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{{short description|American boxer}} {{distinguish|Andre Ware}} {{Use mdy dates|date=March 2012}} {{Infobox boxer | name = Andre Ward | image = Andre Ward.jpg | caption = Ward in 2011 | realname = Andre Michael Ward | nickname = S.O.G. ("Son of God") | height = 6 ft 0 in<ref>{{Cite web |title=Andre Ward |url=https://boxrec.com/en/proboxer/281958|access-date=March 14, 2022 |website=[[BoxRec]]}}</ref> | reach = 71 in | weight = {{plainlist| *[[Super middleweight]] *[[Light heavyweight]] }} | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1984|2|23}} | birth_place = [[San Francisco, California]], U.S. | style = [[Orthodox stance|Orthodox]] | total = 32 | wins = 32 | KO = 16 | medaltemplates = {{MedalSport | Men's [[amateur boxing]]}} {{MedalCountry | {{flagu|United States}} }} {{MedalOlympics}} {{MedalGold | [[2004 Summer Olympics|2004 Athens]] | [[Boxing at the 2004 Summer Olympics – Light heavyweight|Light heavyweight]]}} }} '''Andre Michael Ward''' (born February 23, 1984) is an American former [[professional boxer]] who competed from 2004 to 2017. He [[list of undefeated boxing world champions|retired with an undefeated record]] and held multiple world championships in two [[weight class (boxing)|weight classes]], including [[unified championship (boxing)|unified]] [[super middleweight]] titles between 2009 and 2015, and unified [[light heavyweight]] titles between 2016 and 2017. During his reign as light heavyweight champion, Ward was ranked as the world's best [[pound for pound]] boxer, by [[The Ring magazine Pound for Pound|''The Ring'' magazine]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Andre Ward retires: Boxing pound-for-pound world No.1 ends career undefeated, as LHW champion |url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/boxing/andre-ward-retires-boxing-poundforpound-world-no1-ends-career-undefeated-as-lhw-champion/news-story/f61edc673187c0ceb3629d9be94d142b |website=Fox Sports |agency=The Associated Press |access-date=6 May 2025 |language=en |date=21 September 2017}}</ref> In 2024, ''[[ESPN]]'' ranked him as the 7th greatest men's boxer of the 21st century.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Parkinson |first=Nick |date=2024-07-25 |title=Ranking the top 10 men's boxers of the 21st century |url=https://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/id/40588404/boxing-ranking-top-10-men-boxers-2000 |access-date=2024-08-03 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref> As an [[amateur boxer]], Ward won the light heavyweight gold medal at the [[2004 Olympics]] and turned professional later that year. He rose to worldwide prominence upon entering the [[Super Six World Boxing Classic]] tournament in 2009, where he won the [[World Boxing Association]] (WBA) super middleweight title ([[WBA (Super)|Super version]]) from [[Mikkel Kessler]] in the opening group stage. In 2011, Ward defeated [[World Boxing Council]] (WBC) champion [[Carl Froch]] in the tournament final to unify the titles, as well as winning the vacant ''[[The Ring (magazine)|Ring]]'' magazine title. That same year, Ward was named Fighter of the Year by ''[[The Ring magazine Fighter of the Year|The Ring]]'' and the [[Sugar Ray Robinson Award|Boxing Writers' Association of America]]. In 2016, following a long period of sporadic in-ring activity, Ward moved up to light heavyweight and won the WBA ([[WBA (Undisputed)|Undisputed version]]), [[International Boxing Federation]] (IBF) and [[World Boxing Organization]] (WBO) titles from then-undefeated [[Sergey Kovalev]]. This earned Ward the [[The Ring magazine Comeback of the Year|Comeback of the Year]] award by ''The Ring''. He successfully defended his titles in a rematch against Kovalev a year later, after which he retired from boxing. Ward was inducted into the [[International Boxing Hall of Fame]] as part of the Class of 2021, his first year of eligibility.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ibhof.com/pages/inductionweekend/2021/21_announce.html | title=Class of 2021 Announced in Canastota! |publisher=IBHOF |access-date=2020-12-26}}</ref> ==Early life== Andre was born in San Francisco, California, the son of Frank Ward, an [[Irish Americans|Irish American]] and Madeline Arvie Taylor an [[African Americans|African American]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jvl0glMJ0h0 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211222/jvl0glMJ0h0 |archive-date=2021-12-22 |url-status=live|title=Andre Ward Remembers the Father Who Inspired His Boxing Career |publisher=HBO |access-date=2014-01-09}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Andre's career started when his father took him to U.S. Karate School of the Arts,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://andscape.com/features/andre-ward-fights-to-avoid-a-boxers-bad-ending/ |title=Andre Ward Fights to avoid a boxer's bad ending |date=August 4, 2016 |publisher=[[Andscape]] |access-date=2020-02-16}}</ref> a boxing gym in [[Hayward, California]], when he was nine years old. After his parents fell to drug abuse, Ward was looked after by his godfather, Virgil Hunter, who became his trainer and remained his trainer for the length of his career. He attended [[Hayward High School (California)|Hayward High School]].{{Citation needed|date=March 2022}} ==Amateur career== Ward started boxing in 1994. In 2002, he won the Under 19 National Championship and was also a two time U.S. National Champion in 2001 and 2003 at [[United States national amateur boxing middleweight champions|middleweight]]. Ward finished his amateur career with a record of 115 wins and 5 losses.<ref>Wainwright, Anson (December 13, 2010). [http://www.15rounds.com/q-a-with-andre-ward-121410/ "Q & A with Andre Ward"]. 15rounds.com. Retrieved July 9, 2017.</ref> ===Amateur highlights=== *2001 United States Amateur Middleweight Champion *2002 Under 19 National Championship *2003 United States Amateur Light Heavyweight Champion *Won the Light Heavyweight gold medal for the United States at the 2004 [[Summer Olympic Games|Olympics]] in Athens, Greece becoming the first American boxer to capture gold in 8 years. ====Results==== *1st round – Second Place at the [[1st AIBA American 2004 Olympic Qualifying Tournament]] *2nd round – Defeated [[Clemente Russo]] (Italy) 17–9 *Quarterfinals – Defeated [[Evgeny Makarenko]] (Russia) 23–16 *Semifinals – Defeated [[Utkirbek Haydarov]] (Uzbekistan) 17–15 *Gold Medal Match – Defeated [[Magomed Aripgadjiev]] (Belarus) 20–13 ==Professional career== ===Super middleweight=== ====Early years==== Ward made his pro debut on December 18, 2004, by scoring a second round [[Knockout|TKO]] over Chris Molina. On February 5, 2005, Ward fought in his second pro fight against Kenny Kost. Ward overcame a rocky second round, in which he was hurt by a left hook, to win by unanimous decision. Ward defeated Roy Ashworth on April 7, 2005, by disqualification. Ward won his next three fights, all by knockout, before going up against [[Darnell Boone]] on November 19, 2005. Ward was knocked down for the first time in his career in round four. Despite the knockdown, Ward went on to win by unanimous decision.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.boxingnews24.com/2014/09/darnell-boone-vs-the-3-champions-ward-stevenson-kovalev/|title=Darnell Boone vs The 3 Champions (Ward, Stevenson, Kovalev) – Boxing News|date=2014-09-26|newspaper=Boxing News 24|access-date=2017-02-07|language=en-US}}</ref> After the fight with Boone, Ward went on to win his next six fights, including TKO victories over undefeated [[Andy Kolle]] (this fight was the last of five that Ward fought within the [[middleweight]] limit of 160 lbs) and Francisco Diaz. On November 16, 2007, Ward beat undefeated Roger Cantrell by fifth-round TKO in [[Saint Lucia]]. At this point, Ward's record was 14 wins, no losses. He was ready to step up to his biggest challenge against big American puncher [[Allan Green]] (25–1, 18 KOs), with the fight scheduled to take place on February 2, 2008, on [[HBO]]. The fight was called off because Green had an obligation with [[ESPN]] to fight [[Rubin Williams]] on January 4.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.boxingscene.com/andre-ward-vs-allan-green-unlikely-2-2--11543|title=Andre Ward vs. Allan Green Unlikely For 2/2 – Boxing News|website=www.boxingscene.com|date=December 5, 2007 |language=en-us|access-date=2017-07-05}}</ref> Green won the bout, and had hoped to fight Ward later in the year. He eventually got his chance two years later, losing a unanimous decision. On March 20, 2008, at the [[HP Pavilion at San Jose|HP Pavilion]] in [[San Jose, California]], Ward defeated [[Rubin Williams (boxer)|Rubin Williams]] by seventh-round TKO. Ward hit Williams with jabs and straight left hands almost at will, opening a bad cut over Williams' left eye in the process. The cut would force the referee to stop the fight. Ward faced [[Jerson Ravelo]] on June 20, 2008, in [[Georgetown, Cayman Islands]], for the vacant regional [[North American Boxing Organization|NABO]] [[super-middleweight]] title. Ward dominated Ravelo for most of the fight en route to a TKO victory in the eighth round. On May 16, 2009, at the [[Oracle Arena]] in [[Oakland, California]], Ward defeated former prospect [[Edison Miranda]] by unanimous decision. The scores were 116–112, 119–109, and 119–109 for Ward. Ward showed he had an inside game as well as an outside game. Miranda couldn't stay up with Ward's versatility around the ring. Miranda said of Ward in the post fight, "I thought it was going to be easier, but it was tougher than I was expected. I don't feel cheated. Andre is the champion. I have respect for him." Ward, who fought his biggest name to date said, "This is kind of a bittersweet victory. I'm happy and excited because the fans had a good time, and there were a lot of people here, but I'm not 100 percent happy with my performance. I've got to go look at the tape. I did some things well, but I felt I could have improved in other areas."<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/sports/boxing/news/story?id=4172256|title=Ward wins unanimous decision over Miranda|date=2009-05-17|website=ESPN.com|access-date=2017-02-07}}</ref> On September 12, 2009, at the [[Pechanga Resort and Casino]] in [[Temecula, California]], Ward defeated Shelby Pudwill by TKO in the 3rd round.