American 168lb king Andre Ward (27-0, 14ko) has shown a self-deprecating sense of humour in a chat with fighthype.com, jokingly referring to his much talked about comeback as “the comeback 2.0”.
This obviously in reference to the agonising time out of the ring he has had since his last fight way back in November of 2013, and the mooted returns that have previously failed to materialise.
With a smile on his face, S.O.G said of his pencilled in June 20th date, “It’s the comeback 2.0. Let’s just clarify! You gotta laugh at yourself sometimes, man. It (the inactivity) is what it is..”
In the opinion of this writer, Ward is one of the biggest talents American boxing has, and for the now 31 year old Oakland man to lose such a large chunk of his prime down to various promotional struggles is nothing short of criminal.
When asked about his long time out and whether the lay-off has affected him negatively or not, Ward said;
“I was to taught to respect the sport of boxing. I learned that long ago. Do that and the sport will respect you. By that I mean it’s a lifestyle. From the way you eat, to the way you train. Its easy not to dedicate yourself when you got nothing on the books. I’ve just been fighting through that and have been trying to stay consistent. I been keeping my body right because I knew the time would come when the struggles would be over. I wanted to be able to say I took advantage of that time. (by staying in shape)”
Hopefully the promotional disputes haven’t had any lasting impact on the new RocNation sports signing psychologically. Ward himself conceded;
“Yeah there were days and weeks where I didn’t want to train. At times it was rough because there didn’t seem to be a light at the end of the tunnel. But I have a good team around me to encourage me and help me encourage myself.”
I really hope Ward gets an opponent announced very soon, and the internet has been awash with speculation as to who he may fight next. British super middleweights Paul Smith and Rocky Fielding have both been linked with Ward’s comeback, although in the case of Fielding, it’s believed the financials weren’t to his satisfaction.
On this Ward would only say;
“It’s getting close, (naming an opponent) but I can’t confirm or deny anything”
I’m not sure financials would be the real factor in not facing Ward for a fighter like Fielding, who with all due respect to him, doesn’t belong in the same ring as the Californian even after such a lay-off.
I’m honestly believing that Liverpool’s Paul Smith is the front runner to face Ward, and speculation in the British media has been frequent in that regard. Whilst capable of giving Ward a credible challenge, sadly the like-able Brit is a gulf apart in terms of class and in my opinion will be soundly beaten.
I’m not expecting much from the comeback in terms of a quality named opponent, as it’s important for Ward to get a few rounds in and shake off the inactivity even if it appears none is showing. The important thing is one of the worlds premier fighters is back, looking to once more get back in the rankings and stamp his name back on the 168lb division.
“I want people to know that when I do get a name, I’m back, and I’m actually better than I was when I left. June 20th is me bouncing back from all the troubles. I didn’t just go through it, I was able to grow through it. And June 20 will be the culmination of a tough two years. I’m bringing everything I learned through that time into the ring with me”
And should it be Smith who gets in with Ward, he should beware. S.O.G says he’s looking for a knockout.
“I don’t usually say things like this but I need a knockout. And my fans deserve to see a knockout, so I’m looking for a statement performance June 20.”
Uh-oh, somebody could well be in trouble!
Thanks for reading, Twitter @Undilutedpoison
