Andre Ward announces his retirement
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DuransHorse
catchweight
LionsV2
Atila
AdamT
mobilemaster8
BoxingFan88
Mr Bounce
Herman Jaeger
hazharrison
Mochyn du
milkyboy
horizontalhero
88Chris05
18 posters
The v2 Forum :: Sport :: Boxing
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Andre Ward announces his retirement
So, Andre Ward claims he's retiring from boxing. Class me as sceptical on this one, but he says his days as a prize fighter are over.
If he keeps his word, what are everyone's overall feelings about Ward's career? Has he done enough to be considered a great? Or do his (relatively) small number of fights against elite opposition and less than easy-on-the-eye style disqualify him?
If indeed this is the end, then it's been a damn fine career, whatever the exact details.
If he keeps his word, what are everyone's overall feelings about Ward's career? Has he done enough to be considered a great? Or do his (relatively) small number of fights against elite opposition and less than easy-on-the-eye style disqualify him?
If indeed this is the end, then it's been a damn fine career, whatever the exact details.
88Chris05- Moderator
- Posts : 9634
Join date : 2011-02-16
Age : 35
Location : Nottingham
Re: Andre Ward announces his retirement
If it wasn't for the controversy surround the Kovalev fights, I'd say good luck to him, and why not bow out- he'd have conclusively proven to be 'the man' in two weight classes, won lots of belts and lots of money. But, whilst the record book may show 2 wins over Kovalev, they are both with an asterix as far as i'm concerned. Beat him one more time, with no controversy and he's worthy of being in included in top company, and perhaps more importantly, the current crop of potential opponents aren't of sufficient status themselves to further enhance his legacy, so regardless of his talent I can't see that he could do anything now that see him held up with the Spinks and Charles of this world, so why bother to continue risking his health?
horizontalhero- Posts : 938
Join date : 2011-05-27
Re: Andre Ward announces his retirement
decided against heavyweight then. Other than unifying against superduck or dropping to a catchweight for golovkin there's not much out there I guess.
It's been a great career. Whether he's a great depends on where you set your standard at, but you can't knock his resume. Well you can point out liberal use of the head, ugly style, 'lost' to kov, stay at home etc if you want . Shame he d*cked around with those contract disputes in his prime.
It's been a great career. Whether he's a great depends on where you set your standard at, but you can't knock his resume. Well you can point out liberal use of the head, ugly style, 'lost' to kov, stay at home etc if you want . Shame he d*cked around with those contract disputes in his prime.
milkyboy- Posts : 7761
Join date : 2011-05-22
Re: Andre Ward announces his retirement
Didn't have enough bouts for me to be considered an ATG in the classic sense. Wait for it.......maybe a similar bottom 100 ATG like Calzaghe. Both Kovalev fights had more than a whiff of home cooking about them. Weirdly didn't prove himself the better of the two despite two wins. The first he pretty well lost.
I think there's a lot to be said about padding up the record. Between say the super 6 and the Dawson, Kovalev fights he should have been more busy. Stevenson, Erdei, Degale, both Dirrells for example could have been vanquished to fill his CV out a bit. Too few fights for me to be up there with the very best.
I think there's a lot to be said about padding up the record. Between say the super 6 and the Dawson, Kovalev fights he should have been more busy. Stevenson, Erdei, Degale, both Dirrells for example could have been vanquished to fill his CV out a bit. Too few fights for me to be up there with the very best.
Mochyn du- Posts : 219
Join date : 2016-03-09
Re: Andre Ward announces his retirement
Well, at least he's not fighting Buglioni (rumours were that's who he had lined up).
Odd one to rate. Cleaned up at '68 against good opposition in Kessler and Froch (though he had home advantage both times) but his championship reign was poor.
Came back to beat the best light heavyweight (if not the lineal champ in Stevenson) although the first decision was a gift and the second a bizarre call along the same lines as Duran-Buchanan.
I'm sure he'll make the HOF and his career has been a success. Hardly going to be packing them in on the after dinner circuit, though.