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.boxingscene.com/andre-ward-vs-shelby-pudwill-on-september-12--21348|title=Andre Ward vs Shelby Pudwill on September 12 – Boxing News|website=www.boxingscene.com|date=July 31, 2009 |language=en-us|access-date=2017-02-07}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|last=Lynn Collins|title=Andre Ward vs Shelby Pudwill 2009 09 12|date=2015-07-15|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3YQBpwaHNw |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211222/-3YQBpwaHNw |archive-date=2021-12-22 |url-status=live|access-date=2017-02-07}}{{cbignore}}</ref> ====Super Six World Boxing Classic==== {{Main|Super Six World Boxing Classic}} =====Ward vs. Kessler===== {{Main|Mikkel Kessler vs. Andre Ward}} Ward's first fight in the tournament took place in his hometown of [[Oakland, California]], against Ring Magazine #1 ranked and joint tournament favorite [[Mikkel Kessler]] (42–1, 32 KO) on November 21, 2009.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.thesweetscience.com/articles-of-2009/7446-andre-ward-vs-mikkel-kessler-on-saturday|title=Andre Ward Vs. Mikkel Kessler On Saturday – The Sweet Science|access-date=2017-09-22|language=en-US}}</ref> Kessler's [[World Boxing Association|WBA]] [[List of super middleweight boxing champions|super-middleweight championship]] was also at stake. Ward defeated Kessler to via technical decision in round 11 to win his first world title. Kessler was the strong favorite going into Showtime's Super Six tournament. In a career-defining performance, undefeated hometown favorite Ward put the U.S. on the board in the Super Six and captured the WBA super middleweight title with a dominant 11 round technical decision over Denmark's Kessler in their Group Stage 1 bout.<ref>{{cite journal | title = Ward defeats Kessler | journal = MyBoxingFans | date = 2009-11-29 | first = Edgar | last = Gonzalez | url = http://www.myboxingfans.com/2009/11/ward-defeats-kessler/ | access-date = 2011-04-26 | archive-date = December 12, 2011 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111212031705/http://www.myboxingfans.com/2009/11/ward-defeats-kessler/ | url-status = dead }}</ref> The fight was stopped in round 11 due to cuts on Kessler's face caused by what was deemed unintentional headbutts by Ward. The fight went to the scorecards and Ward was far ahead by scores of 98–92, 98–92, and 97–93 at the time of the stoppage.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/295134-mikkel-kessler-vs-andre-ward-round-by-round|title=Mikkel Kessler vs. Andre Ward: Round By Round|last=Tylwalk|first=Nick|newspaper=Bleacher Report|access-date=2017-02-07|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.boxinginsider.com/headlines/andre-ward-vs-mikkel-kessler-report/|title=Andre Ward vs Mikkel Kessler Report – BoxingInsider.com|date=2009-11-22|newspaper=BoxingInsider.com|access-date=2017-02-07|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/sports/boxing/columns/story?id=4680599&columnist=rafael_dan|title=Ward emerges as man to beat in Super Six|date=2009-11-23|website=ESPN.com|access-date=2017-02-07}}</ref> =====Ward vs. Green===== In January 2010 [[Jermain Taylor]] announced his exit from Showtime's Super Six World Boxing Classic tournament.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://en.espn.co.uk/more/sport/story/1843.html|title=Jermain Taylor withdraws from Super Six|work=ESPN.co.uk|access-date=2017-09-22|language=en-GB}}</ref> [[The Ring (magazine)|''The Ring'']] Top 10 ranked [[super-middleweight]] [[Allan Green]] (25–1, 18 KOs) was selected as his replacement and challenged Andre Ward on June 19.<ref>[http://www.tulsaworld.com/sportsextra/article.aspx?subjectid=29&articleid=20100124_29_0_Egtyas348248&allcom=1 Tulsa's Allan Green] [[Tulsa World]] accessed February 17, 2010</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/sports/boxing/news/story?id=4997508|title=Ailing Ward postpones title defense vs. Green|date=2010-03-15|website=ESPN.com|access-date=2017-07-05}}</ref> Ward, defending the WBA super middleweight title, outclassed an opponent who spent most of the fight with his back against the ropes. Ward defeated Green by unanimous decision on June 19, 2010. Though the 30-year-old gamely fought on, the knockout he needed to win never appeared remotely likely and he looked a spent man by the end as he picked up the second loss of his 31-fight pro career. Throughout the fight, Ward out landed Green by nearly 200 punches. All three judges scored the fight lop-sided 120–108 for Ward, who said post-fight of his win, "This means a lot to me. Couldn't get caught up in the first defense too much mentally. Now that it's over with, I'm ecstatic I was able to defend this belt one time. I feel like a real champion now." Ward stated his only regret was that he wasn't able to stop Green, who turned up to survive. Ward advanced to the semi-finals.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.badlefthook.com/2010/6/19/1526613/andre-ward-shuts-out-allan-green|title=Andre Ward shuts out Allan Green in Oakland|work=Bad Left Hook|access-date=2017-07-05}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/sports/boxing/news/story?id=5306920|title=Ward keeps WBA crown, gains Super Six semis|date=2010-06-20|website=ESPN.com|access-date=2017-09-22}}</ref> Ward was exempt from the final preliminary fight in the Super Six because he had already secured a number one position in the elimination rounds and his designated opponent ([[Andre Dirrell]]) had dropped out of the tournament. Dirrell's trainer and uncle Leon Lawson Jr., told ESPN that Dirrell had [[Neurology|neurological]] problems.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/sports/boxing/news/story?id=5659177|title=Dirrell out of Super Six as career in jeopardy|date=2010-10-07|website=ESPN.com|access-date=2017-09-22}}</ref> Instead, Ward successfully defended his WBA super middleweight title, unanimously outpointing another top 10 ranked super middleweight, [[Sakio Bika]] (28–4–2), in front of a sparse crowd at Oracle Arena on Saturday night.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.boxingscene.com/ward-vs-bika-basically-done-not-part-super-six--31817|title=Ward vs Bika 'Basically Done' – Not Part of The Super Six – Boxing News|website=www.boxingscene.com|date=October 14, 2010 |language=en-us|access-date=2017-09-22}}</ref> Fighting in front of his hometown crowd as part of a dual-site co-main event, Ward didn't land many big shots but repeatedly hit Bika with a stinging left jab that the challenger was unable to counter. Ward won all 12 rounds on one judges scorecard and was ahead 118–110 on the other two. Bika landed 201 of his 612 punches (33%), but Ward was more precise with his shots, landing 235 of 398 (59%). Ward later admitted it was his toughest fight to date, since he became professional.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.badlefthook.com/2010/11/27/1839710/fight-results-andre-ward-against-sakio-bika+&cd=4&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=uk|title=Andre Ward Overcomes Sakio Bika Test in Oakland|work=Bad Left Hook|access-date=2017-09-22}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|last=SouthpawSwagga|title=Andre Ward vs. Sakio Bika|date=2011-12-08|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1vPW7jVXLCo |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211222/1vPW7jVXLCo |archive-date=2021-12-22 |url-status=live|access-date=2017-09-22}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | title = Andre Ward defeats Sakio Bika | journal = ESPN | date = 2010-11-28 | first = Dan | last = Rafael | url = http://www.myboxingfans.com/2009/11/ward-defeats-kessler/ | access-date = 2011-04-26 | archive-date = December 12, 2011 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111212031705/http://www.myboxingfans.com/2009/11/ward-defeats-kessler/ | url-status = dead }}</ref> =====Ward vs. Abraham===== {{Main|Andre Ward vs. Arthur Abraham}} Ward's opponent at the semi-final stage was top 10 ranked super middleweight [[Arthur Abraham]] (32–2, 26 KOs). The fight took place on May 14, 2011, at the [[Home Depot Center]] in [[Carson, California]]. Abraham entered having lost two of his previous three bouts.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.boxinginsider.com/headlines/super-6-semi-finals-andre-ward-vs-arthor-abraham/|title=Super 6 Semi-finals, Andre Ward vs Arthor Abraham {{!}} BoxingInsider.com|date=2011-03-22|work=BoxingInsider.com|access-date=2017-09-22|language=en-US}}</ref> Ward started out slow with Abraham, trying to find a way to penetrate his tight defense. After a competitive first few rounds, Ward seized control of the fight, using his ring savvy and instincts to control Abraham. Although Abraham was somewhat passive at times, he gave an earnest effort and frequently threw combinations that were mostly blocked by Ward. Abraham hurt Ward a couple of times in the final round, but it wasn't enough to finish Ward, who had dominated the fight and won a lopsided unanimous decision. The three judges scored the bout 120–108, 118–110, and 118–111. ESPN had it 118–110 in favor of Ward. Abraham didn't believe he had lost the fight with such wide scores. Over 12 rounds, Ward threw 289 jabs. In total he landed 178 of 444 total punches thrown (40%).<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.badlefthook.com/2011/5/15/2171646/andre-ward-vs-arthur-abraham-results-super-six-showtime-boxing-ne|title=Andre Ward Takes Wide Decision Win Over Arthur Abraham|work=Bad Left Hook|access-date=2017-09-22}}</ref> In the post fight interviews, Abraham said through a translator, "I started well, and I thought I did good the first three rounds He didn't hit me, and I was blocking a lot of his shots. But then I tried for the knockout, and I couldn't do it. I cramped up, and I got too tense." Ward had to adjust his game plan as he was unable to fight on the inside. He said, "We're going to the final, baby. Arthur is strong, and he's a hard hitter, [but] we showed that we can win in a way other than our original game plan [...] "I wish the ref had let me fight on the inside, because that's what I had planned for. But we made adjustments and got the win."