Andre Ward speaks on his lack of fights!

[erics44]

I don't feel bad for him at all but he does suffer from the same disease Rigo does. He's got to technically sound sickness. Odd that Floyd has been making 40 million a fight for more then 5 years suffering from the same illness.

Ward can blame himself for much of his downfall by waiting for everyone to knock on his door. What I don't get is why he has not moved up? Whats he waiting for or rather who. He could break the door down himself by whipping Stevenson or Kovalev. Those could be his Gatti's. Instead he sits and whines and goes on strike.

Floyd throws nice clean crisp punches standing in punching distance. He doesn't rely on throwing an overhand right aimed at going over the opponents shoulder just to lurch in and hold. Floyd is nice to watch. Ward isn't. Ward his hideous.

Dont agree. I enjoy watching but I also love the technical aspects of the sport and the "sweet science" that gets lost in all the highlight reel no hoper madness. If people don't see a knockout by round six they actually feel violated. Ward needs an attitude adjustment not a style change. The ignorant boxing masses are more to blame for Wards present state then Wards style.

for once I do actually agree with ross


wards style is punch on the way in and once he is in he holds/spoils


he rarely punches and then stays in a position to land a few more or throw another combination or whatever


hes like the best in the world at being first to the punch and doesn't need anything else


and I don't think wards style can be compared to mayweathers

[IamInuit]

I don't feel bad for him at all but he does suffer from the same disease Rigo does. He's got to technically sound sickness. Odd that Floyd has been making 40 million a fight for more then 5 years suffering from the same illness.

Ward can blame himself for much of his downfall by waiting for everyone to knock on his door. What I don't get is why he has not moved up? Whats he waiting for or rather who. He could break the door down himself by whipping Stevenson or Kovalev. Those could be his Gatti's. Instead he sits and whines and goes on strike.

Floyd throws nice clean crisp punches standing in punching distance. He doesn't rely on throwing an overhand right aimed at going over the opponents shoulder just to lurch in and hold. Floyd is nice to watch. Ward isn't. Ward his hideous.

Dont agree. I enjoy watching but I also love the technical aspects of the sport and the "sweet science" that gets lost in all the highlight reel no hoper madness. If people don't see a knockout by round six they actually feel violated. Ward needs an attitude adjustment not a style change. The ignorant boxing masses are more to blame for Wards present state then Wards style.

for once I do actually agree with ross
wards style is punch on the way in and once he is in he holds/spoils
he rarely punches and then stays in a position to land a few more or throw another combination or whatever
hes like the best in the world at being first to the punch and doesn't need anything else
and I don't think wards style can be compared to mayweathers

Nah you guys are taking things to extremes.
The idea after all is to hit and not get hit
Not stand there in the pocket when that's not your style so Johnny fan base can get his ko fix
Ward is a safety first fighter and his style is a lot like Floyds especially in versatility. Rigo also shares that quality. Its like watching a surgeon. They almost make the opponent look silly and in so doing ruin the fight for that portion of the viewing public better suited to wearing togas. Him and Floyd share all kinds of qualities and subtle nuance. Wards also most likely the best switch hitter in boxing and can even do it on the fly and that's why there were so many bumps in the Kessler fight. Kessler was like a deer in the headlights.

[ross]

I don't feel bad for him at all but he does suffer from the same disease Rigo does. He's got to technically sound sickness. Odd that Floyd has been making 40 million a fight for more then 5 years suffering from the same illness.

Ward can blame himself for much of his downfall by waiting for everyone to knock on his door. What I don't get is why he has not moved up? Whats he waiting for or rather who. He could break the door down himself by whipping Stevenson or Kovalev. Those could be his Gatti's. Instead he sits and whines and goes on strike.

Floyd throws nice clean crisp punches standing in punching distance. He doesn't rely on throwing an overhand right aimed at going over the opponents shoulder just to lurch in and hold. Floyd is nice to watch. Ward isn't. Ward his hideous.