He was very difficult to beat, pretty awful to watch and leaves no real highlights to look back on.
Odd one to rate. Cleaned up at '68 against good opposition in Kessler and Froch (though he had home advantage both times) but his championship reign was poor.
Came back to beat the best light heavyweight (if not the lineal champ in Stevenson) although the first decision was a gift and the second a bizarre call along the same lines as Duran-Buchanan.
I'm sure he'll make the HOF and his career has been a success. Hardly going to be packing them in on the after dinner circuit, though.
He was very difficult to beat, pretty awful to watch and leaves no real highlights to look back on.
hazharrison- Posts : 7540
Join date : 2011-03-26
Re: Andre Ward announces his retirement
Obviously doesn't fancy his chances against guys like Bivol and Beterbiev
HoF worthy but not atg for me. Inactive champion and not enough fights
Lost the first Kovalev fight and Kovalev sat on the ropes to avoid getting hit low again in second fight that's not a conclusive victory imo nor good enough reason to stop the fight. This looks like he's running from the decider. Hasn't fought Stevenson. Still a lot he could do
Sceptical about this though I think he'll be back
Beat Kovalev, Stevenson, Beterbiev and Bivol and then you can call him anything you like that would be a record you could hold up against the greats
HoF worthy but not atg for me. Inactive champion and not enough fights
Lost the first Kovalev fight and Kovalev sat on the ropes to avoid getting hit low again in second fight that's not a conclusive victory imo nor good enough reason to stop the fight. This looks like he's running from the decider. Hasn't fought Stevenson. Still a lot he could do
Sceptical about this though I think he'll be back
Beat Kovalev, Stevenson, Beterbiev and Bivol and then you can call him anything you like that would be a record you could hold up against the greats
Herman Jaeger- Posts : 3520
Join date : 2011-11-10
Re: Andre Ward announces his retirement
I for one would like to thank Andre Ward for doing his bit for exciting bouts by retiring.
You can't knock the guy's talent but sh*t the bed he was boring to listen to and worse to watch. Granted he cleaned up 2 divisions but a lot of those fights were on his terms. He also had more than his fair share of home advantage fights and a couple of gifts (the first Kovalev fight specifically). Very talented but an arrogant so and so with next to no following. He could have been much more.
So thank you Andre for retiring - I don't have to watch you any more. Good.
You can't knock the guy's talent but sh*t the bed he was boring to listen to and worse to watch. Granted he cleaned up 2 divisions but a lot of those fights were on his terms. He also had more than his fair share of home advantage fights and a couple of gifts (the first Kovalev fight specifically). Very talented but an arrogant so and so with next to no following. He could have been much more.
So thank you Andre for retiring - I don't have to watch you any more. Good.
Mr Bounce- Posts : 3411
Join date : 2011-03-18
Location : East of Florida, West of Felixstowe
Re: Andre Ward announces his retirement
You all know my opinion on Ward, so I will be diplomatic
Ward for me showed he had the ability to be great and at times he was, Froch and Sullivan Barrera spring to mind, both excellent performances with no fouling that I can recall and I really enjoyed both of those fights
But Ward always marred fights, even when he was winning handily with cheap fouling tactics and as a fan I just cannot respect that, sometimes breaking every damn rule in one fight
I won't really miss him due to that
Unlike a lot of people, I liked listening to Andre Ward, I never found his interviews boring
Ward for me showed he had the ability to be great and at times he was, Froch and Sullivan Barrera spring to mind, both excellent performances with no fouling that I can recall and I really enjoyed both of those fights
But Ward always marred fights, even when he was winning handily with cheap fouling tactics and as a fan I just cannot respect that, sometimes breaking every damn rule in one fight
I won't really miss him due to that
Unlike a lot of people, I liked listening to Andre Ward, I never found his interviews boring
BoxingFan88- Posts : 3759
Join date : 2011-02-20
Re: Andre Ward announces his retirement
My thoughts? A quality fighter, two weight world champion, boring inside and out the ring but very respected....and as sad as it sounds...will only be remembered for his two shady victories against Kovalev in my eyes. Lost the 1st and let's not even go there in the 2nd. Completely lost me how that one unfolded.