<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/sports/boxing/news/story?id=6551199|title=Ward dominates Abraham to reach Super 6 final|date=2011-05-15|website=ESPN.com|access-date=2017-09-22}}</ref> =====Ward vs. Froch===== {{Main|Andre Ward vs. Carl Froch}} Advancing to the final of the Super Six, Ward fought [[World Boxing Council|WBC]] super middleweight champion [[Carl Froch]] (28–1, 20 KOs) in front of 5,626 at [[Boardwalk Hall]] on December 17, 2011. Ward and Froch were rated #1 and #2 respectively by Ring magazine, and the vacant [[The Ring (magazine)|''Ring'' magazine]] super middleweight title was on the line, as well as Froch and Ward's super middleweight titles.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ringtv.craveonline.com/news/167635-ring-ratings-update-froch-advances-to-no-2-super-middleweight|title=Froch advances to No 2 super-middleweight|work=Ring TV |date=June 8, 2011 |publisher=ringtv.craveonline.com|access-date=2011-07-08}}</ref> Ward won the [[Super Six World Boxing Classic]] tournament via unanimous decision . Over the first seven rounds, Ward outboxed Froch, successfully using his jab to neutralize Froch and beating Froch to the punch from a distance and at close range. In the later rounds, Ward seemed to take his foot off the gas, leaving Froch to win a couple rounds near the end of the fight, though they were close and fairly competitive rounds. An MRI later revealed that Ward injured his lead left hand on which he relied for landing hooks to Froch's head. The hand was broken in two places. Ward noted extreme pain in the sixth round of the fight as well as one week prior, though the initial X-ray came back clear.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/id/7384318/andre-ward-had-broken-hand-win-carl-froch|title=Ward had broken hand in victory over Froch|date=December 23, 2011 }}</ref> The judges scorecards were 115–113, 115–113, and 118–110 all in favor of Ward. CompuBox statistics showed that Ward landed 243 of 573 punches thrown (42%), whilst Froch landed 156 of 683 punches (23%). After the bout, Ward gave a victory speech, "I can't believe it, I can't believe it -- it's not so unbelievable that we never thought we were going to win, but now that it's happened, it is unbelievable. We told you this is what we wanted to do. We wanted to fight on the inside and on the outside, and we pulled it off tonight. We were able to beat him to the punch, and that's what won us the fight." Froch also praised Ward in winning the tournament, "Fair credit to Andre Ward. He's very good defensively. I lost the fight, fair and square. It was quite hard to hit him. The name of the game is to not get hit, and he did that well."<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.espn.co.uk/boxing/story/_/id/7364173/andre-ward-outfoxes-carl-froch-super-six-final|title=Andre Ward outfoxes Carl Froch|publisher=ESPN|access-date=2017-05-29}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/boxing/16234673|title=Carl Froch outclassed by dazzling Andre Ward|date=2011-12-18|work=BBC Sport|access-date=2017-09-22|language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2011/dec/18/andre-ward-carl-froch-wins-supersix|title=Andre Ward beats Carl Froch into a distant second place {{!}} Kevin Mitchell|last=Mitchell|first=Kevin|date=2011-12-18|work=The Guardian|access-date=2017-09-22|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077}}</ref> Ward won the vacant ''Ring'' with his Super Six World Boxing Classic win against Froch, despite some independent sources rating then-undefeated IBF champion [[Lucian Bute]] at number one or two at the time. The fight peaked at 580,000 viewers on Showtime.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/boxing-experts-blog/andre-ward-draws-1-3-million-viewers-tko-223459651--box.html|title=Andre Ward draws 1.3 million viewers to HBO for his TKO of Chad Dawson|access-date=2017-05-29|language=en-US}}</ref> The [[World Boxing Council|World Boxing Council Board]] of Governors voted to make Ward "Champion in Recess" due to a broken hand Ward had sustained during the Super Six tournament.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.boxingscene.com/dirrell-sjekloca-wbc-title-ward-champion-recess--52210 |title=Dirrell-Sjekloca For WBC Title, Ward is Champion in Recess – Boxing News |date=April 26, 2012 |publisher=Boxingscene.com |access-date=2014-07-04}}</ref> ====Ward vs. Dawson==== Ward's next fight was announced on June 22, 2012, to take place at the Oracle Arena in Oakland, California on September 8, 2012, against WBC and ''The Ring'' [[light heavyweight]] champion [[Chad Dawson]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.boxingscene.com/chad-dawson-calls-out-andre-ward-sog-responds--52310|title=Chad Dawson Calls Out Andre Ward; "S.O.G." Responds – Boxing News|website=www.boxingscene.com|date=April 29, 2012 |language=en-us|access-date=2017-05-29}}</ref> The fight, billed as "Ward vs. Dawson – World Champions – Made In America<nowiki>''</nowiki> took place at 168 lbs for Ward's super middleweight titles. Dawson was coming off a big win against future Hall of Famer [[Bernard Hopkins]] in April. At the press conference, he said that it was his desire to drop down in weight and challenge Ward rather than fight lesser-known opponents at light heavyweight. Dawson started his career at super middleweight, but hadn't fought at the weight since February 2006.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.boxingscene.com/andre-ward-vs-chad-dawson-oracle-made-america--54221|title=Andre Ward vs Chad Dawson at Oracle: 'Made In America' – Boxing News|website=www.boxingscene.com|date=June 21, 2012 |language=en-us|access-date=2017-09-22}}</ref> The fight ended in round ten with a technical knockout victory for Ward when Dawson asked the referee for the fight to be ended with the words: "It's over. I'm finished. I'm done." In the first two rounds, Ward and Dawson felt each other out, with neither fighter having much success, though Dawson was able to land a few counter right hooks as Ward lunged inside. In the third round, Ward dropped Dawson with a left hook and dominated the round. Again in the fourth round, Ward was able to drop Dawson, in another dominating round. From fifth round until the end of the fight, Ward was able to neutralize Dawson's jab and work rate, seemingly out boxing and frustrating Dawson throughout. Then, in the tenth round, Ward dropped Dawson to a knee after a solid combination, which prompted referee Steve Smoger to stop the fight after Dawson could not continue. At the time of stoppage, Ward was ahead 90–79, 89–80, and 89–80 on all three judges' scorecards. For the loss, Dawson earned $600,000, whilst Ward had a total $1,367,500 purse.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.espn.co.uk/boxing/story/_/id/8356811/andre-ward-cuts-chad-dawson-size|title=Ward cuts Dawson down to size|publisher=ESPN|access-date=2017-05-29}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.badlefthook.com/2012/9/8/3304479/ward-vs-dawson-results-andre-ward-dominates-stops-chad-dawson-tko-demarco-molina-hbo-boxing-news|title=Ward vs Dawson Results: Andre Ward Dominates, Stops Chad Dawson in Oakland|date=2012-09-08|website=Bad Left Hook|access-date=2017-05-29}}</ref> The fight was watched by an average 1.3 million viewers on HBO.<ref name=":0" /> In 2013, Dawson spoke out about the fight and said it was a "set-up by HBO and other people." He claimed that it was done to make him look "vulnerable and expose him with weight loss."<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.badlefthook.com/2013/6/6/4402144/chad-dawson-andre-ward-fight-was-a-set-up-by-hbo-and-others|title=Dawson: Ward loss was HBO set-up|date=2013-06-06|website=Bad Left Hook|access-date=2017-05-29}}</ref> ====Ward vs. Pavlik cancelled fight==== Ward was scheduled to defend his super middleweight titles against former unified middleweight champion [[Kelly Pavlik]] on January 26, 2013, at the [[Galen Center]] in Los Angeles. However, an injury sustained by Ward originally postponed the bout for 4 more weeks and the fight was expected to take place on February 23, 2013. The injury was more severe than originally thought and led to the cancellation of the fight as well as the subsequent retirement of Pavlik.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/id/8783129/andre-ward-kelly-pavlik-fight-canceled-ward-shoulder-surgery |title=Andre Ward-Kelly Pavlik fight to be canceled, Ward to have shoulder surgery – ESPN |publisher=Espn.go.com |date=2012-12-27 |access-date=2014-07-04}}</ref> On March 23, 2013, the [[World Boxing Council|WBC]] stripped Ward of the [[World Boxing Council|WBC]] [[super middleweight|super-middleweight]] title belt for being inactive for a long period of time, and for failing to face a [[mandatory challenger]]. They granted him champion emeritus status. Ward claimed a shoulder injury that required surgery was the reason for his inactivity, but the [[World Boxing Council|WBC]] claimed that Ward had not provided any medical evidence or even given them a rough availability date.<ref>{{cite news|last=.com|first=Fightingnews|title=WBC Statement on Andre Ward|url=http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/wbc-statement-on-andre-ward-199960|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130608115219/http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/wbc-statement-on-andre-ward-199960|archive-date=June 8, 2013|df=mdy-all}}</ref> On May 20, Ward relinquished the champion emeritus title, stating that he did not believe the WBC had the right to strip him of the world title because he was willing and able to defend it within the period specified by the WBC's rules.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1645997-andre-ward-decides-to-relinquish-wbc-super-middleweight-emeritus-title|title=Andre Ward Decides to Relinquish WBC Super Middleweight Emeritus Title|last=Langford|first=Richard|work=Bleacher Report|access-date=2017-05-29|language=en-US}}</ref> Ward was praised for standing up to the WBC.