He went down. I finally spotted a mural of Ward on the side of a van parked behind a warehouse. Understanding that past brings perspective. 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. His last professional fight was a light-heavyweight title defense bout against Russian boxer Sergey Kovalev on June 17, 2017. 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. The American finally decided to hang up the gloves in 2017 after retaining his world title belts against Sergey Kovalev in his rematch. But he didnt die with a needle in his arm, Ward quickly added. Ive boxed for over 20 years. Ward trains at Virgil Hunters Hayward, California, gym, next to the San Mateo Bridge. 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. I think Im the same shy guy Ive been all my life.. Its a dangerous fight., I know. Ward dictated the fight however with a strong jab. But Ill be long gone by then, he said and grinned. 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. [27] Ward started out slow with Abraham, trying to find a way to penetrate his tight defense. We were probably here for three or four years. 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. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Ward overcame a rocky second round, in which he was hurt by a left hook, to win by unanimous decision. In my opinion, Andre Ward was a true pugilist and once in generational talent who I believe couldve fought in an era of boxing. His mother would return from the streets looking for money. He had the tuxedo robe. This isnt to say theyre bad men at heart. In that two- or three-year span I could have lost it all. Hell, so did Jack Johnson, for that matter. Some have called him boring because he limits risk and calibrates the ideal distance to break down opponents while creating angles nobody else in boxing can create. 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. Each time, Goossen was deemed in the right. The three judges scored the fight 118106, 117107, and 116108 all in favor of Ward. Boxing News", "Duva and Roc Nation start talks for rematch of Ward-Kovalev June 17 The Ring", "Sergey Kovalev indicates he signed deal memo for Ward rematch The Ring", "Andre Ward set to defend title vs. Sergey Kovalev in June ESPN", "Andre Ward vs. Sergey Kovalev rematch set", "Ward agrees to give Kovalev rematch in June", "Andre Ward, Sergey Kovalev agree to rematch June 17 in Vegas", "Ward vs. Kovalev II: No Rematch Clause For Third Fight Boxing News", "Andre Ward, Sergey Kovalev purses revealed", "Andre Ward finishes Sergey Kovalev in eighth round, retains titles", "Andre Ward Stops Sergey Kovalev in Eight To Retain Belts Boxing News", "Ward vs Kovalev II: Andre Ward produces stunning stoppage win over Sergey Kovalev in rematch", "Andre Ward vs. Sergey Kovalev 2 Disappoints Greatly On PPV Buys", "Ward-Kovalev Rematch Replay Peaked at 947K Viewers on HBO Boxing News", "Ward-Kovalev rematch underperforms at gate", "Ward-Kovalev Rematch: Paid Attendance Was Only 6,366 Boxing News", "Andre Ward says contract with HBO is up", "Ward 'leaving' boxing, says 'desire not there', "Andre Ward: American two-weight world champion retires from boxing", "Andre Ward stuns boxing world by announcing his retirement", "BOXINGTALK: ANDRE WARD ABRUPTLY RETIRES", "VIRGIL HUNTER MENTOR OL' G BOB EXPLAINS WHY ANDRE WARD IS THE MOST COMPLETE FIGHTER TODAY", "ANDRE WARD SAYS HE'S A COMBINATION OF ROY JONES, BERNARD HOPKINS, & FLOYD MAYWEATHER; EXPLAINS WHY", "Kovalev vs Ward: 5 keys to victory for Andre Ward", "The star of 'Creed' wants a sequel here's why it will probably happen", "Ward-Kovalev does just over 160,000 PPV buys, source says", "Andre Ward-Sergey Kovalev rematch flops on PPV", "Ward-Kovalev II predictably flops on PPV", Article about Andre Ward's involvement with Victor Conte, Olympic boxing champions men's light heavyweight, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Andre_Ward&oldid=1141337195, Winners of the United States Championship for amateur boxers, Olympic gold medalists for the United States in boxing, International Boxing Federation champions, World super-middleweight boxing champions, 21st-century African-American sportspeople, Articles with unsourced statements from March 2022, Pages with login required references or sources, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, 2001 United States Amateur Middleweight Champion, 2003 United States Amateur Light Heavyweight Champion, Won the Light Heavyweight gold medal for the United States at the 2004, This page was last edited on 24 February 2023, at 15:17. I could never leave Oakland., They always say you change after you get famous, he said the next day. Continue with Recommended Cookies. On my final night with Ward, he had two places to show me before we parted ways. Responds Boxing News", "Andre Ward vs Chad Dawson at Oracle: 'Made In America' Boxing News", "Ward vs Dawson Results: Andre Ward Dominates, Stops Chad Dawson in Oakland", "Andre Ward-Kelly Pavlik fight to be canceled, Ward to have shoulder surgery ESPN", "Andre Ward Decides to Relinquish WBC Super Middleweight Emeritus Title", "Andre Ward tells the WBC to get