Good fighter yes. Great fighter? Argument for and against. Overall I feel unsatisfied. Had the potential to be/do so much more.
Fair play to him though. Hope he has a good retirement...if it's legit.
Good fighter yes. Great fighter? Argument for and against. Overall I feel unsatisfied. Had the potential to be/do so much more.
Fair play to him though. Hope he has a good retirement...if it's legit.
mobilemaster8- Posts : 4302
Join date : 2012-05-10
Age : 37
Location : Stoke on Trent
Re: Andre Ward announces his retirement
My thoughts?
Only retired until he gets a half decent pay day
Only retired until he gets a half decent pay day
AdamT- Posts : 6651
Join date : 2014-03-27
Re: Andre Ward announces his retirement
AdamT wrote:My thoughts?
Only retired until he gets a half decent pay day
Exactly this
BoxingFan88- Posts : 3759
Join date : 2011-02-20
Re: Andre Ward announces his retirement
I hope he stays retired and I don't mean that in a mean way either. He's 33 and presumably is worth a few million. Why fight if the desire is not there?
Atila- Posts : 1709
Join date : 2011-06-03
Re: Andre Ward announces his retirement
Hope he uses his retirement to do a bit of travelling.
catchweight- Posts : 4326
Join date : 2013-09-18
Re: Andre Ward announces his retirement
A successful boxer, that isn't always easy on the eye, gets blasted on here. What else is new?
No Ward wasn't always for, 'Big drama show'. He could fight though.
Same people that blast Ward, likely jizz over Jack Johnson. With the articles I have read and any footage shown, he wasn't exactly mr exciting either.
No Ward wasn't always for, 'Big drama show'. He could fight though.
Same people that blast Ward, likely jizz over Jack Johnson. With the articles I have read and any footage shown, he wasn't exactly mr exciting either.
AdamT- Posts : 6651
Join date : 2014-03-27
Re: Andre Ward announces his retirement
catchweight wrote:Hope he uses his retirement to do a bit of travelling.
He'll probably need to think about applying for a passport now.
DuransHorse- Posts : 727
Join date : 2014-08-02
Re: Andre Ward announces his retirement
AdamT wrote:A successful boxer, that isn't always easy on the eye, gets blasted on here. What else is new?
No Ward wasn't always for, 'Big drama show'. He could fight though.
Same people that blast Ward, likely jizz over Jack Johnson. With the articles I have read and any footage shown, he wasn't exactly mr exciting either.
Thankfully, three of them have retired this year! Truly, a great year for the sport!
hazharrison- Posts : 7540
Join date : 2011-03-26
Re: Andre Ward announces his retirement
hazharrison wrote:AdamT wrote:A successful boxer, that isn't always easy on the eye, gets blasted on here. What else is new?
No Ward wasn't always for, 'Big drama show'. He could fight though.
Same people that blast Ward, likely jizz over Jack Johnson. With the articles I have read and any footage shown, he wasn't exactly mr exciting either.
Thankfully, three of them have retired this year! Truly, a great year for the sport!
Good troll attempt.
Your boy GGG didn't turn out to be great either. Only knocks out cans.
AdamT- Posts : 6651
Join date : 2014-03-27
Re: Andre Ward announces his retirement
I can't help but think this is being met with a big meh from a lot of people due to his inactivity and his unlikeability.
Great boxer, boring (for some) style and think he really needed a conclusive win to cement his status.
think it'll be a career that will be looked back upon as a 'what if' rather than a 'he was great'
Great boxer, boring (for some) style and think he really needed a conclusive win to cement his status.
think it'll be a career that will be looked back upon as a 'what if' rather than a 'he was great'
Derbymanc- Posts : 4008
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Location : Manchester
Re: Andre Ward announces his retirement
The overall number of fights doesn't really matter, the overall quality on his record is quite outstanding, if we look at just the names.
