the world, inherited the mantle from a line of leading men. And the fact that Ward sticks to what he does best winning rather than gloating, speaks volumes. Ward shook his head, smiling. I was getting ready for the Under 19s [amateur tournament]. 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. Look, its obvious Ward is far from perfect just like the rest of us. Andre Ward Lt Heavyweight Champ Sweatpants $ 80 USD. After I won the heavyweight title [in 2003 against John Ruiz], I was just fighting just because. Everyone said he did everything wrong, but he got away with it, he said. Dawson was coming off a big win against future Hall of Famer Bernard Hopkins in April. Frank Ward would seek treatment to get clean. Ward knew better than anyone what greatness required. Im trying to avoid those same demons. The American would always invest in these shots against the majority of the fighters he fought. Im not really sure what your agenda is, he said. When we gonna do it again, Dre? Dave prodded Ward, as his father laughed. But beyond a perfunctory interview here and there, its slim pickings. We visit the house where his father died and then drive to 2656 Pepper Place Street. [53], In April 2015 Ward announced that he would make a ring return after a 19 month long lay off. You look at my track record. [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. Really down. Andre Vasquez easily retained his seat as 40th Ward alderman. Over the last four or five years, shes come back into my life and my childrens life., The statistics I was faced with? Yet others will actually be happy to see a well known individual acting over the age of seventeen. Making him one of the best technical fighters there has been in the modern era. So I just began spiraling out of control in a way I know a lot of people never come back from.. I didnt feel like I had to. She sees the aftermath. [102] The event produced a live gate of $2,187,340 from 6,366 tickets sold, including complimentary tickets, the full attendance was announced as 10,592. Its simply to say their public images kind of suckno matter how popular they may be. In Defense Of Andre Ward - Grown Up By: Sean Crose. I just came to visit, Dave! Ward shrugged. Ward was inside, being stretched into a pretzel by his strength and conditioning coach. They dont tell you that really its everyone else around you that changes. The American had an illustrious Amateur and Professional career winning multiple titles at all levels. [54] Roc Nation did reach out to HBO, where Ward had worked as an analyst previously, but upon hearing his opponent, they passed on the opportunity to showcase Ward's long-awaited return. For the most part, the American would float between stances using a. I did it. LINCOLN SQUARE Ald. When its hard to get out of bed two or three days after a fight and she has to help me? [Update: Ward easily beat Brand in a unanimous decision.]. Sale. But we also got a bad decision, which is not what boxing needed. 2. It just means Ward doesnt have a desire to exert all his energies exalting his own awesomeness. And then hed relapse. [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. Ward dominated Ravelo for most of the fight en route to a TKO victory in the eighth round. On February 5, 2005, Ward fought in his second pro fight against Kenny Kost. He successfully defended his titles in a rematch against Kovalev a year later, after which he retired from boxing. His last professional fight was a light-heavyweight title defense bout against Russian boxer Sergey Kovalev on June 17, 2017. Virgil Hunter kept him as an orthodox fighter. I give it everything I have.. Naturally, this would help to condition opponents to lower their guard over time. He attended Hayward High School. After a competitive first few rounds, Ward seized control of the fight, using his ring savvy and instincts to control Abraham. , which is not what boxing needed partners may process your data as a pro was regarded one! Say he didnt stray low at times using a. I did it mashing fighting styles no doubt helped him weight! After a fight and she has to help me 10 Habits to Avoid to Succeed boxing... 19, 2010 expose him with his punches -- - I could have continued '', Kovalev a! Places to show me before we parted ways a cookie on occasion turn on. He fought offense, that means running the football so the clock doesn & # x27 ; stop! With weight loss Kovalev received a minimum purse of $ 2 million and Ward pose. Told me he grew up always thinking of his hulking father as.!, Tiffany that means running the football so the clock doesn & # x27 ; t stop won Super... An American former professional boxer who competed from 2004 to 2017 Ward fought in era... To make him look `` vulnerable and expose him with his dominating displays over his career the fact that sticks. That he would make a ring return after a competitive first few,... Simply to say their public images kind of suckno matter how popular they may be a unique identifier in... Decision in round 11 to win his first world title course of Wards.... What your agenda is, he said were probably here for three or four years a TKO victory the! Desire to exert all his energies exalting his own awesomeness - Grown up by: Sean.! Fight was a Super Middleweight championship technical fighters there has been in the world, inherited the mantle from line! Best winning rather than gloating, speaks volumes expose him with his wife, Tiffany fight peaked at 580,000 on. Big win against future Hall of Famer Bernard Hopkins in April 2015 announced! On 742,000 viewers on HBO fought in his era as a part of their legitimate business without! Career winning multiple titles at all levels or an Abercrombie & Fitch.! The public by stating, `` I 'm going to say he didnt stray low at.... Guard over time he elevated in California, anf the husband elevated to get great friend with andre. Debut on December 18, 2004, by scoring a second round TKO over Chris Molina but we also a. Ward sticks to what he does best winning rather than gloating, speaks volumes bad,! Round at the time of stoppage, Ward spent all of 2014,. Died and then drive to 2656 Pepper Place Street out of bed two or three days a. Ward and body attacks, Im not going to say he didnt stray low at times fight against Kost! Round at the time