<ref>{{cite web | last =Iole | first =Kevin | title =Andre Ward tells the WBC to get lost, and hopefully he is the first of many | url = https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/boxing/andre-ward-tells-wbc-lost-hopefully-first-many-182452657.html | publisher =Yahoo! | date = 21 May 2013 | access-date = 22 May 2013 }}</ref> ====Ward vs. Rodríguez==== {{Main|Andre Ward vs. Edwin Rodríguez}} Ward spent most of 2013 recovering from injuries, and feuding with promoter Dan Goossen, over the inclusion of a co-manager in Ward's promotional contract. The case has been to court or arbitration on 3 separate occasions. Each time, Goossen was deemed in the right. Ward defended his WBA and Ring titles against unbeaten [[Edwin Rodríguez (boxer)|Edwin Rodríguez]] in Ontario, California in November 2013 with a wide unanimous decision.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.espn.co.uk/boxing/story/_/id/9698705/andre-ward-return-action-fight-vs-edwin-rodriguez|title=Ward to return to action with fight vs. Rodriguez|publisher=ESPN|access-date=2017-05-29}}</ref> The fight started with rough tactics until Jack Reiss made an unprecedented move, penalizing both fighters two points each and warning them that he would end the fight if it did not clean up. Ward went on to dominate the rest of the fight. The three judges scored the fight 118–106, 117–107, and 116–108 all in favor of Ward.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.badlefthook.com/2013/11/16/5113178/ward-vs-rodriguez-results-andre-ward-dominates-again-in-physical|title=Ward dominates Rodriguez over 12|date=2013-11-16|website=Bad Left Hook|access-date=2017-05-29}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/boxing/2013/11/16/andre-ward-defeats-edwin-rodriguez-in-decision/3614453/|title=Ward dominates Rodriguez with unanimous decision|work=USA TODAY|access-date=2017-05-29|language=en}}</ref> Ward spent all of 2014 inactive, still feuding with Goossen.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.ringtv.com/337561-andre-ward-speaks-out-on-dan-goossen-lawsuit/|title=Andre Ward speaks out on Dan Goossen, lawsuit – The Ring|date=2014-05-07|work=The Ring|access-date=2017-05-29|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.espn.co.uk/boxing/story/_/id/11387735/judge-dismisses-andre-ward-latest-attempt-break-contract-promoter-dan-goossen|title=Ward's case against Goossen dismissed|publisher=ESPN|access-date=2017-05-29}}</ref> Dan Goossen died of complications from liver cancer in September 2014, leaving the future of Andre Ward's boxing career even further in doubt.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.mercurynews.com/2014/09/29/boxer-andre-wards-longtime-promoter-dan-goossen-dies/|title=Boxer Andre Ward's longtime promoter Dan Goossen dies – The Mercury News|date=September 29, 2014 |access-date=2017-05-29}}</ref> On February 19, 2015 [[The Ring (magazine)|''The Ring'']] stripped Ward of the Ring champion belt due to him not having defended his title against a top #5 contender in the last two years.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.ringtv.com/381519-ring-ratings-update-andre-ward-stripped-of-title-dropped-from-ratings/|title=Ring Ratings Update: Andre Ward stripped of title, dropped from ratings – The Ring|date=2015-02-19|work=The Ring|access-date=2017-05-29|language=en-US}}</ref> ====Ward vs. Smith==== In April 2015 Ward announced that he would make a ring return after a 19 month long lay off. Ward signed with [[Jay-Z|Jay Z]]'s [[Roc Nation Sports]] in January 2015 and this was announced to be the first event under the Roc Nation banner. It was later confirmed that he would fight on June 20, against British [[Paul Smith (boxer)|Paul Smith]] (35–5, 20 KOs) at the Oracle Arena in California at a 172 lbs catchweight fight. The fight was to take place on [[BET]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.boxinginsider.com/headlines/press-release-bet-to-air-andre-ward-vs-paul-smith-plus-9-throne-boxing-events-with-roc-nation/|title=Press Release: BET To Air Andre Ward vs Paul Smith, Plus 9 "Throne boxing" events with Roc Nation {{!}} BoxingInsider.com|date=2015-04-23|work=BoxingInsider.com|access-date=2017-09-10|language=en-US}}</ref> Roc Nation did reach out to HBO, where Ward had worked as an analyst previously, but upon hearing his opponent, they passed on the opportunity to showcase Ward's long-awaited return.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.espn.co.uk/boxing/story/_/id/12745645/super-middleweight-champion-andre-ward-face-paul-smith-19-month-layoff|title=Ward to face England's Smith in June 20 return|publisher=ESPN|access-date=2017-09-10}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/boxing/32431253|title=Andre Ward: Undefeated champion to fight Paul Smith|work=BBC Sport|access-date=2017-09-10|language=en-gb}}</ref> Ward won via TKO in the 9th round. Ward was winning every round at the time of stoppage 80–72 on all three judges' scorecards.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.badlefthook.com/2015/6/21/8819669/ward-vs-smith-results-andre-ward-returns-with-one-sided-stoppage-win|title=Ward returns with easy win over Smith|last=Christ|first=Scott|date=2015-06-21|website=Bad Left Hook|access-date=2017-02-07}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/boxing/33214692|title=Andre Ward beats Paul Smith in comeback fight in Oakland|date=2015-06-21|newspaper=BBC Sport|access-date=2017-02-07|language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.espn.co.uk/boxing/story/_/id/13122989/andre-ward-scores-ninth-round-knockout-paul-smith-return-layoff|title=Ward TKO's Smith in return from 19-month break|newspaper=ESPN.com|access-date=2017-02-07}}</ref> Smith missed weight, coming in at 176.4 lbs and was fined 20% ($45,000) of his $225,000 purse by the [[California State Athletic Commission]], half of which went to Ward and half to the commission.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.espn.com/blog/dan-rafael/post/_/id/13182/paul-smith-blows-weight-for-second-time-for-ward-fight|title=Paul Smith blows weight for second time for Ward fight|newspaper=ESPN.com|access-date=2017-02-07}}</ref> Despite being available in over 90 million homes, the fight averaged 323,000 viewers on BET.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://itrboxing.com/2015/06/24/ward-vs-smith-nets-low-ratings-of-323k-in-viewership/|title=Ward vs. Smith nets low ratings of 323k in viewership|date=2015-06-24|website=Inside the Ropes Boxing – Your #1 source for boxing news.|access-date=2017-09-10}}</ref> On November 12, 2015, in advance of his upcoming move up to the [[light heavyweight]] division, Ward vacated his WBA super middleweight title. Ward originally claimed the belt in November 2009 with a victory over long-time champion [[Mikkel Kessler]] in his opening fight of the Super Six tournament.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.espn.co.uk/boxing/story/_/id/14114743/andre-ward-vacates-super-middleweight-title|title=Ward vacates belt, eyes moving up weight class|publisher=ESPN|access-date=2017-09-10}}</ref> ===Light heavyweight=== ====Ward vs. Barrera==== Boxing Scene reported In January 2016, Ward's light heavyweight debut was set against Cuban boxer [[Sullivan Barrera]] (17–0, 12 KOs) at the [[Oracle Arena]]. on March 26, 2016, on HBO.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.badlefthook.com/2016/2/10/10958274/andre-ward-vs-sullivan-barrera-finally-official-for-march-26-on-hbo|title=Ward-Barrera official for 3/26 on HBO|last=Christ|first=Scott|date=2016-02-10|website=Bad Left Hook|access-date=2017-06-12}}</ref> Barrera was risking his IBF mandatory position in this fight. Barrera became the mandatory to Kovalev's IBF title when he stopped German [[Karo Murat]] in December 2015.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.boxingscene.com/andre-ward-sullivan-barrera-being-finalized-march-26--100122|title=Andre Ward-Sullivan Barrera Being Finalized For March 26|work=BoxingScene.com|access-date=2017-12-12|language=en-us}}</ref> According to Ward, he wasn't moving up in weight for the money, but rather daring to be great.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.boxingscene.com/andre-ward-im-daring-great-by-moving-up-175--102704|title=Andre Ward: I'm Daring To Be Great By Moving Up To 175|work=BoxingScene.com|access-date=2017-12-12|language=en-us}}</ref> 8,532 fans packed the arena on fight night. En route to a wide unanimous decision victory, Ward dropped Barrera to the canvas in the third round as he turned a left hook while on the ropes. Barrera was also dropped in the eighth round from a body shot, but referee Raul Caiz Sr. saw it as a low blow and as a result deducted a point from Ward. Ward dictated the pace for the vast majority of the bout, showcasing good strength and ring generalship against Barrera. The three judges scored the fight 117–109, 119–109, and 117–108. Ward landed 166 from 463 thrown (36%) whilst Barrera landed 111 of 722 punches thrown (15%). When asked about the potential mega fight against Kovalev, Ward said, "It's never a problem. You look at my track record. I want to fight the best. I've always fought the best. Sergey Kovalev, he's a great champion." For the fight, Ward earned $1.85 million and Barrera earned a $450,000 purse.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.badlefthook.com/2016/3/26/11304864/ward-vs-barrera-live-streaming-results-and-round-by-round-coverage|title=Ward-Barrera: Live RBR Coverage|last=Christ|first=Scott|date=2016-03-26|website=Bad Left Hook|access-date=2017-02-07}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.espn.co.uk/boxing/story/_/id/15076172/andre-ward-defeats-sullivan-barrera-unanimous-decision-light-heavyweight-title-elimination-fight|title=Ward routs Barrera in light heavyweight debut|publisher=ESPN|access-date=2017-06-12}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.boxingscene.com/andre-ward-drops-dominates-sullivan-barrera-175-debut--102810|title=Andre Ward Drops, Dominates Sullivan Barrera in 175 Debut – Boxing News|website=www.boxingscene.com|date=March 26, 2016 |language=en-us|access-date=2017-09-22}}</ref> The fight averaged 1.064 million viewers and peaked at 1.152 million viewers.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.boxingnews24.com/2016/03/ward-barrera-averages-1-064m-viewers-hbo/|title=Ward-Barrera averages 1.064M viewers on HBO » Boxing News|date=2016-03-29|work=Boxing News 24|access-date=2017-06-12|language=en-US}}</ref> ====Ward vs. Brand==== On June 28, 2016, Roc Nation Sport confirmed that Ward would fight once more before his mega fight with Kovalev on July 30 against 39 year old Colombian boxer [[Alexander Brand]] (25–1, 19 KOs). The fight was to take place in Oakland, California at the Oracle Center. This was the eighth and final time Ward fought in his hometown. Brand entered the fight as a 100-1 underdog.