lost, and hopefully he is the first of many", "Ward to return to action with fight vs. Rodriguez", "Ward dominates Rodriguez with unanimous decision", "Andre Ward speaks out on Dan Goossen, lawsuit The Ring", "Boxer Andre Ward's longtime promoter Dan Goossen dies The Mercury News", "Ring Ratings Update: Andre Ward stripped of title, dropped from ratings The Ring", "Press Release: BET To Air Andre Ward vs Paul Smith, Plus 9 "Throne boxing" events with Roc Nation | BoxingInsider.com", "Ward to face England's Smith in June 20 return", "Andre Ward: Undefeated champion to fight Paul Smith", "Andre Ward beats Paul Smith in comeback fight in Oakland", "Ward TKO's Smith in return from 19-month break", "Paul Smith blows weight for second time for Ward fight", "Ward vs. Smith nets low ratings of 323k in viewership", "Ward vacates belt, eyes moving up weight class", "Andre Ward-Sullivan Barrera Being Finalized For March 26", "Andre Ward: I'm Daring To Be Great By Moving Up To 175", "Ward routs Barrera in light heavyweight debut", "Andre Ward Drops, Dominates Sullivan Barrera in 175 Debut Boxing News", "Ward-Barrera averages 1.064M viewers on HBO Boxing News", "Andre Ward vs. Alexander Brand Officially Revealed By Roc Nation Boxing News", "Ward takes WBO Intercontinental light-heavyweight title from Brand in decision", "Andre Ward outpoints Alexander Brand in California stroll", "Ward routs Brand, setting up Kovalev showdown", "Andre Ward vs. Alexander Brand Averages 742k Viewers on HBO Boxing News", "Kovalev-Ward to take place Nov. 19 in Las Vegas", "Ward-Kovalev was no robbery and everything boxing needed", "The Kovalev-Ward decision was about boxing's fine margins, not corruption", "Andre Ward scores controversial points victory over Sergey Kovalev", "Andre Ward Beats Sergey Kovalev By The Slimmest Of Margins: Live Results And Reaction (VIDEO)", "Andre Ward and Sergey Kovalev Deliver Drama, Controversy and an Instant Classic", "[VIDEO] PAULIE MALIGNAGGI DETAILED ANALYSIS OF KNOCKDOWN AND ANDRE WARD'S VICTORY OVER KOVALEV || FIGHTHYPE.COM", "Sergey Kovalev predicts knockout ahead of Andre Ward showdown", "Ward Recovers from Knockdown to Score Close Win Over Kovalev", "Ward/Kovalev does just less than a million viewers on HBO replay", "Ward-Kovalev produced live gate of $3.3m", "Ward vs. Kovalev Rematch Talks Finally Underway For June 17? Taking vitamin D supplements appeared to ward off dementia in a new, large-scale study. Birth Name: Andre Michael Ward Hometown: Oakland, California, USA Birthplace: San Francisco, California, USA Stance: Orthodox Height: 183cm Reach: 180cm Pro Boxer: Record Amateur Boxer: Record Trainer: Virgil Hunter (1994-2017) Manager: James Prince (2004-2017) Yet his role in boxing was never descended from Muhammad Alis brash hero, Mike Tysons villain, or Floyd Mayweather Jr.s Money-obsessed anti-hero. 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. Ward himself has a unique boxing style which is a mash up of many styles into one, Hi, I'm Jamie, and welcome to Boxing Life! Kovalev is a defining moment, Ward said softly. But getting back to Wards exact style as I mentioned earlier in this article. 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. "[80] On the same token, many boxing fans have applauded the decision. After all, we want fighters who celebrate the Self above all else, am I right? Ward's lead acts as hand feint, measuring stick, and defensive deterrent all at once. A devout Christian, he regularly visits places in his area such as schools, prisons, and youth facilities. Thats a dangerous place to be. A right hand from Ward had Kovalev in trouble, which was followed by several body shots, including a low blow. In this article, we will look at why teams play a prevent defense and its benefits. He elevated in California, anf the husband elevated to get great friend with boxer Andre Dirrell while he was just 17. Hed follow alongside me in his truck. 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. Ward defended his WBA and Ring titles against unbeaten Edwin Rodrguez in Ontario, California in November 2013 with a wide unanimous decision. 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. Pechanga Resort & Casino, Temecula, California, U.S. For the loss, Dawson earned $600,000, whilst Ward had a total $1,367,500 purse. Unfortunately for Ward, he was tremendously good, and it was detrimental to him as an entertaining fighter for the casual. If I seem standoffish, forgive me. 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. But Ward was always a very good body puncher for the most part throughout his whole career. Fair enough. Theres a math equation very few people have solved. Boxing is just a season, Ward said. Ward went on to dominate the rest of the fight. They dont tell you that really its everyone else around you that changes. [64] According to Ward, he wasn't moving up in weight for the money, but rather daring to be great. I want to end up in that category.. Thats when Virgil took me in. I was always the kid in that window just wondering when my mom was coming, he said. For example for the first knockdown. 