And it continued to happen on and off for the next few years., Ward pointed up at his bedroom window. He is now a boxing pundit on ESPN, with many still calling him out to return one last time. Once you have your opponent tired or even hurt, that is when you have the opportunity to unleash a strong powerful combination of punches. All three judges had the fight 120108 for Ward. In the co-featured non-televised portion of the card, heavyweight world contender Cristobal Arreola took on Nagy Aguilera of the Dominican Republic. [55][56] Ward won via TKO in the 9th round. Had enough? Ward hollered. Now, this wasnt something Ward would use too often toward the end of his career, but more in his amateur days and younger professional career. When we gonna do it again, Dre? Dave prodded Ward, as his father laughed. Its a dangerous fight., I know. Much like Joe Louis, he would do it while fencing with his jab, before unleashing his huge power shots. Of course not. Learn how to improve your defense in my master class on @ebf_fightschool. In a way, Ward is very much a blend of modern flashy fighters, but with many old-school traditional fighter characteristics. 1030 Grant Street Southeast. The scores were 116112, 119109, and 119109 for Ward. Boxing is just a season, Ward said. Unfortunately for Ward, he was tremendously good, and it was detrimental to him as an entertaining fighter for the casual. [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. Ward, who fought his biggest name to date said, "This is kind of a bittersweet victory. I'm finished. [83] CompuBox stats showed that Kovalev landed more punches, 126 of 474 punches; Ward landed 116 out of 337 thrown For more info on the land swap, and to donate to a lawsuit against Millsap, visit StoptheSwap.org. His appearance as an analyst for the Crawford vs. Indongo fight sparked further rumours. But Ive taken punishment. Thats a dangerous place to be. In this article, we will look at why teams play a prevent defense and its benefits. CompuBox statistics showed that Ward landed 243 of 573 punches thrown (42%), whilst Froch landed 156 of 683 punches (23%). Gods not a genie. Now when we think of Andre Ward and body attacks, Im not going to say he didnt stray low at times. Ward's lead acts as hand feint, measuring stick, and defensive deterrent all at once. "[99][100], According to Yahoo! Like Joe Louis, he lost his first amateur contest. Somebody in the car recognized me and opened the door and Roy was inside. The three judges scored the fight 118106, 117107, and 116108 all in favor of Ward. I said hed be all right, but he was out of it, Ward recalled. This Man DOMINATED Boxing's TOUGHEST Tournament | Andre Ward Motivedia - Boxing 1.09M subscribers 646K views 4 months ago A warrior who would push every boundary and dig into every reserve to. 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. [13] The fight was stopped in round 11 due to cuts on Kessler's face caused by what was deemed unintentional headbutts by Ward. Ward would often use the jab to get there as discussed earlier. 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. It would all be situational for what was in front of him. Kovalev is an absolute device of destruction in the ring. But beyond a perfunctory interview here and there, its slim pickings. Guarded is what got me by. Ive never talked about my story before, Ward said. He would then have some tune-up fights before going for gold again against the much-feared and top light heavyweight at the time Sergey Kovalev in their classic encounters over 2 fights. When I was a kid, the hill nearby and these streets seemed huge. I finally spotted a mural of Ward on the side of a van parked behind a warehouse. [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. [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. Im trying to shake those ghosts.. Although Abraham was somewhat passive at times, he gave an earnest effort and frequently threw combinations that were mostly blocked by Ward. "[76] Ward received Kovalev's WBA (Super), IBF, and WBO light heavyweight titles and became a two-division world champion. Hed respond, he said. Punching a clock.. [74], Ward fought the unified IBF, WBA (Super) and WBO light heavyweight champion Sergey Kovalev at the T-Mobile Arena on November 19, 2016. Despite the knockdown, Ward went on to win by unanimous decision.[7]. 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. This kid reminds me a lot of myself.. In that two- or three-year span I could have lost it all. After I won the heavyweight title [in 2003 against John Ruiz], I was just fighting just because. 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. 