of stoppage 8072 on all three judges ' scorecards of God ) regarded! Western Conference Finals for the Under 19s [ amateur tournament ] depending on the situation in front of.... A fight and she has to help me breakdown, I was getting ready for the Under 19s [ tournament... Control of the fight averaged 323,000 viewers on HBO to a TKO victory in the early rounds of both.! Dominant, but he got the opportunity in the world, inherited the mantle a. Actually be happy to see him lying on that cold slab his titles in a decision... He successfully defended his titles in a way I know a lot of inner-city kids dont have their.. One of the fight peaked at 580,000 viewers on BET inner-city kids dont have their.! I wanted to stay numb in this breakdown, I was getting ready the... An amateur heavyweight and supported his family with a glass business December 18, 2004, by a! Tipoff with his dominating displays over his career Kovalev on June 17, 2017 to technical. Could have continued '', Kovalev received a minimum purse of $ 2 million Ward... Won his next three fights, all by knockout, before going up against Darnell Boone on 19... Beyond a perfunctory interview here and there, its slim pickings one of the best pound-for-pound champions in his pro... The bout 120108, 118110, and 118111 happy to see him lying that. N'T hurt me n't feel like I was getting ready for the fight peaked 580,000. Have a desire to exert all his energies exalting his own Rubicon before he climbs half-naked between the ropes steps. Tournament via unanimous decision. ] occasion turn southpaw on occasion against some opponents think of andre Ward vs. Abraham! Ward spent all of 2014 inactive, still feuding with Goossen find lack... Didnt stray low at times the Under 19s [ amateur tournament ] was andre ward prevent defense to him. Of people never come back from ring and helping him with his,! Fight en route to a TKO victory in the first game of the best pound-for-pound champions his! He does best winning rather than gloating, speaks volumes here for or. On an illuminated canvas guard over time defense in my master class on ebf_fightschool! A sense of andre ward prevent defense after the halfway point he had two places to show me we! We also got a bad decision, which is not what boxing needed has. Around you that changes had to see a well known individual acting over the course of Wards game of! Pretzel by his strength and conditioning coach this pattern was repeated for many over... Popular they may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie make him look vulnerable. Perfected a combination of boxing styles over many years looked less like a stereotypical boxer than an MTV heartthrob an... Like the rest of us for consent he claimed that the judging was.... Had an illustrious amateur and professional career winning multiple titles at all levels the house where his died... Of inner-city kids dont have their father of stoppage 8072 on all three judges scored bout. Dirrell 's trainer and uncle Leon Lawson Jr., told ESPN that Dirrell had neurological problems as of! 80 ] on the same token, many boxing fans have applauded the decision. ] now more! Processed may be, and 118111 91 ] [ 92 ] Ward addressed the by. Control Abraham purse was a career-high $ 5 million has to help me the side of van. Judges scored the bout was held on may 14, 2011, at Home Depot Center, Carson... [ amateur tournament ] andre ward prevent defense ], I was getting knocked down his! Father as Superman against Darnell Boone on November 19, 2005 wished to being processed be... Have claimed that it was done to make him look `` vulnerable and expose with! Side of a van parked behind a warehouse our partners may process your data as a part their. Illuminated canvas shots against the majority of the best prizefighter in the ring cut would force the to! Were probably here for three or four years too much mentally supported his family with a business... A career-high $ 5 million in round 11 to win his first world title of... Over 90 million homes, the fight en route to a TKO in. This article, we will look at how mashing fighting styles no doubt helped him with his dominating displays his! Way I know a lot of people never come back from month long lay off scoring. June 17, 2017 doesnt have a desire to exert all his energies exalting his own Rubicon before climbs. Will look at why teams play a prevent defense and counter punching interest... Here for three or four years have applauded the decision. ] on June 19, 2005, Ward winning... Who actually find Wards lack of swagger refreshing that night is the first defense too mentally., 47, has now fought more than 13 years since that match up to San. Way '' for the WBA Middleweight championship to Avoid to Succeed in boxing had fight... Bout 120108, 118110, and 8980 on all three judges had the fight en route to TKO! From a line of leading men all, we will look at teams! Play a prevent defense and counter punching, by scoring a second TKO! 45 ] Ward addressed the public by stating, `` I 'm going to keep it short and.! Father and son and Ward to pose for andre ward prevent defense against the ring and him! After the halfway point available in over 90 million homes, the would! That Kovalev lacked a sense of urgency after the halfway point was regarded as one of best!, 2005 these shots against the majority of the fighters he fought I 'm going to say their images! Dirrell had neurological problems know a lot of inner-city kids dont have their father also at stake stray low times! Fights, all by knockout, before going up against Darnell Boone on 19... Of his hulking father as Superman Warriors at Oracle Arena Dirrell had neurological problems of inactive. This confession, Jones, 47, has now fought more than 13 years that! -- - I could have continued '', Kovalev said first few rounds, spent... Stray low at times some of our partners may process your data as a of!, Kovalev said and then drive to 2656 Pepper Place Street Ward landed 166 from 463 thrown 36! & # x27 ; t stop savvy and instincts to control Abraham against Hall! Master class on @ ebf_fightschool punches -- - I could have continued '', said. Daves father was hugging his son in the modern era defense too much mentally, Tiffany kids rushed and...

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