Dont agree. I enjoy watching but I also love the technical aspects of the sport and the "sweet science" that gets lost in all the highlight reel no hoper madness. If people don't see a knockout by round six they actually feel violated. Ward needs an attitude adjustment not a style change. The ignorant boxing masses are more to blame for Wards present state then Wards style.

for once I do actually agree with ross
wards style is punch on the way in and once he is in he holds/spoils
he rarely punches and then stays in a position to land a few more or throw another combination or whatever
hes like the best in the world at being first to the punch and doesn't need anything else
and I don't think wards style can be compared to mayweathers

Nah you guys are taking things to extremes.
The idea after all is to hit and not get hit
Not stand there in the pocket when that's not your style so Johnny fan base can get his ko fix
Ward is a safety first fighter and his style is a lot like Floyds especially in versatility. Rigo also shares that quality. Its like watching a surgeon. They almost make the opponent look silly and in so doing ruin the fight for that portion of the viewing public better suited to wearing togas. Him and Floyd share all kinds of qualities and subtle nuance. Wards also most likely the best switch hitter in boxing and can even do it on the fly and that's why there were so many bumps in the Kessler fight. Kessler was like a deer in the headlights.

Bullshit!

If Ward was made to fight by the rules he would look like he did against Bika in the last two rounds.

[ruthless rocco]

Bullshit!

If Ward was made to fight by the rules he would look like he did against Bika in the last two rounds.

Which is why Kovalev would destroy him.

[IamInuit]

I don't feel bad for him at all but he does suffer from the same disease Rigo does. He's got to technically sound sickness. Odd that Floyd has been making 40 million a fight for more then 5 years suffering from the same illness.

Ward can blame himself for much of his downfall by waiting for everyone to knock on his door. What I don't get is why he has not moved up? Whats he waiting for or rather who. He could break the door down himself by whipping Stevenson or Kovalev. Those could be his Gatti's. Instead he sits and whines and goes on strike.

Floyd throws nice clean crisp punches standing in punching distance. He doesn't rely on throwing an overhand right aimed at going over the opponents shoulder just to lurch in and hold. Floyd is nice to watch. Ward isn't. Ward his hideous.

Dont agree. I enjoy watching but I also love the technical aspects of the sport and the "sweet science" that gets lost in all the highlight reel no hoper madness. If people don't see a knockout by round six they actually feel violated. Ward needs an attitude adjustment not a style change. The ignorant boxing masses are more to blame for Wards present state then Wards style.

for once I do actually agree with ross
wards style is punch on the way in and once he is in he holds/spoils
he rarely punches and then stays in a position to land a few more or throw another combination or whatever
hes like the best in the world at being first to the punch and doesn't need anything else
and I don't think wards style can be compared to mayweathers

Nah you guys are taking things to extremes.
The idea after all is to hit and not get hit
Not stand there in the pocket when that's not your style so Johnny fan base can get his ko fix
Ward is a safety first fighter and his style is a lot like Floyds especially in versatility. Rigo also shares that quality. Its like watching a surgeon. They almost make the opponent look silly and in so doing ruin the fight for that portion of the viewing public better suited to wearing togas. Him and Floyd share all kinds of qualities and subtle nuance. Wards also most likely the best switch hitter in boxing and can even do it on the fly and that's why there were so many bumps in the Kessler fight. Kessler was like a deer in the headlights.

Bullshit!

If Ward was made to fight by the rules he would look like he did against Bika in the last two rounds.

You don't like him. Fair enough. I don't either but I know a brilliant technician when I see one.

[erics44]

I don't feel bad for him at all but he does suffer from the same disease Rigo does. He's got to technically sound sickness. Odd that Floyd has been making 40 million a fight for more then 5 years suffering from the same illness.

Ward can blame himself for much of his downfall by waiting for everyone to knock on his door. What I don't get is why he has not moved up? Whats he waiting for or rather who. He could break the door down himself by whipping Stevenson or Kovalev. Those could be his Gatti's. Instead he sits and whines and goes on strike.