Miranda- Still useful at the time
Kessler- Top 10 at 168lbs overall
Green- Decent title defence
Bika- Ugly fight but again a decent defence
Abraham- Good win
Froch- Top 10 at 168lbs overall
Dawson- Weight drained but conclusively won
Rodriguez- top ten at the time
Barrera- The ease of that win looks more impressive as time goes by
Kovalev- Two controversial wins but deservedly so in my opinion
It's not the greatest resume of all time but that's ten opponents who were all within the top ten of their divisions at the time.
Miranda- Still useful at the time
Kessler- Top 10 at 168lbs overall
Green- Decent title defence
Bika- Ugly fight but again a decent defence
Abraham- Good win
Froch- Top 10 at 168lbs overall
Dawson- Weight drained but conclusively won
Rodriguez- top ten at the time
Barrera- The ease of that win looks more impressive as time goes by
Kovalev- Two controversial wins but deservedly so in my opinion
It's not the greatest resume of all time but that's ten opponents who were all within the top ten of their divisions at the time.
LionsV2- Posts : 791
Join date : 2017-07-12
Re: Andre Ward announces his retirement
The Dawson and Kovalev wins all come with huge asterisks
Funny Ramirez and DeGale and a pre Froch Bute couldn't get a fight with him
Seemed more interested in Bellew than Beterbiev what does that say..
Solid rather than outstanding resume next few fights decide his greatness but he's getting out
Funny Ramirez and DeGale and a pre Froch Bute couldn't get a fight with him
Seemed more interested in Bellew than Beterbiev what does that say..
Solid rather than outstanding resume next few fights decide his greatness but he's getting out
Herman Jaeger- Posts : 3520
Join date : 2011-11-10
Re: Andre Ward announces his retirement
Funny how you only ever comment on boxers ducking people rather than comment on who they actually fought, ignoring that Bute turned down the super six which tied up Ward unsurprisingly.
LionsV2- Posts : 791
Join date : 2017-07-12
Re: Andre Ward announces his retirement
Nice smokescreen bringing up ducking the real argument here is that I disagree with you on Ward's resume
You think it's outstanding I say it's solid
Add on Ramirez, DeGale, Froch in Nottingham(which Ward declined,) Kovalev decider, Stevenson, Beterbiev and Bivol then you're looking at a record you can hold up against the greats
You think it's outstanding I say it's solid
Add on Ramirez, DeGale, Froch in Nottingham(which Ward declined,) Kovalev decider, Stevenson, Beterbiev and Bivol then you're looking at a record you can hold up against the greats
Herman Jaeger- Posts : 3520
Join date : 2011-11-10
Re: Andre Ward announces his retirement
No wait I just checked your posts I'm putting words in your mouth even you said it's not the greatest resume in the world
So we're in agreement he's not quite atg
So we're in agreement he's not quite atg
Herman Jaeger- Posts : 3520
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Re: Andre Ward announces his retirement
He isn't an atg, but what current boxer is closer? Certainly not GGG and Kovalev.
AdamT- Posts : 6651
Join date : 2014-03-27
Re: Andre Ward announces his retirement
Is that a fact? I was never under the impression that Froch wanted it, he was decisively beaten.Herman Jaeger wrote:Froch in Nottingham(which Ward declined,)
Scottrf- Posts : 14359
Join date : 2011-01-26
Re: Andre Ward announces his retirement
As a Froch fan I can't say I had any interest in watching him get outboxed again by Ward.
Stevenson is the only one adding anything to his resume and that's more to say he was the fully unified champion; Bivol and Beterbiev seem to be your flavour of the month but aren't adding anything nor is a Froch rematch nor is Ramirez (super middleweight).
Stevenson is the only one adding anything to his resume and that's more to say he was the fully unified champion; Bivol and Beterbiev seem to be your flavour of the month but aren't adding anything nor is a Froch rematch nor is Ramirez (super middleweight).
