DID ANDRE WARD RETIRE AT THE VERY TOP?
After the somewhat shock announcement that the undisputed WBA, unified IBF, WBO and ring magazine light heavyweight champion and 2011 fighter of year Andre Ward, would call time on his glittering, undefeated, 13 year career that including an Olympic gold medal and winning the ground breaking Super Six middleweight tournament. Then moving up and claiming titles at light heavyweight.
Some may now look at where exactly does he come in the all time list of boxing greats? There is no doubting the credentials of this undefeated record. But although he has retired undefeated. Having a mere 32 fights in his 13 year career and nine in his last six years which was boosted by three in 2106, that could have taken more out of him than meets the eye. It could put doubts on how highly the 33 years old is regarded in the boxing world.
We all know Ward’s well documented injury issues. Especially between 2011 and 2015 which saw him fight only three times. This was obviously a big part in him retiring, but it probably also had a lot to do with him achieving all he can in his weight class, having moved up from Super Middleweight, with his only feasible direction being heavyweight. As Tony Bellew aside, there would not be any marketable fights at cruiserweight.
Though Ward was often and victim of this injury issues and weight class. Some may argue due to his inactivity and lack of top quality opponents, on the day of his retirement, he cannot be or was not regarded as the p4p no1. I feel you can argue this point either way but for me, on his departure he was the pound for pound no1. He was an Olympic gold medalist, who also won the ground breaking Super Six tournament then fought and beat two fighters who was regarded as the bigger men.
When you are looking back at his career. There were some very special and particularly defining moments in his career which providing an insight into his qualities and pound for pound number one credentials.
Defining moment number one: Ward v Miranda
After reeling off 18 straights wins, with good performances early in his career like beating the tough Darnell Boone, in a six round unanimous decision, where he had to take some punishment. Then in his 16th fight, travelling to the Cayman Islands to claim the WBO-NABO super middleweight title via eighth round TKO. Then two fights later, claiming the unified NABF title via a unanimous decision winning all 12 rounds on all three judges scorecards.
He then put those belts on the line against the tough, strong Colombian Edison Miranda, who up until that point had only lost three times to championship opposition. Twice to Arthur Abraham by UD points and a 4th round stoppage, which was sandwiched between a barnstorming 7th round TKO to Kelly Pavlik which saw Pavlik go on to win the unified middleweight belts in his very next fight.
Although he was the favourite. Ward was up against an experienced, rough, big puncher who would cast judgement on his potential championship credentials. He had to come through adversity early, when he was cut in the first minute due to an accidental headbutt. However, in a rough, physical fight. Ward boxed well on the front foot, showed his range of punches, strength and class to come away with a well deserved unanimous points win.
Defining moment number two: Ward v Kessler
Ward had entered the revolutionary Super Six middleweight tournament which saw six of the best middleweight in the world contend a round robin tournament to decide who was the best middleweight on the planet. In his first fight of the tournament, Ward had to face one of the favourites. Strong Danish warrior Mickkel Kessler and as a 20 fight novice compared to the experienced two belt champion. He obviously was the underdog.
It was another rough and tough fight where both tried to impose their will and be physical. Many expected Kessler, who was in his 44th fight to have too much for Ward but Ward showed both his metal and class by being strong on the inside and also fighting at range. Kessler complained about Ward fighting dirty and using his head. The fight was stopped in the 11th round due to Kessler being cut from an accidental headbutt. Ward with his superb boxing, was way ahead on all three judges scorecards giving him an impressive and eye-opening victory, as well as Kessler’s WBA belt.
Defining moment number three: Ward v Froch
Ward came of age during the Super Six tournament and by time he entered the final with Carl Froch. He went from an inexperienced, but potentially great middleweight to the favourite to win and become the best middleweight on the planet.
However, he had to get past Froch, who himself put in some real unexpected but great performances, showing grit and determination to beat Dirrell by split decision. Though he lost a tight UD to Kessler. He then beat Arthur Abraham then Glenn Johnson both by UD in his next two fights to get to the final.
Ward showed all his mastery and ring craft to nullify Froch, beating him to the punch time and again. He was sharp and really looked a class above, avoiding shots and connecting at will. In the end, it became a mismatch with Ward claiming the centre of the ring, looked the boss throughout and seemed to do what he liked, on the way to a comfortable points victory to claim the ring and WBC titles, to go with his WBA belt.
Defining moment number four: Ward v Dawson
After winning the Super Six tournament, seemingly cleaning the division. In his very next fight, a new challenge was created.
At the time of this fight, Dawson was ranked in the P4P top 10 after dethroning Bernard Hopkins with two wins at light heavyweight, although the first win was later changed to a no contest. Dawson was the bigger man and moved down the middleweight to challenge Ward.
It was an intriguing match up where the public was wondering how Ward would deal with the bigger, stronger Dawson? To everyone’s surprise, it turned out to be Ward’s most devastating win as he showed tremendous strength, boxing and power to drop Dawson three times. Ward walked forward to bully Dawson on the way to a satisfying and statement making 10th round TKO victory.
Defining moment number five: Ward v Kovalev 2
In what was his last fight. Ward rematched Kovalev after coming off what many thought was a controversial points victory in their first fight, where he was dropped for only the second time in his career in round two. Personally, I thought Ward got off the canvas to box beautifully, to win a tough, intriguing fight. The build up became intense and spiteful with Kovalev vowing to make Ward pay. It was gearing up to be Ward’s toughest test ever.
But Ward proved his class and ability. Even though the 8th round finish came with some controversy of low blows. There was no questioning Ward made adjustments from the first fight and looked even better. He showed his toughness to take the fight to Kovalev. By the time of the stoppage, he was up on two of the three judges scorecards. Despite the controversial stoppage. I felt Ward was doing the better and deserved the victory.
Conclusion
Pound for pound lists will be argued for as long as boxing will exist. Fight fans will always argue against fighters such as Ward, who are not keen to get into brawls but prefer to fight on the back foot, show his ring craft and avoid punishment. In my opinion, although that style is never the most entertaining for the public. To be in a small ring and to out manoeuvre, yet dominate in a hit and not be hit style, is the real essence of boxing.
That’s the sweet science right there. I don’t think people really appreciate the discipline, focus and ability you must have, to make that style work throughout your career. It’s not like he did not show brawling tactics or take a fight to opponents. But If you can make fights look so easy, you may not be regarded as one of the strongest or even the toughest.
But to turn such a brutal sport into something that looks likes or can be regarded as “art” then you can only be regarded as one of the very best that ever did it…. So enjoy your retirement Mr Ward. You certainly earned and deserved it.
