2nd best pound for pound fighter in the world, but either too principled for the corrupt nature of the business side of boxing, or, has a grossly distorted view of himself in the grander scheme of the business. I just found out he made the statement regarding Kovalev, "if I fight him and beat him, then what?" He brushed it off like it was beneath him or something, unless I've got the context wrong? Brehs, please correct me if that's the case.
http://www.boxingnews24.com/2014/06/the-not-so-mysterious-downfall-of-andre-ward/
"Ward recently said in an interview at the Fightnetwork on a fight with Kovalev “… if I fight him and beat him, then what?” Unfortunately, boxing does not work like this. When you sit on top of a division, you simply cannot dismiss challenges and claim they are not worthy and would be beaten. New challengers come through and it is his job to fight them and continue to prove himself over and over again. It is one thing to suggest a fighter could beat another fighter and another to actually do it. It is a shame Andre Ward has been reduced to guessing what would happen and not actually being able to get in the ring and producing the goods. Fans will remember wins against world class opposition for titles, not suggestions of it. All talk is very cheap and to my knowledge, does not pay as well as getting in the ring and fighting.
If Andre Ward got in the ring and fought against a lower calibre of opposition and criticized his promoter after, fans would perhaps have more respect for him. Kathy Duva has repeatedly called for Kovalev vs Ward to be made and I see no other reason than Ward himself stopping the fight from happening. Is the fight PPV? Maybe. Kovalev is the guy who fans enjoy watching at the moment due to his crushing knockout victories. Is he a legitimate opponent for Ward. Definitely. Fans will pay more for Kovalev than Ward
Read more at http://www.boxingnews24.com/2014/06...s-downfall-of-andre-ward/#wjx3AR4OUp4le4YY.99"
Brehs, you know his situation is bad, when Carl Froch has the upper hand on him despite losing and even acknowledging such.
http://www.espn.co.uk/boxing/sport/story/313073.html
"The reason that Andre Ward is never chucked in the mix [for his next fight] is because the American TV broadcasters aren't really excited about him," Froch told Sky Sports News. "He's going through a big promotional dispute at the minute.
"He's a very, very good fighter and he beat me fair and square, he outpointed me. But he's messy, he's up close, he's awkward. He really is a bit of a spoiler. He's not somebody I'd be excited about getting in the ring with.
"Someone like Chavez Jr will come and fight, and give me the fight I want and what the crowd wants. The television broadcasters could get on board and it would be more lucrative."
Read more at http://www.espn.co.uk/boxing/sport/story/313073.html#QwbISoUtxpustTSs.99
I think it may be a wrap for this dude. What could have been. Even giving him a pass for his injury right after the Dawson win doesn't negate his decision making after the fight. The guy wins in the ring, and loses in court, which means he ultimately loses in life. He's got Jesus though, he'll be alright, just not in boxing.
http://www.boxingnews24.com/2014/06/the-not-so-mysterious-downfall-of-andre-ward/
"Ward recently said in an interview at the Fightnetwork on a fight with Kovalev “… if I fight him and beat him, then what?” Unfortunately, boxing does not work like this. When you sit on top of a division, you simply cannot dismiss challenges and claim they are not worthy and would be beaten. New challengers come through and it is his job to fight them and continue to prove himself over and over again. It is one thing to suggest a fighter could beat another fighter and another to actually do it. It is a shame Andre Ward has been reduced to guessing what would happen and not actually being able to get in the ring and producing the goods. Fans will remember wins against world class opposition for titles, not suggestions of it. All talk is very cheap and to my knowledge, does not pay as well as getting in the ring and fighting.
If Andre Ward got in the ring and fought against a lower calibre of opposition and criticized his promoter after, fans would perhaps have more respect for him. Kathy Duva has repeatedly called for Kovalev vs Ward to be made and I see no other reason than Ward himself stopping the fight from happening. Is the fight PPV? Maybe. Kovalev is the guy who fans enjoy watching at the moment due to his crushing knockout victories. Is he a legitimate opponent for Ward. Definitely. Fans will pay more for Kovalev than Ward
Read more at http://www.boxingnews24.com/2014/06...s-downfall-of-andre-ward/#wjx3AR4OUp4le4YY.99"
Brehs, you know his situation is bad, when Carl Froch has the upper hand on him despite losing and even acknowledging such.
http://www.espn.co.uk/boxing/sport/story/313073.html
"The reason that Andre Ward is never chucked in the mix [for his next fight] is because the American TV broadcasters aren't really excited about him," Froch told Sky Sports News. "He's going through a big promotional dispute at the minute.
"He's a very, very good fighter and he beat me fair and square, he outpointed me. But he's messy, he's up close, he's awkward. He really is a bit of a spoiler. He's not somebody I'd be excited about getting in the ring with.
"Someone like Chavez Jr will come and fight, and give me the fight I want and what the crowd wants. The television broadcasters could get on board and it would be more lucrative."
Read more at http://www.espn.co.uk/boxing/sport/story/313073.html#QwbISoUtxpustTSs.99
I think it may be a wrap for this dude. What could have been. Even giving him a pass for his injury right after the Dawson win doesn't negate his decision making after the fight. The guy wins in the ring, and loses in court, which means he ultimately loses in life. He's got Jesus though, he'll be alright, just not in boxing.
I could name them if you would like. 