LionsV2- Posts : 791
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Re: Andre Ward announces his retirement
Scottrf wrote:Is that a fact? I was never under the impression that Froch wanted it, he was decisively beaten.Herman Jaeger wrote:Froch in Nottingham(which Ward declined,)
Decisively beaten there's no argument about that but Ward made it clear he would only travel if it was in London
Froch offered him Nottingham Ward declined, of that there is no doubt
Herman Jaeger- Posts : 3520
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Re: Andre Ward announces his retirement
I'll take your word for that. I don't think repeating a clear win adds much though. And Degale really?
Scottrf- Posts : 14359
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Re: Andre Ward announces his retirement
Offered him Nottingham whilst chasing Chavez jr in Las Vegas.
LionsV2- Posts : 791
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Re: Andre Ward announces his retirement
LionsV2 wrote:As a Froch fan I can't say I had any interest in watching him get outboxed again by Ward.
Stevenson is the only one adding anything to his resume and that's more to say he was the fully unified champion; Bivol and Beterbiev seem to be your flavour of the month but aren't adding anything nor is a Froch rematch nor is Ramirez (super middleweight).
Ramirez would have been one of the trickiest fights technically Ward would have had at super middle
Froch in Nottingham in a bear pit atmosphere would have told us a lot about Ward
Beterbiev and Bivol would have shown us if Ward was a light heavyweight of any real note. Not defending his light heavyweight title counts heavily against him for me
Herman Jaeger- Posts : 3520
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Re: Andre Ward announces his retirement
Scottrf wrote:I'll take your word for that. I don't think repeating a clear win adds much though. And Degale really?
Again I think DeGale would have been an interesting fight certainly one the fans would like to have seen and would have been one of the trickier tests technically that Ward would have faced at 168
He hasn't made enough defences of his title at 168 to be a great and has made zero defences at 75 it's all a bit hit and run with Ward
Herman Jaeger- Posts : 3520
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Re: Andre Ward announces his retirement
LionsV2 wrote:Offered him Nottingham whilst chasing Chavez jr in Las Vegas.
We're not debating Froch here never said Carl was an atg did I so irrelevant point
Herman Jaeger- Posts : 3520
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Re: Andre Ward announces his retirement
Point being that he may have 'offered' it, but was it a serious offer and was there any intention? I don't believe he ever wanted to fight Ward again.Herman Jaeger wrote:LionsV2 wrote:Offered him Nottingham whilst chasing Chavez jr in Las Vegas.
We're not debating Froch here never said Carl was an atg did I so irrelevant point
Scottrf- Posts : 14359
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Re: Andre Ward announces his retirement
AdamT wrote:He isn't an atg, but what current boxer is closer? Certainly not GGG and Kovalev.
No you're right Golovkin and Kovalev are fairly obviously yet to cement legendary(atg) status
Herman Jaeger- Posts : 3520
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Re: Andre Ward announces his retirement
Scottrf wrote:Point being that he may have 'offered' it, but was it a serious offer and was there any intention? I don't believe he ever wanted to fight Ward again.Herman Jaeger wrote:LionsV2 wrote:Offered him Nottingham whilst chasing Chavez jr in Las Vegas.
We're not debating Froch here never said Carl was an atg did I so irrelevant point
I don't think he really wanted to either still doesn't alter the fact he made the Nottingham offer
If Ward had said yes the fight would have been on
Herman Jaeger- Posts : 3520
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Re: Andre Ward announces his retirement
Herman Jaeger wrote:AdamT wrote:He isn't an atg, but what current boxer is closer? Certainly not GGG and Kovalev.
No you're right Golovkin and Kovalev are fairly obviously yet to cement legendary(atg) status
I doubt they will reach Legendary status. Many on here question Floyd and Manny. These two guys are well above current fighters, other than Ward. He is close.
AdamT- Posts : 6651
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Re: Andre Ward announces his retirement
What fan would want to see Andre Ward fight James Degale?
LionsV2- Posts : 791
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Re: Andre Ward announces his retirement
Saying in an interview you want to fight someone doesn't constitute an offer.