Floyd throws nice clean crisp punches standing in punching distance. He doesn't rely on throwing an overhand right aimed at going over the opponents shoulder just to lurch in and hold. Floyd is nice to watch. Ward isn't. Ward his hideous.

Dont agree. I enjoy watching but I also love the technical aspects of the sport and the "sweet science" that gets lost in all the highlight reel no hoper madness. If people don't see a knockout by round six they actually feel violated. Ward needs an attitude adjustment not a style change. The ignorant boxing masses are more to blame for Wards present state then Wards style.

for once I do actually agree with ross
wards style is punch on the way in and once he is in he holds/spoils
he rarely punches and then stays in a position to land a few more or throw another combination or whatever
hes like the best in the world at being first to the punch and doesn't need anything else
and I don't think wards style can be compared to mayweathers

The idea after all is to hit and not get hit
Not stand there in the pocket when that's not your style so Johnny fan base can get his ko fix

this is absolutely true


thing is tho, to attract the fans, get the fights and make the money, you have to have something that that is attractive to the fans


I personally think ward lacks that attraction in the ring and with his persona out of the ring, I think he deserves a break but I think there needs to be a rethink in his camp/promotion


he could be a superstar with a few tweaks


and like I say I think dropping the son of god name would be a massive start

[IamInuit]

The idea after all is to hit and not get hit
Not stand there in the pocket when that's not your style so Johnny fan base can get his ko fix

this is absolutely true
thing is tho, to attract the fans, get the fights and make the money, you have to have something that that is attractive to the fans
I personally think ward lacks that attraction in the ring and with his persona out of the ring, I think he deserves a break but I think there needs to be a rethink in his camp/promotion
he could be a superstar with a few tweaks
and like I say I think dropping the son of god name would be a massive start

But that's like asking Pep to fight like Saddler or Locche to fight like Jofre. Its not the boxers fault that some fight fans don't understand boxing and also make up the majority of the ppv buying public.Why should he dummy down his abilities to suit them? The two powder puncher defensive wizards I mentioned filled the house every time they fought.

[zhubin]

Ward is my hometown fighter (Oakland). There is no question he is a great technician. BUT...it comes down to what boxing/sports are ultimately about......it's a business. I'm not saying that is a good thing, but it's a reality. Andre doesn't possess a style of fighting that sells tickets...but unfortunately for him...he also does not possess a personality (Floyd) to sell tickets either. And i can tell you from watching his career up close...the guy just doesn't want to promote himself outside of the bay area. He really makes no effort. Maybe he is ok with that. if he isn't...he has to shake things up for himself.

[Beanflicker]

Andre doesn't possess a style of fighting that sells tickets...but unfortunately for him...he also does not possess a personality (Floyd) to sell tickets either. And i can tell you from watching his career up close...the guy just doesn't want to promote himself outside of the bay area. He really makes no effort. Maybe he is ok with that. if he isn't...he has to shake things up for himself.

Most guys aren't comfortable playing a "character" like Floyd, Haye, ect do. And most guys can't pull it off without look transparent, even if they wanted to.

The fact is, being in the top 3 best should be enough. The fact that it isn't spells a lot of trouble for boxing. It means that boxing is no longer about sport, it's about spectacle, and boxing IS NOT going to out-spectacle the UFC in the long run. Boxing is not going to compete in the "blood" game with guys getting kicked and elbowed in the head.

[Beanflicker]

The goal of boxing is to hit and not get hit. It's not Andre Ward's responsibility to make sure he gets punched and knocked down a bunch of times so his fights are exciting and compelling. That responsibility lies with his opponent.

To ask a guy to fight stupidly just for the sake of entertainment is ridiculous. Don't hate on Ward, hate on his 168lb peers who haven't been good enough to make a compelling fight with him.

