Andre Ward Says Roc Nation Pact is 'Blockbuster Deal'

By Bill "Two Scoops" Emes

WBA super middleweight champion Andre Ward (27-0, 14KOs) is very pleased with the terms of his new promotional agreement. Ward announced on Friday that he signed an agreement with Roc Nation Sports - a sports management and promotional company which music mogul Jay Z started in 2013. The company staged their first show on Friday night at Madison Square Garden's Theater in New York City.

Ward, an Olympic gold medal winner, had long been promoted by Goossen Promotions. They were involved in a legal tussle for several months and finally reached as resolution - which in turn opened up the door for Roc Nation to sign Ward.

"This is something obviously new with Roc Nation. Roc Nation is a powerhouse in everything that they touch. Jay Z is a very astute businessman and I believe it's going to transfer over into the sport of boxing. They've hired some senior personnel that have been in the sport for many, many years. They have a business model and all they have to do is learn the boxing structure," Ward said.

"I think people don't realize a guy like Jay Z, as busy as he is, is very hands on [with Roc Nation Sports]. People think he's hands off but he's very hands on. He has a team in place, but he's involved. You see his face, his speaks out. His heart and passion is in it and any time I've had an opportunity to speak to him I feel that right away."

Regarding the terms of his agreement with Roc Nation, Ward didn't say much but he had a big smile and said the deal, likely from a financial standpoint, made up for his inactivity. Ward saw action only once in 2012 and once more in November of 2013. He was inactive in 2014.

"I can't talk about that [with respect to the terms]. I can just tell you its a blockbuster deal and at this stage of my career this deal made up for a lot of lost time," Ward said.