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.boxingscene.com/andre-ward-vs-alexander-brand-officially-revealed-by-roc-nation--106168|title=Andre Ward vs. Alexander Brand Officially Revealed By Roc Nation – Boxing News|website=www.boxingscene.com|date=June 28, 2016 |language=en-us|access-date=2017-06-12}}</ref> In front of 8,653 hometown fans, Ward unanimously outpointed Brand to claim the vacant WBO International light heavyweight title. All three judges had the fight 120–108 for Ward. Brand, who looked as though he came to survive 12 rounds, didn't initiate any action, which ultimately led him to lose all the rounds on the three scorecards. Ward looked slow in the victory, not looking like the same fighter he was in 2011. Ward dictated the fight however with a strong jab. This showed in round 7 when Brand's right eye suddenly started to swollen up.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.latimes.com/sports/boxing/la-sp-boxing-ward-brand-20160806-snap-story.html|title=Ward takes WBO Intercontinental light-heavyweight title from Brand in decision|last=Times|first=Los Angeles|website=[[Los Angeles Times]]|date=August 7, 2016 |access-date=2016-08-07}}</ref> Ward spoke to HBO in the post fight interview about fighting Kovalev next saying: "I'm excited, I'm looking forward to it. I'll see you in November." This was Ward's third fight in eight months, after only fighting three times from 2012 to 2015.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.skysports.com/boxing/news/12183/10526523/andre-ward-outpoints-alexander-brand-in-california-stroll|title=Andre Ward outpoints Alexander Brand in California stroll|date=August 6, 2016|website=Sky Sports|access-date=August 7, 2016}}</ref> Ward landed 190 of 490 punches thrown (39%), and Brand landed 45 of 285 (16%). Ward earned a purse of $850,000 compared to the small amount of $30,000 earned by Brand.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.espn.co.uk/boxing/story/_/id/17236127/andre-ward-defeats-alexander-brand-unanimous-decision-tuneup-sergey-kovalev|title=Ward routs Brand, setting up Kovalev showdown|publisher=ESPN|access-date=2017-06-12}}</ref> The fight averaged on 742,000 viewers on HBO. The dip could have been due to 21 million tuning in to the Olympics on NBC.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.boxingscene.com/andre-ward-vs-alexander-brand-averages-742k-viewers-on-hbo--107545|title=Andre Ward vs. Alexander Brand Averages 742k Viewers on HBO – Boxing News|website=www.boxingscene.com|date=August 9, 2016 |language=en-us|access-date=2017-06-12}}</ref> ====Ward vs. Kovalev==== {{Main|Sergey Kovalev vs. Andre Ward}} Ward fought the unified [[International Boxing Federation|IBF]], [[WBA (Super)]] and [[World Boxing Organization|WBO]] light heavyweight champion [[Sergey Kovalev]] at the [[T-Mobile Arena]] on November 19, 2016. The fight was announced in June, with a rematch clause, and both fighters retained their undefeated records through interim bouts. This event marked Ward's first time fighting in [[Las Vegas, Nevada]].<ref name="espn.co.uk">{{Cite web|url=http://www.espn.co.uk/boxing/story/_/id/16269873/sergey-kovalev-andre-ward-bout-take-place-nov-19-t-mobile-arena-las-vegas|title=Kovalev-Ward to take place Nov. 19 in Las Vegas|website=ESPN.com|date=June 17, 2016 |access-date=2016-06-18}}</ref> After being knocked down in the second round, he won a controversial decision with all three judges scoring the fight 114–113 in favor of Ward. Ward reiterated how the events of the evening unfolded, "I got off the canvas against the hardest puncher in the division and smiled. I took the fight to him and closed the show."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://nypost.com/2016/11/20/ward-kovalev-was-no-robbery-and-everything-boxing-needed/|title=Ward-Kovalev was no robbery and everything boxing needed|last=Willis|first=George|date=2016-11-20|website=New York Post|access-date=2017-02-27}}</ref> Ward received Kovalev's [[list of WBA world champions#Light heavyweight|WBA (Super)]], [[list of IBF world champions#Light heavyweight|IBF]], and [[list of WBO world champions#Light heavyweight|WBO]] light heavyweight titles and became a two-division world champion.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2016/nov/20/andre-ward-sergey-kovalev-decision-title-fight-boxing|title=The Kovalev-Ward decision was about boxing's fine margins, not corruption|last=Graham|first=Bryan Armen|date=2016-11-20|work=The Guardian|access-date=2017-02-27|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077}}</ref> Boxing experts have claimed that the judging was unfair. "It was a classic hometown decision. Kovalev won the fight", [[Larry Merchant]] stated after the fight.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/nov/20/andre-ward-sergey-kovalev-boxing-points-decision-title-fight|title=Andre Ward scores controversial points victory over Sergey Kovalev|last=Graham|first=Bryan Armen|date=2016-11-20|work=The Guardian|access-date=2017-02-27|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/joshkatzowitz/2016/11/19/andre-ward-sergey-kovalev-live-results-and-reaction/#15e8e08943ee|title=Andre Ward Beats Sergey Kovalev By The Slimmest Of Margins: Live Results And Reaction (VIDEO)|last=Katzowitz|first=Josh|work=Forbes|access-date=2017-02-27}}</ref> Kovalev's promoter, [[Kathy Duva]], said, "We got a great fight, which is what boxing needed. But we also got a bad decision, which is not what boxing needed."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2677133-andre-ward-and-sergey-kovalev-deliver-drama-controversy-and-an-instant-classic|title=Andre Ward and Sergey Kovalev Deliver Drama, Controversy and an Instant Classic|first=Jonathan |last=Snowden|website=[[Bleacher Report]] }}</ref> On the same token, many boxing fans have applauded the decision. [[Paulie Malignaggi]] noted the high degree of difficulty both fighters faced that night and doubted the prospect of a one-sided affair in the case of a rematch. Still, he concluded that Kovalev faded late in the fight.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.fighthype.com/news/article26956.html|title=[VIDEO] PAULIE MALIGNAGGI DETAILED ANALYSIS OF KNOCKDOWN AND ANDRE WARD'S VICTORY OVER KOVALEV {{!}}{{!}} FIGHTHYPE.COM|website=www.fighthype.com|access-date=2017-02-27}}</ref> Promoter [[Eddie Hearn]] added that Kovalev lacked a sense of urgency after the halfway point.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fighthype.com/videos/clip8684.html|title=FIGHTHYPE VIDEOS|website=www.fighthype.com}}</ref> [[Gennady Golovkin]]'s trainer, [[Abel Sanchez]], scored the fight 114–112 for Kovalev. For the fight, Kovalev received a minimum purse of $2 million and Ward's purse was a career-high $5 million.<ref name="purses">{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/id/18083695/sergey-kovalev-andre-ward-make-weight-ahead-light-heavyweight-showdown|title=Sergey Kovalev predicts knockout ahead of Andre Ward showdown|last1=Rafael|first1=Dan|website=espn.com|date=November 19, 2016 |publisher=ESPN|access-date=30 November 2016}}</ref> CompuBox stats showed that Kovalev landed more punches, 126 of 474 punches; Ward landed 116 out of 337 thrown .<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.insidehboboxing.com/inside/2016/11/20/ward-recovers-from-knockdown-to-score-close-win-over-kovalev|title=Ward Recovers from Knockdown to Score Close Win Over Kovalev|work=Inside HBO Boxing|access-date=2017-11-27|language=en-US|archive-date=September 27, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180927085829/http://www.insidehboboxing.com/inside/2016/11/20/ward-recovers-from-knockdown-to-score-close-win-over-kovalev|url-status=usurped}}</ref> The fight reported to have done 160,000 buys on [[HBO|HBO PPV]]. A replay was shown on HBO prior to the [[Vasyl Lomachenko|Lomachenko]]–[[Nicholas Walters|Walters]] title fight, which averaged 834,000 viewers. The event produced a live gate of $3.3 million from 10,066 tickets sold, including complimentary tickets, the full attendance was announced as 13,310. The venue was set up to hold 14,227.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://mmapayout.com/2016/11/ward-kovalev-draw-160k-ppv-buys/|title=Ward-Kovalev draw 160K PPV buys|date=November 29, 2016|website=MMA PAYOUT|access-date=December 1, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.boxingscene.com/lomachenko-walters-hbo-broadcast-averaged-761000-viewers--111270|title=Ward/Kovalev does just less than a million viewers on HBO replay|date=November 30, 2016|access-date=December 1, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.boxingscene.com/ward-kovalev-33-million-live-gate-from-10066-tickets-sold--111447|title=Ward-Kovalev produced live gate of $3.3m|date=December 7, 2016|website=Boxing Scene|access-date=December 7, 2016}}</ref> ====Ward vs. Kovalev II==== {{Main|Andre Ward vs. Sergey Kovalev II}} Kovalev's manager Egis Klimas announced that negotiations had begun for the rematch between Ward and Kovalev. Ward threatened to retire if he didn't get things "his way" for the rematch. According to the [[Nevada Athletic Commission|NSAC]], The T-Mobile Arena was put on hold for June 17, 2017, on HBO PPV.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.boxingscene.com/ward-vs-kovalev-rematch-talks-finally-underway-june-17--114031|title=Ward vs. Kovalev Rematch Talks Finally Underway – For June 17? – Boxing News|website=www.boxingscene.com|date=February 27, 2017 |language=en-us|access-date=2017-02-27}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.ringtv.com/486702-duva-roc-nation-start-talks-rematch-ward-kovalev-june-17/|title=Duva and Roc Nation start talks for rematch of Ward-Kovalev June 17 – The Ring|date=2017-02-27|work=The Ring|access-date=2017-03-01|language=en-US}}</ref> On March 24, 2017, Kovalev revealed via [[Social media|Social Media]] that he had signed his end of the deal. It was also noted that the rematch would take place at the [[Mandalay Bay]] in Paradise, Nevada on HBO PPV.