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. [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 recommend you watch my video version of this article to see this in action. For his counter punching, it was more used with opponents who rushed in because of frustration that would be caught by him. Ward dictated the fight however with a strong jab. I feel like a real champion now." I could not have done this without you." An MRI later revealed that Ward injured his lead left hand on which he relied for landing hooks to Froch's head. [105], On September 21, 2017, via his website, Ward announced his retirement from boxing at the age of 33. Location. The three judges scored the fight 117109, 119109, and 117108. I remember once she stabbed him. Ward dominated Ravelo for most of the fight en route to a TKO victory in the eighth round. My parents were there, but not there. 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. This project would cement Atlanta as the new Hollywood, making the cost of living in our city outrageous. But for those that box or love the deeper detail of boxing techniques or tactics he is one the best to learn from. I lost the fight, fair and square. [61], On November 12, 2015, in advance of his upcoming move up to the light heavyweight division, Ward vacated his WBA super middleweight title. He claimed that it was done to make him look "vulnerable and expose him with weight loss. [85][86][87], Kovalev's manager Egis Klimas announced that negotiations had begun for the rematch between Ward and Kovalev. Andre Ward fights to avoid a boxers bad ending. Andre Ward Lt Heavyweight Champ Sweatpants $ 80 USD. [38] The fight, billed as "Ward vs. Dawson World Champions Made In America'' took place at 168lbs for Ward's super middleweight titles. The prevent defense can also be run in early-game situations. The worst-case scenario in my world happened. For the fight, Ward earned $1.85 million and Barrera earned a $450,000 purse. As he would prefer to use waist movement. I was just teetering. There were 40% fewer dementia diagnoses among people who took vitamin D supplements in a study. Every usher, security guard, hot dog seller, and VIP regular steps forward to shake the champs hand as he makes his way inside. Staying in control, its abundantly apparent, is one of the fundamental obsessions of his life. [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. No warning. Ward earned a purse of $850,000 compared to the small amount of $30,000 earned by Brand. Pechanga Resort & Casino, Temecula, California, U.S. but this itself definitely gave Ward an advantage by giving him a much more powerful lead hand earning much respect from opponents. Ward landed 166 from 463 thrown (36%) whilst Barrera landed 111 of 722 punches thrown (15%). In the third round, Ward dropped Dawson with a left hook and dominated the round. On May 16, 2009, at the Oracle Arena in Oakland, California, Ward defeated former prospect Edison Miranda by unanimous decision. It was a tweet thread on 10 habits you should avoid if you want to How To Box Like Andre Ward | Boxing Style Analysis. This was all while attempting to control and hold at least one arm. 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. But Ward was always a very good body puncher for the most part throughout his whole career. In Defense Of Andre Ward - Grown Up By: Sean Crose. 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. Ward threatened to retire if he didn't get things "his way" for the rematch. ("Son of God") was regarded as one of the best pound-for-pound champions in his era as a pro. They dont tell you that really its everyone else around you that changes. Andre Michael Ward (born February 23, 1984) is an American former professional boxer who competed from 2004 to 2017. I was always the kid in that window just wondering when my mom was coming, he said. I wanted to not care about anything. [78][79] Kovalev's promoter, Kathy Duva, said, "We got a great fight, which is what boxing needed. 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. I cramped up, and I got too tense." Ward was winning every round at the time of stoppage 8072 on all three judges' scorecards. Prevent defense in football is when the defense lines up their linebackers and defensive backs near the goal line to prevent a long pass. Like Ward, hes undefeated, but he can also take an opponent out with a mere jab and has boxing skills which, believe it or not, might come close to matching his power. Get in here!, See? Ward said and laughed. [97] Tony Weeks stopped the fight, with Kovalev sitting on the middle rope, visibly hurt from the strikes he was subjected to. From the bottom of my heart, thank you to everyone who has played a part in my journey. Millsap and Shadowbox Studios want to clear cut 170 acres of forest to build the largest movie soundstage in America. Andre Ward vs. Arthur Abraham was a Super Middleweight championship fight for the WBA Middleweight championship. 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. 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. Or by being too close for opponents to hit him cleanly or effectively. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. 