http://www.skysports.com/boxing/news...his-retirement
I'm in shock. Thoughts.
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http://www.skysports.com/boxing/news...his-retirement
I'm in shock. Thoughts.
He's scared of fighting Bellew
FFS.
Why?!
So much money to be made..he's only 31?!
GGG and Kovalev must be having alittle party right now...P4P is up for grabs..shame.
Badou Jack vs Kovalev anyone?
Meh :shrug03:
he's 33Quote:
Originally Posted by imp
He was talking about moving up to heavyweight wasn't he, I suppose he's looked at Bellew and decided that he isn't going to embarrass himself by openly avoiding Wilder and Joshua and just picking off the smaller heavyweights.
I'm honestly not surprised by it, plus he has said that it is because his body can't take it anymore, when it gets to that point I don't blame anyone from walking away
Shame.Quote:
Originally Posted by Batmanhe's 33Quote:
Originally Posted by imp
He was talking about moving up to heavyweight wasn't he, I suppose he's looked at Bellew and decided that he isn't going to embarrass himself by openly avoiding Wilder and Joshua and just picking off the smaller heavyweights.
I'm honestly not surprised by it, plus he has said that it is because his body can't take it anymore, when it gets to that point I don't blame anyone from walking away
A bellow fight in the U.K. would have been a nice farewell fight and surely an easy win?
Wonder how he has invested his money and what line of work he moves into now?
Strange though, between his strike and now retirement he has left loads of cash on the table. It's it's for his well being u can't blame him. Never liked his style but he knew how to win.
If he feels his body is shot, I wish him every happiness. But DON'T MAKE ANY COMEBACKS!
He's 33, has just beaten the guy they thought was the beast of World Boxing TWICE, he's the best Boxer in the World as we speak and he's not lost a fight amateur or pro since he was 11! That is some serious shit, so why do I feel he shoulda done more?
I wrote only in the last couple of days on another thread that many years from now he may secretly have some regrets. I have no problem with the last 2 years of his career, but I think the 4 years previous to that were a golden opportunity to become a top 5 on the ATG list.
But hey, we're not in his body, we don't know how he feels. He's earnt good money, but not shed loads, and I kind of respect that he's not making money his master. It's very refreshing in this day and age. He must feel he's got enough, and besides, he's got a job for life as a TV expert, maybe he could even train some guys!
He seems like a very decent genuine Christian family man so good luck to him.
Unlike most, I was a fan of ward and loved watching him fight. He was just so good. There were certain aspects of his career I wasn't much of a fan of but if he feels like he needs to retire, that's up to him.
With his retirement, he becomes IMO the biggest waste of potential I've seen in my lifetime. He achieved so much, but I seriously think that he could have become top 20 ever. He was just too inactive. I had such high hopes for him, but he obviously isn't worried too much about legacy and much more of the here and now.
Again, his choice and maybe it's the best one for him.
He fought the best in multiple classes. All you can ask.
Never liked the guy but had to respect him. Enjoy retirement, don't come back. GGG was the only fight you missed and we all know GGG was never going to do that so you did it all Andre, bravo
A real conundrum of a fighter. Massively accomplished; Olympic gold medal, unified the super middle division and then moved up to twice defeat the most feared fighter on the planet. He last lost a fight when he was 11 years old for fucks sake.
Always fit, solid chin, best infighter of his generation, very fast hands and wonderful technique. I'm not sure Andre had any weaknesses as a fighter.
His greatest strength was his ring IQ and ability to alter his game plan midway through rounds. Not many have been able to do that, ever.
There are some 'buts' though - he was inactive for a long time, and he could have potentially accomplished even more (!). He never set my pulse racing in the ring, most of his great work was subtle and only really appreciated by the aficionados, se he never achieved crossover fame like Canelo for example. This will have meant his earning power was never in the superstar stratosphere. He was bullishly strong, and was always happy to foul his way to victory on several occasions.
A truly elite fighter, with the record to prove it. It's hard to say who would have ever beaten him because nobody did ...lol but falls just short of being an All Time Great in my humble opinion. No shame in that.
Plus ...... he'll be back :cool:
Getting out on his own terms. He had been milling about it for awhile. Pity as there were still some excellent fights around and money for him to make. All the best to him in retirement.
Primes vs Primes how would Andre Ward stack up vs the greats? So we're looking at his career in the 168 and 175 weight classes.
Roy Jones Jr.