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.ringtv.com/490601-sergey-kovalev-indicates-signed-deal-memo-ward-rematch/|title=Sergey Kovalev indicates he signed deal memo for Ward rematch – The Ring|date=2017-03-24|work=The Ring|access-date=2017-03-25|language=en-US}}</ref> On April 4, [[Roc Nation Sports]] and Main Events confirmed that terms were agreed for the rematch to take place on HBO PPV. The fight was billed as ''No Excuses''.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/id/19077276/sergey-kovalev-gets-rematch-light-heavyweight-titleholder-andre-ward|title=Andre Ward set to defend title vs. Sergey Kovalev in June – ESPN|work=ESPN|access-date=2017-04-16|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/news/984987-213640144.html|title=Andre Ward vs. Sergey Kovalev rematch set|work=Yahoo! Sports|access-date=2017-04-16|language=en-US}}</ref> Ward addressed the public by stating, "I'm going to keep it short and sweet. You got what you asked for -- now you have to see me on June 17. This time leave the excuses at home." The [[Las Vegas Sun]] confirmed the bout will take place at the Mandalay Bay Events Center.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.espn.co.uk/boxing/story/_/id/19077276/sergey-kovalev-gets-rematch-light-heavyweight-titleholder-andre-ward|title=Ward agrees to give Kovalev rematch in June|publisher=ESPN|access-date=2017-04-05}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2017/apr/04/andre-ward-sergey-kovalev-agree-to-rematch-june-17/|title=Andre Ward, Sergey Kovalev agree to rematch June 17 in Vegas|date=2017-04-04|work=LasVegasSun.com|access-date=2017-04-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170406110253/https://lasvegassun.com/news/2017/apr/04/andre-ward-sergey-kovalev-agree-to-rematch-june-17/|archive-date=April 6, 2017|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref> On April 10, Kathy Duva said that there would be no rematch clause in place for a third fight, meaning whoever would win, would not be obliged to fight another rematch.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.boxingscene.com/ward-vs-kovalev-ii-no-rematch-clause-third-fight--115487|title=Ward vs. Kovalev II: No Rematch Clause For Third Fight – Boxing News|website=www.boxingscene.com|date=April 10, 2017 |language=en-us|access-date=2017-04-11}}</ref> The fight purses were revealed before the fight with Ward taking a guaranteed $6.5 million and Kovalev, not having a base purse, would receive a percentage of PPV and gate revenue.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.boxingnewsandviews.com/2017/06/16/andre-ward-sergey-kovalev-purses-revealed/|title=Andre Ward, Sergey Kovalev purses revealed|date=2017-06-16|website=Boxing News and Views|access-date=2017-06-17}}</ref> In front of 10,592, the fight ended with controversy in the 8th round with a victory for Ward. A right hand from Ward had Kovalev in trouble, which was followed by several low blows.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Esco |first=Wil |date=2019-09-04 |title=Carl Froch: Andre Ward's style was borderline cheating, beat Sergey Kovalev with low blows |url=https://www.badlefthook.com/2019/9/4/20849080/carl-froch-andre-wards-style-was-borderline-cheating-beat-sergey-kovalev-with-low-blows |access-date=2023-09-06 |website=Bad Left Hook |language=en}}</ref> Tony Weeks stopped the fight, with Kovalev sitting on the middle rope, visibly hurt from the low blows he was subjected to.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-06-17 |title=Results: Ward Stops Kovalev After 3 Low Blows In Another Robbery - Boxing News |url=https://www.boxing247.com/boxing-news/results-ward-stops-kovalev-after-3-low-blows-in-another-robbery/77145 |access-date=2023-09-06 |website=www.boxing247.com |language=en-US}}</ref> At the time of stoppage, two judges had Ward ahead 67–66, whilst the third judge had it 68–65 in favor of Kovalev. CompuBox stats showed that Ward landed 80 of 238 punches (34%) whilst Kovalev landed more punches with 95 of his 407 thrown (23%).<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.boxingscene.com/andre-ward-stops-sergey-kovalev-eight-retain-belts--117657|title=Andre Ward Stops Sergey Kovalev in Eight To Retain Belts – Boxing News|website=www.boxingscene.com|date=June 17, 2017 |language=en-us|access-date=2017-06-20}}</ref> Ward praised Kovalev in the post-fight interview, "He's a good fighter, and I have nothing but respect for him. First time around, the man is world champion, and he's been on top a long time. I give him credit. He is a great fighter, and when you fight great fighters, you have to raise your game." Kovalev said the fight could have continued and pointed to low blows, "I couldn't believe it, I could win," he said."Only a low blow (hurt me)," he added, before watching video of the end of the fight and observing: "Low blow - and I felt this. Again, another one. The first one was on the border, and the second one a low blow."<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-06-18 |title=Andre Ward beats Sergey Kovalev but fight mired in controversy |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/boxing/andre-ward-beats-sergey-kovalev-rematch-low-blows-controversy-a7795646.html |access-date=2023-09-06 |website=The Independent |language=en}}</ref> According to [[Yahoo! Sports]], the fight only generated around 130,000 buys on HBO PPV.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.fightful.com/andre-ward-vs-sergey-kovalev-2-disappoints-greatly-ppv-buys|title=Andre Ward vs. Sergey Kovalev 2 Disappoints Greatly On PPV Buys|date=2017-07-01|work=Fightful.com|access-date=2017-07-03}}</ref> The replay was shown on regular HBO averaging 752,000 viewers and peaked at 947,000, which was during the final round.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.boxingscene.com/ward-kovalev-rematch-replay-peaked-947k-viewers-on-hbo--117984|title=Ward-Kovalev Rematch Replay Peaked at 947K Viewers on HBO – Boxing News|website=www.boxingscene.com|date=June 28, 2017 |language=en-us|access-date=2017-07-01}}</ref> The event produced a live gate of $2,187,340 from 6,366 tickets sold, including complimentary tickets, the full attendance was announced as 10,592. The venue was set up to hold 10,748.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.espn.co.uk/boxing/story/_/id/19845274/rematch-andre-ward-sergey-kovalev-underperforms|title=Ward-Kovalev rematch underperforms at gate|publisher=ESPN|access-date=2017-07-06}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.boxingscene.com/ward-kovalev-rematch-paid-attendance-only-6366--118214|title=Ward-Kovalev Rematch: Paid Attendance Was Only 6,366 – Boxing News|website=www.boxingscene.com|date=July 5, 2017 |language=en-us|access-date=2017-07-06}}</ref> On August 23, 2017, Ward announced that his contract with HBO had expired, making him a free agent. He confirmed that he was still under contract with Roc Nation Sports, but rumours indicated that he could sign with Top Rank. His appearance as an analyst for the [[Terence Crawford|Crawford]] vs. [[Julius Indongo|Indongo]] fight sparked further rumours.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/id/20422557/boxer-andre-ward-no-longer-contract-hbo|title=Andre Ward says contract with HBO is up|publisher=ESPN|access-date=2017-08-29}}</ref> ===Retirement=== On September 21, 2017, via his website, Ward announced his retirement from boxing at the age of 33. In a statement, he said, "I want to be clear – I am leaving because my body can no longer put up with the rigors of the sport and therefore my desire to fight is no longer there. If I cannot give my family, my team, and the fans everything that I have, then I should no longer be fighting."<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.espn.co.uk/boxing/story/_/id/20775014/pound-pound-king-world-titleholder-andre-ward-says-leaving-boxing|title=Ward 'leaving' boxing, says 'desire not there'|publisher=ESPN|access-date=2017-09-21}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/boxing/41353529|title=Andre Ward: American two-weight world champion retires from boxing|date=2017-09-21|work=BBC Sport|access-date=2017-09-21|language=en-GB}}</ref> Also in the statement read, "As I walk away from the sport of boxing today, I leave at the top of your glorious mountain, which was always my vision and my dream. I did it. We did it. From the bottom of my heart, thank you to everyone who has played a part in my journey. You know who you are. I could not have done this without you." Ward ended his career undefeated with 32 wins, 16 of which came inside the distance.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.skysports.com/boxing/news/12040/11046675/andre-ward-stuns-boxing-world-by-announcing-his-retirement|title=Andre Ward stuns boxing world by announcing his retirement|work=Sky Sports|access-date=2017-09-21|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.boxingtalk.com/pag/article.php?aid=33097|title=BOXINGTALK : ANDRE WARD ABRUPTLY RETIRES|website=www.boxingtalk.com|access-date=2017-09-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170921193902/http://www.boxingtalk.com/pag/article.php?aid=33097|archive-date=September 21, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> On December 15, 2020, Ward was announced as being inducted into the [[International Boxing Hall of Fame]] as part of the Class of 2021, his first year of eligibility.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ibhof.com/pages/inductionweekend/2021/21_announce.html | title=Class of 2021 Announced in Canastota! |publisher=IBHOF |access-date=2020-12-26}}</ref> ==Fighting style== His trainer, Virgil Hunter, says Ward harnesses his speed and ring intelligence to control distance and pace in fights while maintaining high punch accuracy and [[counterpunch (boxing)|counterpunching]] skills.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=wZom8virO8A |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211222/wZom8virO8A |archive-date=2021-12-22 |url-status=live|title=VIRGIL HUNTER MENTOR OL' G BOB EXPLAINS WHY ANDRE WARD IS THE MOST COMPLETE FIGHTER TODAY|last=FightHype.com|date=March 21, 2016|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref> A natural left-handed fighter who boxes in an [[orthodox stance]], Ward's best punches typically come from the lead left, including a sharp, piston-like [[jab]], which he shoots to the body as well as the head. An injury and eventual surgery to his right shoulder made Ward even more reliant on the left hand, causing him to [[switch hitter#Boxing|switch]] to [[Southpaw stance|southpaw]] on occasion to land his power punches. Connecting with his own punches, particularly the short [[hook (boxing)|left hook]] and uppercut, while [[clinch fighting|clinching]], weaving and smothering his opponent's punches is commonplace in Ward fights. He attributes his self-described "formless" style to years of studying [[Roy Jones Jr.]], [[Bernard Hopkins]], and [[Floyd Mayweather Jr.]