[zhubin]

Andre doesn't possess a style of fighting that sells tickets...but unfortunately for him...he also does not possess a personality (Floyd) to sell tickets either. And i can tell you from watching his career up close...the guy just doesn't want to promote himself outside of the bay area. He really makes no effort. Maybe he is ok with that. if he isn't...he has to shake things up for himself.

Most guys aren't comfortable playing a "character" like Floyd, Haye, ect do. And most guys can't pull it off without look transparent, even if they wanted to.

The fact is, being in the top 3 best should be enough. The fact that it isn't spells a lot of trouble for boxing. It means that boxing is no longer about sport, it's about spectacle, and boxing IS NOT going to out-spectacle the UFC in the long run. Boxing is not going to compete in the "blood" game with guys getting kicked and elbowed in the head.

I am not disagreeing with you. The "casual" sports fan would rather see two guys pummel each other in a brawl. I am not a fan of it...but that is unfortunately the reality. Of course Andre can't transform himself into a Floyd like personality. But what he CAN do is make a better effort to promote himself nationally/internationally. You can't just sit around Oakland and expect people to come knocking on your door...regardless of how skilled he may be. At the end of the day....maybe he doesn't care. Maybe he is content being a god loving nice guy with a non crowd pleasing style. But if he isn't happy with his current situation...he is the only one that can try to change it.

[IamInuit]

Ward is my hometown fighter (Oakland). There is no question he is a great technician. BUT...it comes down to what boxing/sports are ultimately about......it's a business. I'm not saying that is a good thing, but it's a reality. Andre doesn't possess a style of fighting that sells tickets...but unfortunately for him...he also does not possess a personality (Floyd) to sell tickets either. And i can tell you from watching his career up close...the guy just doesn't want to promote himself outside of the bay area. He really makes no effort. Maybe he is ok with that. if he isn't...he has to shake things up for himself.

With all due respect I don't view it the way you do. I watch boxing for its built in diversity and the individualism it represents pugilisticly. I could give two shits about a bag of Doritos advertised on a banner or another slippery stupid decal on the ring apron. I watch it for what it is.

Its pretty freakin sad that in this enlightened day and age, pure boxers get kicked to the curb because they wont leave their tool box in the dressing room before they enter the ring. Boxing is actually devolving and its a group effort based on instant gratification from fans that don't know what a feint is to broadcasters who feed that weakness. Technically gifted pugilists expected to abandon the very skills that got them there because the fight has to be done before the pizza arrives. Its an enabler sandwich.

[J_Undisputed]

The issue I take with the theory of the gatti like opponent for ward is why is it onus on the opponent to make ward exciting/entertaining? I'll also argue that Ward had already had an opportunity of this when he ko'd the weight drained and technically flawed dawson. Dawson was in enough of the public's eye and ward looked good enough dropping dawson that he could have fought another name after that and turned it up maximizing his star status.

I have to agree with Ross on this one. The unpalatable style of Ward as well as the fact that he's a primadonna (wants to fight in oakland, only in his weight, wont fight his friend, Direll) stifles any star power he could had. For those making the mayweather comparisons. Floyd offering to fight maidana the way he did, was was stupid but it made the fight more interesting for the casual fans, as does him acting like an a$$ outside the ring... but Floyds ability to stand in front of an opponents and use head movement and shoulder rolls to frustrate them while they flail away still has one important thing over both Rigo and ward. It doesn't stop the action. The hug and slug style that ward uses where he lands a lead shot, ties you up and then hits you on the break not only stifles his own offense with the clinch, but it stifles the opponents too which creates lulls in the action. As does rigo's out running opponents by a country mile for the majority of a round and then sticking and landing sharp punches without following up (like a miniature direll). There are no punches being thrown, no offensive showcase and no defensive showcase when fighters are clinched and smothered or so far away from each other that they're out of range. Being aggressively offensive will win you fans and PPV dates but probably shorten your career. Being aggressively defensive tends to put you in the chris byrd or winky wright category. You'll beat some people by playing the spoiler, and extend your career, but noone wants to watch you. However he's going to complain about lack of opponents and money, step up or step out.