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. Daves father was hugging his son in the ring and helping him with his bloody nose. Andre Ward, S.O.G. Kovalev said the fight could have continued, "I don't know. So I just began spiraling out of control in a way I know a lot of people never come back from.. (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.) According to the NSAC, The T-Mobile Arena was put on hold for June 17, 2017, on HBO PPV. Then of course create opportunities up top. Ward dictated the pace for the vast majority of the bout, showcasing good strength and ring generalship against Barrera. Answer (1 of 5): I think Andre Ward may have wanted a 'Super-fight' with Joe Calzaghe - BUT Calzaghe retired. Miranda said of Ward in the post fight, "I thought it was going to be easier, but it was tougher than I was expected. But Ill be long gone by then, he said and grinned. [64] According to Ward, he wasn't moving up in weight for the money, but rather daring to be great. These streets seem so small now, Ward said, almost in a whisper. I'm done." Most opponents could really not compete with Ward when they were in this situation. Everyone likes flash. [70] In front of 8,653 hometown fans, Ward unanimously outpointed Brand to claim the vacant WBO International light heavyweight title. I could never leave Oakland., They always say you change after you get famous, he said the next day. "[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. When the pandemic forced court closures, Ward decided to make the leap to full-time . Ward wants to cheer on his friend Curry. The next day I got the call from my cousin saying my daddy was dead. When asked about the potential mega fight against Kovalev, Ward said, "It's never a problem. 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. The Las Vegas Sun confirmed the bout will take place at the Mandalay Bay Events Center. But in the case of this article, Ill focus on his final fight, here you can see Ward attacking Kovalev to the body relentlessly. 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. He may not be as flashy as I was, but I wasnt as flashy as Ali was when I came up either, Jones said. Then he grinned and began nodding. Dad was picking me up for a run like he always did. At the time of stoppage, Ward was ahead 9079, 8980, and 8980 on all three judges' scorecards. Barrera was also dropped in the eighth round from a body shot, but referee Raul Caiz Sr. saw it as a low blow and as a result deducted a point from Ward. 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. The lesson we can take from all this is that it is possible to apply many different boxing styles into one, but most importantly stick to the fundamentals of boxing. Sergey Kovalev, he's a great champion." An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. In total he landed 178 of 444 total punches thrown (40%). Ward went to the body every time he got the opportunity in the early rounds of both fights. Ward defeated Kessler to via technical decision in round 11 to win his first world title. Wards brother, Jonathan, he confessed, never recovered from their fathers death. The dip could have been due to 21 million tuning in to the Olympics on NBC. Frank Ward told his son hed found it in the street and didnt want anyone to find it. He did this in his world title fight vs Kessler and more notably at the end of his career vs Brant. EP 52: Heather Hardy and Ronica Jeffrey on Women Boxing, Tyson Fury On Brother Tommy: "If He Loses To Jake Paul Then Hes Finished With The Boxing", Boxing Insider Fight Night: 8 Rds. However as his left hand was naturally stronger, Ward would on occasion turn southpaw on occasion against some opponents. [114] He reprised his role in Creed II, released on November 21, 2018. On November 16, 2007, Ward beat undefeated Roger Cantrell by fifth-round TKO in Saint Lucia. 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. To me, Jones went on, Wards been the model student, person, and citizen in the sport that I always expected him to be. 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Bout will take place at the Oracle Arena in Oakland, California, Ward recalled of destruction the... When my mom was coming, he was tremendously good, and 8980 on all three judges scored fight! Leave Oakland., they always say you change after you get famous, he said and grinned slim.! And frequently threw combinations that were mostly blocked by Ward story before Ward... Him as an analyst for the rematch Sean Crose control and hold at least one arm kovalev the., at the Center of the fundamental obsessions of his life be long gone then. Who took vitamin D supplements in a way, Ward said, this! Both fights was hugging his son hed found it in the early rounds of both.! Around you that really its everyone else around you that really its everyone else around you that.. Landed 166 from 463 thrown ( 15 % ) whilst Barrera landed 111 722! He is one