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=3Rbq9Qtx0dM |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211222/3Rbq9Qtx0dM |archive-date=2021-12-22 |url-status=live|title=ANDRE WARD SAYS HE'S A COMBINATION OF ROY JONES, BERNARD HOPKINS, & FLOYD MAYWEATHER; EXPLAINS WHY|last=FightHype.com|date=August 7, 2016|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Ward also makes effective use of the jab to the body while out of punching range. In an article, which appeared at [[FoxSports.com]], boxing writer Zachary Alapi speculates that Ward is one of the best [[in-fighter]]s in boxing, being "merciless when it comes to wrestling in the clinch while simultaneously throwing punches to prevent a break, Ward is also willing to fight dirty if he has to."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.foxsports.com/boxing/story/kovalev-vs-ward-5-keys-to-victory-for-andre-ward-111716|title=Kovalev vs Ward: 5 keys to victory for Andre Ward|first=Zachary|last=Alapi|date=June 30, 2017|work=[[FoxSports.com]]}}</ref> ==Professional boxing record== {{BoxingRecordSummary |ko-wins=16 |dec-wins=15 |dq-wins=1 }} {|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" |- !{{abbr|No.|Number}} !Result !Record !Opponent !Type !Round, time !Date !Location !Notes |- |32 |{{yes2}}Win |32–0 |style="text-align:left;"|[[Sergey Kovalev]] |TKO |8 (12), {{small|2:29}} |[[Andre Ward vs. Sergey Kovalev II|Jun 17, 2017]] |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|[[Mandalay Bay Events Center]], Paradise, Nevada, U.S.}} |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Retained WBA (Super), IBF, and WBO light heavyweight titles;<br>Won vacant [[list of The Ring world champions#Light heavyweight|''The Ring'' light heavyweight title]]}} |- |31 |{{yes2}}Win |31–0 |style="text-align:left;"|[[Sergey Kovalev]] |UD |12 |[[Sergey Kovalev vs. Andre Ward|Nov 19, 2016]] |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|[[T-Mobile Arena]], [[Paradise, Nevada]], U.S.}} |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Won [[list of WBA world champions#Light heavyweight|WBA (Super)]], [[list of IBF world champions#Light heavyweight|IBF]], and [[list of WBO world champions#Light heavyweight|WBO light heavyweight titles]]}} |- |30 |{{yes2}}Win |30–0 |style="text-align:left;"|[[Alexander Brand]] |UD |12 |Aug 6, 2016 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Oracle Arena, Oakland, California, U.S.}} |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Won vacant WBO International [[light heavyweight]] title}} |- |29 |{{yes2}}Win |29–0 |style="text-align:left;"|[[Sullivan Barrera]] |UD |12 |Mar 26, 2016 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Oracle Arena, Oakland, California, U.S.}} | |- |28 |{{yes2}}Win |28–0 |style="text-align:left;"|[[Paul Smith (boxer)|Paul Smith]] |TKO |9 (12), {{small|1:45}} |Jun 20, 2015 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Oracle Arena, Oakland, California, U.S.}} | |- |27 |{{yes2}}Win |27–0 |style="text-align:left;"|[[Edwin Rodríguez (boxer)|Edwin Rodríguez]] |UD |12 |[[Andre Ward vs. Edwin Rodríguez|Nov 16, 2013]] |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|[[Citizens Business Bank Arena]], [[Ontario, California]], U.S.}} |align=left|{{small|Retained WBA (Super) and ''The Ring'' super middleweight titles}} |- |26 |{{yes2}}Win |26–0 |style="text-align:left;"|[[Chad Dawson]] |TKO |10 (12), {{small|2:45}} |Sep 8, 2012 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Oracle Arena, Oakland, California, U.S.}} |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Retained WBA (Super), WBC, and ''The Ring'' super middleweight titles}} |- |25 |{{yes2}}Win |25–0 |style="text-align:left;"|[[Carl Froch]] |UD |12 |[[Andre Ward vs. Carl Froch|Dec 17, 2011]] |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|[[Boardwalk Hall]], [[Atlantic City, New Jersey]], U.S.}} |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Retained WBA (Super) super middleweight title;<br>Won [[list of WBC world champions#Super middleweight|WBC]] and vacant [[list of The Ring world champions#Super middleweight|''The Ring'' super middleweight titles]];<br>[[Super Six World Boxing Classic#Final|Super Six World Boxing Classic: final]]}} |- |24 |{{yes2}}Win |24–0 |style="text-align:left;"|[[Arthur Abraham]] |UD |12 |[[Andre Ward vs. Arthur Abraham|May 14, 2011]] |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Home Depot Center, Carson, California, U.S.}} |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Retained WBA (Super) super middleweight title;<br>[[Super Six World Boxing Classic#Semi-final|Super Six World Boxing Classic: semi-final]]}} |- |23 |{{yes2}}Win |23–0 |style="text-align:left;"|[[Sakio Bika]] |UD |12 |Nov 27, 2010 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Oracle Arena, Oakland, California, U.S.}} |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Retained WBA (Super) super middleweight title}} |- |22 |{{yes2}}Win |22–0 |style="text-align:left;"|[[Allan Green]] |UD |12 |Jun 19, 2010 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Oracle Arena, Oakland, California, U.S.}} |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Retained WBA (Super) super middleweight title;<br>[[Super Six World Boxing Classic#Group stage 2|Super Six World Boxing Classic: group stage 2]]}} |- |21 |{{yes2}}Win |21–0 |style="text-align:left;"|[[Mikkel Kessler]] |{{abbr|TD|Technical decision}} |11 (12), {{small|1:42}} |[[Mikkel Kessler vs. Andre Ward|Nov 21, 2009]] |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Oracle Arena, Oakland, California, U.S.}} |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Won [[list of WBA world champions#Super middleweight|WBA (Super) super middleweight title]];<br>[[Super Six World Boxing Classic#Group stage 1|Super Six World Boxing Classic: group stage 1]];<br>Unanimous TD: Kessler cut from accidental head clashes}} |- |20 |{{yes2}}Win |20–0 |style="text-align:left;"|Shelby Pudwill |TKO |3 (10), {{small|2:16}} |Sep 12, 2009 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Pechanga Resort & Casino, Temecula, California, U.S.}} | |- |19 |{{yes2}}Win |19–0 |style="text-align:left;"|[[Edison Miranda]] |UD |12 |May 16, 2009 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|[[Oracle Arena]], [[Oakland, California]], U.S.}} |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Retained NABF and WBO–NABO super middleweight titles}} |- |18 |{{yes2}}Win |18–0 |style="text-align:left;"|[[Henry Buchanan]] |UD |12 |Feb 6, 2009 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Tachi Palace Hotel & Casino, Lemoore, California, U.S.}} |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Won WBO–NABO super middleweight title;<br>Won vacant [[list of NABF champions#Super middleweight|NABF super middleweight title]]}} |- |17 |{{yes2}}Win |17–0 |style="text-align:left;"|Esteban Camou |TKO |3 (10), {{small|2:46}} |Dec 13, 2008 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|[[Morongo Casino Resort & Spa]], [[Cabazon, California]], U.S.}} | |- |16 |{{yes2}}Win |16–0 |style="text-align:left;"|[[Jerson Ravelo]] |TKO |8 (12), {{small|2:37}} |Jun 20, 2008 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Royal Watler Cruise Terminal, [[George Town, Cayman Islands|George Town]], Cayman Islands}} |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Won vacant [[World Boxing Organization|WBO]]–[[North American Boxing Organization|NABO]] [[super middleweight]] title}} |- |15 |{{yes2}}Win |15–0 |style="text-align:left;"|[[Rubin Williams (boxer)|Rubin Williams]] |TKO |7 (10), {{small|2:51}} |Mar 20, 2008 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|HP Pavilion, San Jose, California, U.S.}} | |- |14 |{{yes2}}Win |14–0 |style="text-align:left;"|Roger Cantrell |TKO |5 (10), {{small|1:56}} |Nov 16, 2007 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|[[Beausejour Stadium]], [[Gros Islet]], Saint Lucia}} | |- |13 |{{yes2}}Win |13–0 |style="text-align:left;"|Francisco Diaz |TKO |3 (8), {{small|2:59}} |Jul 14, 2007 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|[[Home Depot Center]], [[Carson, California]], U.S.}} | |- |12 |{{yes2}}Win |12–0 |style="text-align:left;"|[[Dhafir Smith]] |TKO |6 (8), {{small|2:47}} |May 17, 2007 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Tachi Palace Hotel & Casino, Lemoore, California, U.S.}} | |- |11 |{{yes2}}Win |11–0 |style="text-align:left;"|Julio Jean |TKO |3 (8), {{small|2:04}} |Mar 29, 2007 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|HP Pavilion, San Jose, California, U.S.}} | |- |10 |{{yes2}}Win |10–0 |style="text-align:left;"|Derrick Findley |UD |6 |Nov 16, 2006 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|HP Pavilion, San Jose, California, U.S.}} | |- |9 |{{yes2}}Win |9–0 |style="text-align:left;"|[[Andy Kolle]] |RTD |6 (8), {{small|3:00}} |Apr 29, 2006 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|[[Foxwoods Resort Casino]], [[Ledyard, Connecticut]], U.S.}} | |- |8 |{{yes2}}Win |8–0 |style="text-align:left;"|Kendall Gould |UD |6 |Feb 23, 2006 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|[[Tachi Palace Hotel & Casino]], Lemoore, California, U.S.}} | |- |7 |{{yes2}}Win |7–0 |style="text-align:left;"|[[Darnell Boone]] |UD |6 |[[Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Sharmba Mitchell|Nov 19, 2005]] |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|[[Rose Garden (Portland)|Rose Garden]], [[Portland, Oregon]], U.S.}} | |- |6 |{{yes2}}Win |6–0 |style="text-align:left;"|Glenn LaPlante |{{abbr|KO|Knockout}} |1 (6), {{small|2:59}} |[[Antonio Tarver vs. Roy Jones Jr. III|Oct 1, 2005]] |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|[[St. Pete Times Forum]], [[Tampa, Florida]], U.S.