1 Review. [78][79] Kovalev's promoter, Kathy Duva, said, "We got a great fight, which is what boxing needed. When his father would refuse to give her money for drugs, Ward remembered her hitting him. It wasnt too often you would see ward stand toe to toe in this stance. [52], On February 19, 2015 The Ring stripped Ward of the Ring champion belt due to him not having defended his title against a top #5 contender in the last two years. Only a few have performed boxings ultimate magic trick: returning safely with their faculties, money and legacy intact. "I didn't feel the punch. We are boxers. I remember once she stabbed him. But we also got a bad decision, which is not what boxing needed. Jones asked Wards permission to wear his Olympic gold medal into the ring. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. This was where I first understood my dads struggles with heroin. 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. [22] Instead, Ward successfully defended his WBA super middleweight title, unanimously outpointing another top 10 ranked super middleweight, Sakio Bika (28-4-2), in front of a sparse crowd at Oracle Arena on Saturday night. Seriously, guys like Mayweather, McGregor, and others behave like kids sometimes. Ali was silenced and imprisoned in his body. I wanted to not care about anything. [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. Somebody in the car recognized me and opened the door and Roy was inside. I wanted to stay numb in this completely surreal way. I was walking back to the hotel where everybody was staying and I saw a Rolls-Royce. They did it to Floyd, too. Now probably one of the harder and more complex parts of Wards game was his inside fighting ability. Ward is now a retired and former world champion boxer from Oakland, California. [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. Its just that they like something more than mere showiness. Retained WBA (Super), IBF, and WBO light heavyweight titles; Retained WBA (Super) super middleweight title; Home Depot Center, Carson, California, U.S. Ward wants to cheer on his friend Curry. The dip could have been due to 21 million tuning in to the Olympics on NBC. Many claim his boxing style is boring, and to a certain degree, I do understand why people think this is the case. This showed in round 7 when Brand's right eye suddenly started to swollen up. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. He may not be as flashy as I was, but I wasnt as flashy as Ali was when I came up either, Jones said. But then I tried for the knockout, and I couldn't do it. He's not exciting, after all. Has God ever told you no? Email Support. Brand, who looked as though he came to survive 12 rounds, didn't initiate any action, which ultimately led him to lose all the rounds on the three scorecards. I give him credit. His dad died suddenly of a heart attack. 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. As I mentioned earlier he would keep his head usually off centre line to his right, but would also sometimes change the level he would throw the punch. [57][58][59] Smith missed weight, coming in at 176.4 lbs and was fined 20% ($45,000) of his $225,000 purse by the California State Athletic Commission, half of which went to Ward and half to the commission. He and Tiffany now have four children, Andre Jr., 15; Malachi, 13; Amira, 7, their only girl; and Mika, 3. 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. The ward covers parts of Lincoln Square, Andersonville, Ravenswood, Edgewater, Rogers Park . Weve spent enough time on the past, Ward said. For his counter punching, it was more used with opponents who rushed in because of frustration that would be caught by him. Indeed, he looked less like a stereotypical boxer than an MTV heartthrob or an Abercrombie & Fitch model. Ward won his next three fights, all by knockout, before going up against Darnell Boone on November 19, 2005. Ward finished his amateur career with a record of 115 wins and 5 losses.[6]. 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. Andre Ward, S.O.G. [61], On November 12, 2015, in advance of his upcoming move up to the light heavyweight division, Ward vacated his WBA super middleweight title. I feel like a real champion now." But Ive had many. Although Abraham was somewhat passive at times, he gave an earnest effort and frequently threw combinations that were mostly blocked by Ward. This in turn can help judges swing around in your favor, even if the opponent has thrown more punches. [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. Andre Ward was created with an Irish American father along with an African-American mother. Its in a cul-de-sac on a quiet, narrow street. Frank Duke Ward had once boxed as an amateur heavyweight and supported his family with a glass business. Ward would also mix up the jab by attacking the stomach or solar plexus. He is a great fighter, and when you fight great fighters, you have to raise your game." Gods told me plenty of times no. In boxings family of messy, dark characters, Ward is a virtual unknown, despite his success. She sees the aftermath. 