LionsV2- Posts : 791
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Re: Andre Ward announces his retirement
Golovkin could fight another four years, Kovalev another six so time will tell, Adam
Floyd and Manny obviously nailed on atg's
Ward debatable don't like his retiring when light heavyweight is looking very interesting at the minute you've got Gvozdyk too I'd like to see Ward in with this mix no way you can say Ward beats them all
Floyd and Manny obviously nailed on atg's
Ward debatable don't like his retiring when light heavyweight is looking very interesting at the minute you've got Gvozdyk too I'd like to see Ward in with this mix no way you can say Ward beats them all
Herman Jaeger- Posts : 3520
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Re: Andre Ward announces his retirement
LionsV2 wrote:What fan would want to see Andre Ward fight James Degale?
Would have been an interesting contest directly post DeGale's win over Dirrell
But if he fights Beterbiev, Bivol and Gvozdyk instead I'll give him a pass
Sadly looks like he's retired..
Herman Jaeger- Posts : 3520
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Re: Andre Ward announces his retirement
LionsV2 wrote:Saying in an interview you want to fight someone doesn't constitute an offer.
Called Ward's bluff, Ward showed his true colours had to have everything his own way throughout his entire career
Herman Jaeger- Posts : 3520
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Re: Andre Ward announces his retirement
Herman Jaeger wrote:Golovkin could fight another four years, Kovalev another six so time will tell, Adam
Floyd and Manny obviously nailed on atg's
Ward debatable don't like his retiring when light heavyweight is looking very interesting at the minute you've got Gvozdyk too I'd like to see Ward in with this mix no way you can say Ward beats them all
With the punches GGG takes, I would worry about him potentially fighting for 6 more years.
AdamT- Posts : 6651
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Re: Andre Ward announces his retirement
I can and will say that Ward would beat them all; the only positive you see in them is that Ward hasn't fought them.
LionsV2- Posts : 791
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Re: Andre Ward announces his retirement
AdamT wrote:Herman Jaeger wrote:Golovkin could fight another four years, Kovalev another six so time will tell, Adam
Floyd and Manny obviously nailed on atg's
Ward debatable don't like his retiring when light heavyweight is looking very interesting at the minute you've got Gvozdyk too I'd like to see Ward in with this mix no way you can say Ward beats them all
With the punches GGG takes, I would worry about him potentially fighting for 4 more years.
AdamT- Posts : 6651
Join date : 2014-03-27
Re: Andre Ward announces his retirement
Herman Jaeger wrote:LionsV2 wrote:Saying in an interview you want to fight someone doesn't constitute an offer.
Called Ward's bluff, Ward showed his true colours had to have everything his own way throughout his entire career
By not making an actual offer to a fight in Nottingham.
Almost as good as your Hopkins ducked Kovalev argument.
LionsV2- Posts : 791
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Re: Andre Ward announces his retirement
Wouldn't want to be taking too many more right hands similar to the one Canelo landed in the ninth that's for sure, Adam
Herman Jaeger- Posts : 3520
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Re: Andre Ward announces his retirement
He has a granite jaw. Not good for the brain to take shots like that for too long.
AdamT- Posts : 6651
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Re: Andre Ward announces his retirement
LionsV2 wrote:Herman Jaeger wrote:LionsV2 wrote:Saying in an interview you want to fight someone doesn't constitute an offer.
Called Ward's bluff, Ward showed his true colours had to have everything his own way throughout his entire career
By not making an actual offer to a fight in Nottingham.
Almost as good as your Hopkins ducked Kovalev argument.
He made it clear in the media Ward could have a fight if it was in Nottingham what's there to dispute?
Herman Jaeger- Posts : 3520
Join date : 2011-11-10
Re: Andre Ward announces his retirement
LionsV2 wrote:I can and will say that Ward would beat them all; the only positive you see in them is that Ward hasn't fought them.
He hasn't got enough form at light heavyweight for you or anyone to say that he's still got plenty to prove at 75 imo
That's not to say he can't but he's still got it to prove
Herman Jaeger- Posts : 3520
Join date : 2011-11-10
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