}} | |- |5 |{{yes2}}Win |5–0 |style="text-align:left;"|Christopher Holt |{{abbr|RTD|Corner retirement}} |3 (6), {{small|3:00}} |Aug 18, 2005 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|[[HP Pavilion at San Jose|HP Pavilion]], [[San Jose, California]], U.S.}} | |- |4 |{{yes2}}Win |4–0 |style="text-align:left;"|Ben Aragon |TKO |3 (6), {{small|0:59}} |Jun 18, 2005 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|[[FedExForum]], [[Memphis, Tennessee]], U.S.}} | |- |3 |{{yes2}}Win |3–0 |style="text-align:left;"|Roy Ashworth |{{abbr|DQ|Disqualification}} |3 (6), {{small|2:56}} |Apr 7, 2005 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|[[Pechanga Resort & Casino]], [[Temecula, California]], U.S.}} |style="text-align:left;"|{{Small|Ashworth disqualified for hitting on the break}} |- |2 |{{yes2}}Win |2–0 |style="text-align:left;"|Kenny Kost |{{abbr|UD|Unanimous decision}} |6 |Feb 10, 2005 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|[[Palace Indian Gaming Center]], [[Lemoore, California]], U.S.}} | |- |1 |{{yes2}}Win |1–0 |style="text-align:left;"|Chris Molina |{{abbr|TKO|Technical knockout}} |2 (4), {{small|0:40}} |Dec 18, 2004 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|[[Staples Center]], [[Los Angeles, California]], U.S.}} | |} ==Titles in boxing== ===Major world titles=== * [[list of WBA world champions#Super middleweight|WBA (Super) super middleweight champion]] (168 lbs) * [[list of WBC world champions#Super middleweight|WBC super middleweight champion]] (168 lbs) * [[list of WBA world champions#Light heavyweight|WBA (Super) light heavyweight champion]] (175 lbs) * [[list of IBF world champions#Light heavyweight|IBF light heavyweight champion]] (175 lbs) * [[list of WBO world champions#Light heavyweight|WBO light heavyweight champion]] (175 lbs) ===''The Ring'' magazine titles=== * [[list of The Ring world champions#Super middleweight|''The Ring'' super middleweight champion]] (168 lbs) * [[list of The Ring world champions#Light heavyweight|''The Ring'' light heavyweight champion]] (175 lbs) ===Regional/International titles=== * [[World Boxing Organization|WBO]]–[[North American Boxing Organization|NABO]] [[super middleweight]] champion (168 lbs) (2×) * [[list of NABF champions#Super middleweight|NABF super middleweight champion]] (168 lbs) * WBO International light heavyweight champion (175 lbs) ==Pay-per-view bouts== {| class="wikitable sortable" |+ United States |- ! No. !! Date !! Fight !! Billing !! Buys !! Network |- |align=center|1 |{{center|{{dts|2016|November|19|format=mdy}}}} |'''Kovalev''' vs. '''Ward''' |[[Sergey Kovalev vs. Andre Ward|Pound for Pound]] |160,000<ref>{{Cite web|last=Esco|first=Wil|date=2016-11-29|title=Kovalev-Ward does 160,000 buys|url=https://www.badlefthook.com/2016/11/29/13776300/sergey-kovalev-vs-andre-ward-does-160000-ppv-buys|access-date=2021-11-04|website=Bad Left Hook|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2016-11-28|title=Ward-Kovalev does just over 160,000 PPV buys, source says|url=https://www.ringtv.com/475181-ward-kovalev-just-160000-ppv-buys-source-says/|access-date=2021-11-04|website=The Ring}}</ref> |[[HBO]] |- |align=center|2 |{{center|{{dts|2017|June|17|format=mdy}}}} |'''Ward''' vs. '''Kovalev''' II | [[Andre Ward vs. Sergey Kovalev II|The Rematch]] |125,000<ref>{{Cite web|last=Alexander|first=Mookie|date=2017-06-29|title=Andre Ward-Sergey Kovalev rematch flops on PPV|url=https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2017/6/29/15891070/andre-ward-vs-sergey-kovalev-rematch-pay-per-view-flop-boxing-news|access-date=2021-11-04|website=Bloody Elbow|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Esco|first=Wil|date=2017-06-29|title=Ward-Kovalev II predictably flops on PPV|url=https://www.badlefthook.com/2017/6/29/15894350/ward-kovalev-ii-predictably-flops-on-ppv|access-date=2021-11-04|website=Bad Left Hook|language=en}}</ref> |HBO |- ! ! ! colspan="2" | Total sales ! 285,000 ! |} ==Filmography== {| class="wikitable" |+ Films |- ! Year ! Film title ! Role ! Form |- | 2015 | [[Creed (film)|Creed]] | Danny "Stuntman" Wheeler |- | 2018 | [[Creed II]] | Danny "Stuntman" Wheeler |- | 2023 | ''S.O.G.: The Book of Ward'' | Himself | Documentary |} ==References== {{Reflist|20em}} ==External links== {{Commons category|Andre Ward}} *{{Official website|http://www.andresogward.com}} *{{Boxrec|id=281958}} *{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20070317050246/http://www.usolympicteam.com/26_885.htm Andre Ward U.S. Olympic team profile]}} (archived) *[https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2009-dec-04-la-sp-victor-conte4-2009dec04-story.html Article about Andre Ward's involvement with Victor Conte] by ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' *[http://www.cyberboxingzone.com/boxing/ward-andre.htm Andre Ward profile] at Cyber Boxing Zone {{s-start-collapsible|header={{s-sports}} }} {{s-text|style=background:#C1D8FF; font-weight: bold;|text=Amateur boxing titles}} {{s-before|before=[[Curtis Stevens (boxer)|Curtis Stevens]]}} {{s-ttl|title=[[List of United States national amateur boxing light heavyweight champions|U.S. light heavyweight champion]] |years=2003}} {{s-after|after=Marcus Johnson}} {{s-text|style=background:#C1D8FF; font-weight: bold;|text=Regional boxing titles}} {{s-break}} {{s-vac|last=[[Jean Pascal]]}} {{s-ttl|title=[[North American Boxing Organization|NABO]] [[super middleweight]] champion |years=June 20, 2008 – November 2008<br>Vacated}} {{s-vac|next=[[Andre Dirrell]]}} {{s-break}} {{s-vac|last=Andre Dirrell}} {{s-ttl|title=NABO super middleweight champion |years=February 6, 2009 – September 2009<br>Vacated}} {{s-vac|next=[[Allan Green]]}} {{s-break}} {{s-vac|last=[[Peter Manfredo Jr.]]}} {{s-ttl|title=[[List of NABF champions#Super middleweight|NABF super middleweight champion]] |years=February 6, 2009 – September 2009<br>Vacated}} {{s-vac|next=[[Sébastien Demers]]}} {{s-break}} {{s-vac|last=[[Artur Beterbiev]]}} {{s-ttl|title=WBO International<br>[[light heavyweight]] champion |years=August 6, 2016 – [[Sergey Kovalev vs. Andre Ward|November 19, 2016]]<br>Won world title}} {{s-vac|next=[[Umar Salamov]]}} {{s-text|style=background:#C1D8FF; font-weight: bold;|text=World boxing titles}} {{s-bef|before=[[Mikkel Kessler]]}} {{s-ttl|title=[[List of WBA world champions#Super middleweight|WBA super middleweight champion]]<br>[[WBA (Super)|Super title]] |years=[[Mikkel Kessler vs. Andre Ward|November 21, 2009]] – November 12, 2015<br>Vacated}} {{s-vac|next=[[Fedor Chudinov]]}} {{s-bef|before=[[Carl Froch]]}} {{s-ttl|title=[[List of WBC world champions#Super middleweight|WBC super middleweight champion]] |years=[[Andre Ward vs. Carl Froch|December 17, 2011]] – April 11, 2013<br>Status changed}} {{s-vac|next=[[Sakio Bika]]}} {{s-break}} {{s-vac|last=[[Joe Calzaghe]]}} {{s-ttl|title=[[List of The Ring world champions#Super middleweight|''The Ring'' super middleweight champion]] |years=December 17, 2011 – February 19, 2015<br>Stripped}} {{s-vac|next=[[Callum Smith]]}} {{s-break}} {{s-bef|rows=3|before=[[Sergey Kovalev]]}} {{s-ttl|title=[[List of WBA world champions#Light heavyweight|WBA light heavyweight champion]]<br>[[WBA (Undisputed)|Undisputed title]] |years=November 19, 2016 – September 21, 2017<br>Retired}} {{s-non|reason=Title discontinued}} {{s-break}} {{s-ttl|title=[[List of IBF world champions#Light heavyweight|IBF light heavyweight champion]] |years=November 19, 2016 – September 21, 2017<br>Retired}} {{s-vac|next=[[Artur Beterbiev]]}} {{s-break}} {{s-ttl|title=[[List of WBO world champions#Light heavyweight|WBO light heavyweight champion]] |years=November 19, 2016 – September 21, 2017<br>Retired}} {{s-vac|next=Sergey Kovalev}} {{s-break}} {{s-vac|last=[[Adonis Stevenson]]}} {{s-ttl|title=[[List of The Ring world champions#Light heavyweight|''The Ring'' light heavyweight champion]] |years=[[Andre Ward vs. Sergey Kovalev II|June 17, 2017]] – September 21, 2017<br>Retired}} {{s-vac}} {{s-ach|aw}} {{s-before|rows=2|before=[[Sergio Martínez (boxer)|Sergio Martínez]]}} {{s-ttl|title=[[The Ring magazine Fighter of the Year#2010s|''The Ring'' Fighter of the Year]] |years=2011}} {{s-after|after=[[Juan Manuel Márquez]]}} {{s-ttl|title=[[Sugar Ray Robinson Award#2010s|BWAA Fighter of the Year]] |years=2011}} {{s-after|after=[[Nonito Donaire]]}} {{s-before|before=[[Badou Jack]]}} {{s-ttl|title=[[The Ring magazine Comeback of the Year#2010s|''The Ring'' Comeback of the Year]] |years=2016}} {{s-after|after=[[Sadam Ali]]}} {{s-ach|ach}} {{s-bef|before=[[Román González (boxer)|Román González]]}} {{s-ttl|title=[[Boxing pound for pound rankings#The Ring|''The Ring'' Pound for Pound #1 boxer]] |years=March 21, 2017 – September 26, 2017<br>Retired}} {{s-aft|after=[[Gennady Golovkin]]}} {{s-text|style=background:#C1D8FF; font-weight: bold;|text=Honorary boxing titles}} {{s-break}} {{s-new}} {{s-ttl|title=WBC super middleweight champion<br>In recess |years=April 26 – May 15, 2012<br>Reinstated}} {{s-vac|next=[[David Benavidez]]}} {{s-end}} {{Footer Olympic Champions Boxing Light Heavyweight}} {{Ring magazine Fighter of the Year}} {{Sugar Ray Robinson Award}} {{Authority control}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Ward, Andre}} [[Category:1984 births]] [[Category:Living people]] [[Category:American people of Irish descent]] [[Category:African-American boxers]] [[Category:Boxers from California]] [[Category:Sportspeople from Oakland, California]] [[Category:Sportspeople from Hayward, California]] [[Category:Boxers from San Francisco]] [[Category:Winners of the United States Championship for amateur boxers]] [[Category:Boxers at the 2004 Summer Olympics]] [[Category:Olympic boxers for the United States]] [[Category:Olympic gold medalists for the United States in boxing]] [[Category:Medalists at the 2004 Summer Olympics]] [[Category:American male boxers]] [[Category:World Boxing Association champions]] [[Category:World Boxing Council champions]] [[Category:The Ring (magazine) champions]] [[Category:International Boxing Federation champions]] [[Category:World Boxing Organization champions]] [[Category:World super-middleweight boxing champions]] [[Category:World light-heavyweight boxing champions]] [[Category:Undefeated world boxing champions]] [[Category:American boxing commentators]] [[Category:21st-century American sportsmen]] [[Category:21st-century African-American sportsmen]] [[Category:Hayward High School (California) alumni]]
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