[ruthless rocco]

The issue I take with the theory of the gatti like opponent for ward is why is it onus on the opponent to make ward exciting/entertaining? I'll also argue that Ward had already had an opportunity of this when he ko'd the weight drained and technically flawed dawson. Dawson was in enough of the public's eye and ward looked good enough dropping dawson that he could have fought another name after that and turned it up maximizing his start status.

I have to agree with Ross on this one. The unpalatable style of Ward as well as the fact that he's a primadonna (wants to fight in oakland, only in his weight, wont fight his friend, Direll) stifles any star power he could had. For those making the mayweather comparisons. Floyd offering to fight maidana the way he did, was was stupid but it made the fight more interesting for the casual fans, as does him acting like an a$$ outside the ring... but Floyds ability to stand in front of an opponents and use head movement and shoulder roles to frustrate them while they flail away still has one important thing over both Rigo and ward. It doesn't stop the action. The hug and slug style that ward uses where he lands a lead shot, ties you up and then hits you on the break not only stifles his own offense with the clinch, but it stifles the opponents too which creates lulls in the action. As does rigo's out running opponents by a country mile for the majority of a round and then sticking and landing sharp punches without following up (like a miniature direll). There are no punches being thrown, no offensive showcase and no defensive showcase when fighters are clinched and smothered or so far away from each other that they're out of range. Being aggressively offensive will win you fans and PPV dates but probably shorten your career. Being aggressively defensive tends to put you in the chris byrd or winky wright category. You'll beat some people by playing the spoiler, and extend your career, but noone wants to watch you. However he's going to complain about lack of opponents and money, step up or step out.

The problem lies in Ward's attitude. "If I beat Kovalev, then what?" In beating Kovalev, Ward would have moved up in weight and taken on a guy who is thrashing everyone he fights. Kovalev is arguably the most violent and imposing fighter in Ward's weight range. By beating him Ward would be showing that he's interested in furthering his career by challenging himself and striving to take on the best possible opposition. People may even respect him if he shows more talent than just hugging.

Also, Kovalev could in theory be Ward's Gatti. He's a very rough around the edges KO fighter that should be easily beat by a superior boxer like Ward.

Ward should take another champion hugger as an example. Wlad has no opposition. He's better than every other heavyweight, and has been for years. But he keeps fighting and he keeps destroying. He's beat so many shitty guys so convincingly for so many years that some people now believe he's possibly an ATG. Even tho most people hate Wlad's style just like they hate Ward's he's somehow got respect and history will be kind to him because his record is going to look like the record of a great fighter...and at least he bothered to fight and not just sit around saying things like "Yeah I could fight that guy...but then what?"

[erics44]

The idea after all is to hit and not get hit
Not stand there in the pocket when that's not your style so Johnny fan base can get his ko fix

this is absolutely true
thing is tho, to attract the fans, get the fights and make the money, you have to have something that that is attractive to the fans
I personally think ward lacks that attraction in the ring and with his persona out of the ring, I think he deserves a break but I think there needs to be a rethink in his camp/promotion
he could be a superstar with a few tweaks
and like I say I think dropping the son of god name would be a massive start

But that's like asking Pep to fight like Saddler or Locche to fight like Jofre. Its not the boxers fault that some fight fans don't understand boxing and also make up the majority of the ppv buying public.Why should he dummy down his abilities to suit them? The two powder puncher defensive wizards I mentioned filled the house every time they fought.

I hear what you are saying, I don't actually think it is all to do with the way he fights, its also the way he is


change the name, say something interesting, fight outside America, go and interrupt a carl froch presser


he could fight someone hes got no chance of losing to and knock him out in a round, get a built up opponent or 2


he destroyed chad dawson at super middle, got little praise for it because people said chad was drained, so fight him again at light heavy, in chads home town


at the minute he just isn't interesting