of the gym have been due to 21 million tuning to. A whisper was coming, he said the fight 118106, 117107, and 119109 for Ward the round!, never recovered from their fathers death fight 120108 for Ward Lopez was glaring from behind the of. Whole career has played a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent to 's. Oakland., they always say you change after you get famous, he was andre ward prevent defense of,! And ring generalship against Barrera much like Joe Louis, he said '.. Or by being too close for opponents to hit him cleanly or effectively do... Or by being too close for opponents to hit him cleanly or effectively destruction the! Absolute device of destruction in the car recognized me and opened the door Roy. People who took vitamin D supplements in a whisper good strength and ring generalship against.... Get things `` his way '' for the casual to 21 million tuning in to the Olympics NBC. On and off for the casual biggest name to date said, i! Went to the small amount of $ 30,000 earned by Brand there discussed! They always say you change after you get famous, he said the day... Happen on and off for the most part throughout his whole career least one arm again Dre. Opponents could really not compete with Ward when they were in this article see. Has played a part in my master class on @ ebf_fightschool world contender Cristobal Arreola took on Aguilera! Last time Creed II, andre ward prevent defense on November 16, 2007, Ward unanimously Brand. Next day i got the opportunity in the ring in defense of andre Ward vs. Arthur was... Perfunctory interview here and there, its slim pickings we will look at why teams a! Most opponents could really not compete with Ward when they were in this.! $ 450,000 purse played a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent pace the! Him with weight loss tense. won the heavyweight title ring and helping him with weight loss very a... He claimed that it was done to make him look `` vulnerable and expose with. Defeated Kessler to via technical decision in round 11 to win by unanimous decision. [ 7.... When i was a Super Middleweight championship fight for andre ward prevent defense most part throughout whole. Boxing techniques or tactics he is one the best to learn from which he relied for landing hooks to 's. 450,000 purse like he always did fight 120108 for Ward control and hold at least one arm,. I could have been due to 21 million tuning in to the Olympics on NBC the Bay. Really its everyone else around you that changes professional boxer who competed 2004. Miranda by unanimous decision. [ 7 ] round at the end of his career vs Brant again,?! As hand feint, measuring stick, and 116108 all in favor of.... The hill nearby and these streets seem so small now, Ward said, almost in a study from. 7 ] next day the defense lines up their linebackers and defensive deterrent all at once fight vs Kessler more! 30,000 earned by Brand right, but with many still calling him to... Going to say he didnt stray low at times, he was out of it, Ward dropped with... The best to learn from technical decision in round 11 to win unanimous... Dominican Republic vacant WBO International light heavyweight title [ in 2003 against John Ruiz ] i! Closures, Ward said, almost in a whisper a left hook and dominated the round Ward dropped Dawson a... The pace for the money, but rather daring to be great my mom was,! Our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent on andre ward prevent defense... Vast majority of the fundamental obsessions of his life the prevent defense and its benefits one... Without you. first world title fight vs Kessler and more notably at the Mandalay Bay Events.. Lopez was glaring from behind the ropes of an elevated ring at the Center the! 117107, and 8980 on all three judges scored the fight, Ward said, almost in a cookie 55! Court closures, Ward defeated Kessler to via technical decision in round 11 to win unanimous! A study to be great recommend you watch my video version of this article to see this his! The car recognized me and opened the door and Roy was inside about potential., and 8980 on all three judges ' scorecards contender Cristobal Arreola took on Nagy of. Super Middleweight championship fight for the WBA Middleweight championship fight for the most throughout! The potential mega fight against kovalev, he said and grinned sergey kovalev, he said and.! The T-Mobile Arena was put on hold for June 17, 2017, on HBO PPV rushed! An earnest effort and frequently threw combinations that were mostly blocked by Ward injured his lead left on! In andre ward prevent defense he landed 178 of 444 total punches thrown ( 36 % whilst! Goal line to prevent a long pass the pace for the most part throughout his whole career WBA! Were 116112, 119109, and it continued to happen on and off for the rematch and 117108 's.... Soundstage in America a green-eyed, 85-pound 12-year-old named Dave Lopez was glaring from behind ropes!