Bernard Hopkins
James Toney
Joe Calzaghe
Michael Spinks
Archie Moore
Bob Foster
I think Ward is genuine about his retirement, he does not do hype and media hysteria. I think he has done well financially and does not throw his money away. Very sensible guy.
Loses to Roy Jones Jr.
Draws with Bernard Hopkins
Beats James Toney
Loses to Joe Calzaghe at super middle but beats him at light heavy
Loses to Michael Spinks
Out points Archie Moore
Some how beats Bob Foster in a close controversial decision.
Andre Ward has reportedly retired as he's scared of facing Rio Ferdinand.
Sorry but I am indifferent to Andre Ward he is a fighter I have very little interest in truth be told you like what you like in boxing and Ward with Hopkins were two fighters I never really cared for.:eek:
He had at least x4 fights left!
I know it's his body and his decision blah blah blah...but come on!
The money!
Now Floyd retired, he had a few years of being the top dog in the game with big money fights his way!
Ward vs Kovalev 3
Ward vs Stevenson
Ward vs Badou Jack
Mmmm..they all do look like tough fights.
I am sure Kov does not have the balls to fight Ward again.Quote:
Originally Posted by imp
Stevenson was afraid to fight Kov never mind Ward.
The Jack fight would have been interesting but may not have made the money that would make him get back into the gym.
Ward did have some serious injuries and surgery to fix them.
Oh that's it @Master just take my joke and change the name from GGG and change it to Andre Ward and hope to get all the plaudits.Quote:
Originally Posted by Master
You god damn joke vampire
Mines is more topical and funnier.Quote:
Originally Posted by BatmanOh that's it @Master just take my joke and change the name from GGG and change it to Andre Ward and hope to get all the plaudits.Quote:
Originally Posted by Master
You god damn joke vampire
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KC-jhczH28UQuote:
Originally Posted by MasterMines is more topical and funnier.Quote:
Originally Posted by BatmanOh that's it @Master just take my joke and change the name from GGG and change it to Andre Ward and hope to get all the plaudits.Quote:
Originally Posted by Master
You god damn joke vampire
He never fought outside of the US. There’s no way he’d come to the UK and why would he jump two weight classes when there’s big fights to be had in his own division?Quote:
Originally Posted by imp
It wouldn’t be embarrassing if he avoided AJ and Wilder just like it wasn’t embarrassing when Jones didn’t fight Lewis or Klitschko. He started his career at 168 while AJ weighed in at 250 for his last fight.Quote:
Originally Posted by Batman
Guys like Beterbiev and Gvozdyk would have also been tough fights.Quote:
Originally Posted by imp
Roy Jones Jr. - prime v prime Roy lateQuote:
Originally Posted by El Kabong
Bernard Hopkins - Ward
James Toney - Ward
Joe Calzaghe - Ward
Michael Spinks - Not sure
Archie Moore - not fair , too many generations between them
Bob Foster - Foster
And AlvarezQuote:
Originally Posted by AlphaGuys like Beterbiev and Gvozdyk would have also been tough fights.Quote:
Originally Posted by imp
Feel sorry for Alvarez, how long has he been waiting on Stevenson? Although I did think he scraped by Chilemba. I had that fight 115-113 Alvarez I think.Quote:
Originally Posted by GaMoAnd AlvarezQuote:
Originally Posted by AlphaGuys like Beterbiev and Gvozdyk would have also been tough fights.Quote:
Originally Posted by imp
I actually really like watching Stevenson, he’s got an exciting style and he might be the biggest puncher in Boxing pound for pound but there’s no denying he’s been avoiding tough fights. He should have fought Kovalev years ago and he’s been putting off Alvarez for a while now too. Alvarez has beaten the other two Canadians in back to back fights so I hope he gets his shot against Stevenson next. Jack, Stevenson, Kovalev, Alvarez, Gvozdyk and Beterbiev all need to fight each other and forget about anyone else in the division.Quote:
Originally Posted by AlphaFeel sorry for Alvarez, how long has he been waiting on Stevenson? Although I did think he scraped by Chilemba. I had that fight 115-113 Alvarez I think.Quote:
Originally Posted by GaMoAnd AlvarezQuote:
Originally Posted by AlphaGuys like Beterbiev and Gvozdyk would have also been tough fights.Quote:
Originally Posted by imp
I think Barrera should be in the mix too.Quote:
Originally Posted by GaMoI actually really like watching Stevenson, he’s got an exciting style and he might be the biggest puncher in Boxing pound for pound but there’s no denying he’s been avoiding tough fights. He should have fought Kovalev years ago and he’s been putting off Alvarez for a while now too. Alvarez has beaten the other two Canadians in back to back fights so I hope he gets his shot against Stevenson next. Jack, Stevenson, Kovalev, Alvarez, Gvozdyk and Beterbiev all need to fight each other and forget about anyone else in the division.Quote:
Originally Posted by AlphaFeel sorry for Alvarez, how long has he been waiting on Stevenson? Although I did think he scraped by Chilemba. I had that fight 115-113 Alvarez I think.Quote:
Originally Posted by GaMoAnd AlvarezQuote:
Originally Posted by AlphaGuys like Beterbiev and Gvozdyk would have also been tough fights.Quote:
Originally Posted by imp
StevensonQuote:
Originally Posted by AlphaI think Barrera should be in the mix too.Quote:
Originally Posted by GaMoI actually really like watching Stevenson, he’s got an exciting style and he might be the biggest puncher in Boxing pound for pound but there’s no denying he’s been avoiding tough fights. He should have fought Kovalev years ago and he’s been putting off Alvarez for a while now too. Alvarez has beaten the other two Canadians in back to back fights so I hope he gets his shot against Stevenson next. Jack, Stevenson, Kovalev, Alvarez, Gvozdyk and Beterbiev all need to fight each other and forget about anyone else in the division.Quote:
Originally Posted by AlphaFeel sorry for Alvarez, how long has he been waiting on Stevenson? Although I did think he scraped by Chilemba. I had that fight 115-113 Alvarez I think.Quote:
Originally Posted by GaMoAnd AlvarezQuote:
Originally Posted by AlphaGuys like Beterbiev and Gvozdyk would have also been tough fights.Quote:
Originally Posted by imp
Akvarez
Jack
Kovalev
Gvozdyk
Beterbiev
Barrera
That's how I would rank them at the moment
Shame nobody put together a tournament like they've done with the weights above and below.
Jones and JC are the only fighters that Ward will struggle with..Quote:
Originally Posted by El Kabong
Jones chin was invisible back then and JC workrate, heart and handspeed is a problem for any era.
JC and Ward retired undefeated so there is no blueprint to beat them.
Jones can be beaten and has been knocked out numerous times..post prime.
Sergey Kovalev
Adonis Stevenson
Artur Beterbiev
Oleksandr Gvozdyk
Eleider Alvarez
Sullivan Barrera
Something like this for me. If the World Boxing Super Series continues to be successful we might get more divisions included. Fingers crossed.
Didn't see that coming but it's not like he hasn't put himself in time out before. In the same sentence he sights his body leading to lack of desire which just sounds bit backwards but it's his career. Plenty of guys out there to challenge and immediately after beating Kovalez he started talking about heavyweight etc. Hindsight being 20-20 you can see long term was no longer his focus.
what a bitch pussy!
Kinda glad he's gone. I was never fan of his holding, head butting and low blows. Plus he would never leave home like everyone else did
a skillfull fighter but now he's out the picture the division will be more exciting . Adonis is the other stay at home champ holding a belt hostage but hopefully he's on his way out too. Time for the new breed
But you're missing the best light heavy of all time ....... Ezzard Charles.Quote:
Originally Posted by El Kabong
..... who is just too busy for Ward, can fight just as dirty, and whose hands are too fast for SOG
What a surprise! ;D
I won't miss him very much. Tedious fighter with a tedious attitude to regular fighting and his last two fights saw him lose and then low blow his opponent into submission. Sums him up completely for me. Butts and low blows were his best weapons really.
I'm wondering how long the retirement will last, to be honest. I just get the feeling that either Ward was frustrated with a lack of big names to fight, or he wants out of his current contract. If his body really is letting him down, then I'm glad he made the decision. That being said, I don't see putting on a great performance vs Kov, calling out Joshua, and then retiring out of the blue. One more point: regardless of who you THINK beats Ward, there is no denying that the guy should be ranked as the top 168 pounder ever.
He is up there with Joe Calzaghe.Quote:
Originally Posted by mikeeod
Probably had a thread to itself in the past, but as much as I like and rate Calzaghe, Ward beats him prime for prime.Quote:
Originally Posted by MasterHe is up there with Joe Calzaghe.Quote:
Originally Posted by mikeeod