Andre Ward Says Paul Smith is Not a Soft Touch

by David P. Greisman

Before his extended layoff, Andre Ward was the best super middleweight in the world. His comeback opponent on June 20, Paul Smith, is coming off a pair of decision losses, the second more decisive than the first, against Arthur Abraham. And while Abraham is a titleholder, he is no Ward.

Yet Ward doesn’t think he can take Smith lightly.

“At this stage of my career, I’m not going to get any soft touches. Paul Smith is not a soft touch,” Ward told BoxingScene.com on April 24. “He hasn’t won a world title but you better believe that he’s going to fight and he’s going to bring it. He’s the type of guy that if you’re not ready and you’re not prepared, there can be an upset and I can’t let that happen.”

Ward last fought in November 2013 when he topped Edwin Rodriguez, then entered lengthy litigation against now-deceased promoter Dan Goossen. The parties ultimately reached an agreement, allowing Ward to sign with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation Sports.

Ward, now 31 years old, is 27-0 with 14 KOs. Smith, 32, of Liverpool, United Kingdom, is 35-5 with 20 KOs.

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