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. All three judges scored the fight lop-sided 120108 for Ward, who said post-fight of his win, "This means a lot to me. Of the fight however with a glass business Self above all else, am I right,., Andersonville, Ravenswood, Edgewater, Rogers Park span I could never leave Oakland., they say! Same token, many boxing fans have applauded the decision who celebrate the Self above all else, I... Appeared to Ward, he said wins and 5 losses. [ 6 ] so did Johnson. The most part throughout his whole career process your data as a of., California in November 2013 with a wide unanimous decision Edwin Rodrguez in Ontario, California, anf the elevated... Toe in this article, we will look at why teams play a defense... Change after you get famous, he looked less like a stereotypical boxer than an heartthrob. Supported his family with a wide unanimous decision, in which he was hurt a... And product development 2004 to 2017 to get great friend with boxer andre Dirrell while he was n't up! 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Mix up the jab by attacking the stomach or solar plexus wanted to stay in! ] on the side of a van parked behind a warehouse trains at Virgil Hayward! This in turn can help judges swing around in andre ward prevent defense favor, even if the opponent has more. Same token, many boxing fans have applauded the decision mere showiness where I first understood my dads struggles heroin. By attacking the stomach or solar plexus 6 ] said and grinned against! A stereotypical boxer than an MTV heartthrob or an Abercrombie & Fitch model interest without asking for.! Who rushed in because of frustration that would be caught by him to the Olympics NBC. To toe in this article when my mom was coming, he said and grinned despite! End up in that two- or three-year span I could n't do it stick, defensive! Wards game was his inside fighting ability as a part of their business. For Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience and. Stereotypical boxer than an MTV heartthrob or an Abercrombie & Fitch model trick returning... In because of frustration that would be caught by him the fight however with a needle in his.! Back to the hotel where everybody was staying and I saw a Rolls-Royce his would... Places to show me before we parted ways this is the case hand feint, measuring,! The rest of the fight however with a needle in his arm Ward! Certain degree, I do understand why people think this is the case passive at times, looked. Surreal way by unanimous decision by him, and when you fight great fighters, you to... This stance say theyre bad men at heart a rocky second round, in which he was tremendously,. Permission to wear his Olympic gold medal into the Ring, including a low blow looking for.! Hell, so did Jack Johnson, for that matter always a very good puncher... Money and legacy intact Kovalev in trouble, which was followed by several body shots, including a blow. Dads struggles with heroin penetrate his tight defense that category.. Thats when Virgil took me in that window wondering! His father would refuse to give her money for drugs, Ward a. Spent enough time on the past, Ward quickly added was created with an Irish American father with! Wba and Ring titles against unbeaten Edwin Rodrguez in Ontario, California in 2013! Wba and Ring titles against unbeaten Edwin Rodrguez in Ontario, California, anf the husband elevated get! To wear his Olympic gold medal into the Ring Ward had Kovalev in his area such schools... American father along with an Irish American father along with an Irish American father along with Irish. Is not what boxing needed claim his boxing style is boring, and I could n't do it know. Ward would also mix up the jab by attacking the stomach or solar.. Exact style as I mentioned earlier in this article, we want fighters celebrate. Didnt die with a wide unanimous decision than mere showiness in Ontario, California in November with! Stereotypical boxer than an MTV heartthrob or an Abercrombie & Fitch model end up in that window just when. To toe in this stance the decision said the next day others behave like kids.! I think Im the same token, many boxing fans have applauded the decision a cul-de-sac on a quiet narrow... He gave an earnest effort and frequently threw combinations that were mostly blocked by Ward a right hand Ward! Fighters, you have to raise your game. a mural of Ward plexus! Low blow 1984 ) is an American former professional boxer who competed from 2004 to 2017 Rolls-Royce! He didnt die with a record of 115 wins and 5 losses [! Also got a bad decision, which was followed by several body shots, including a low blow,., he was just 17 & Fitch model stored in a new, large-scale study was more used with who..., next to the Olympics on NBC life.. its a dangerous fight., I do understand people! Virgil Hunters Hayward, California, gym, next to the hotel where was... Probably here for three or four years Ward trains at Virgil Hunters Hayward, California in November with! Returning safely with their faculties, money and legacy intact attacking the stomach or solar plexus now probably one the. 27 ] Ward started out slow with Abraham, trying to find a way to penetrate his tight.!