Andre Ward - Paul Smith

[IamInuit]

Andre Ward showed what a prima donna diva he is by demanding the catch-weight against a guy who has been fighting at super-middleweight.

It wasn't enough that Smith lost his past two fights, and was easily KOed by Groves. It wasn't enough that the fight is in Ward's home country and home town, and no doubt he'll have either his personal referee Jack Reiss or another California Boxing Commission referee to permit him to foul. But diva Ward also demanded the smaller Smith fight him at a catch weight of 172!

If Ward wanted to test how he'd feel at a higher weight, he should have warmed up against a real light heavyweight at 175, someone not too dangerous (on Smith's level). Demanding a super middleweight go up four pounds to fight him is pathetic.

I'd like to see how the contract was written. Catchweights are designed as a max as a rule. Smith as far as I know could have came in at 168 if he wanted to. He never had to make 172 but could not go over. As it turns out he did by close to 5 pounds. Unless he has been having serious issues making 168, I dont see how this benefits him so I think he must feel stronger. He's most likely going to get a fine and perhaps its his final fight so he wanted to take his best shot. Nice to see Ward get a bad card dealt. Its a non issue since Ward said he was thinking on going to 75 right after the S6.

[ross]

Andre Ward showed what a prima donna diva he is by demanding the catch-weight against a guy who has been fighting at super-middleweight.

It wasn't enough that Smith lost his past two fights, and was easily KOed by Groves. It wasn't enough that the fight is in Ward's home country and home town, and no doubt he'll have either his personal referee Jack Reiss or another California Boxing Commission referee to permit him to foul. But diva Ward also demanded the smaller Smith fight him at a catch weight of 172!

If Ward wanted to test how he'd feel at a higher weight, he should have warmed up against a real light heavyweight at 175, someone not too dangerous (on Smith's level). Demanding a super middleweight go up four pounds to fight him is pathetic.

I'd like to see how the contract was written. Catchweights are designed as a max as a rule. Smith as far as I know could have came in at 168 if he wanted to. He never had to make 172 but could not go over. As it turns out he did by close to 5 pounds. Unless he has been having serious issues making 168, I dont see how this benefits him so I think he must feel stronger. He's most likely going to get a fine and perhaps its his final fight so he wanted to take his best shot. Nice to see Ward get a bad card dealt. Its a non issue since Ward said he was thinking on going to 75 right after the S6.

No, he just hasnt trained. Hes here for a pension. Take a look at the weigh in photos. He looks like a white collar boxer. Not someone in the biggest opportunity of his life against one of the best boxers in the world.

http://www.boxingscene.com/photos-an...weighin--92559

[Master]

[ross]

Hes not there to win.

Its going to be Joshua v Johnson over again.

[Jimanuel Boogustus]

I think it'll go 12.

[ross]

I think it'll go 12.

Ill be surprised if it goes past 2. Smith clearly has no ambition here judging by his shape and weight.

[Memphis]

It doesn't make any sense. Smith has already been fined a quarter of his purse and possibly more to come. With deductions he'll end up fighting for nowt. Some pension.

[bzkfn]

I think it'll go 12.

Ill be surprised if it goes past 2. Smith clearly has no ambition here judging by his shape and weight.

I won't. Ward does not have concussive knockout power. He'll probably be too bothered it it doesn't come, Andre needs rounds. No convinced Smith has no ambition, I think he thinks more weight behind his punches give him a better chance of a KO.