Ward was probably expecting to fight the winner of Froch/Groves but that fight ended in controversy, so that fight is out of the picture.
I'm thinking Ward will fight one or two more times in SMW then move up to LHW. Maybe he will fight against Thomas Oosthuizen or Robert Stieglitz. Hunter spoke about a possible matchup against James Degale. I think those are the most viable options for Ward at SMW.
I think Thomas Oosthuizen would test Ward, a fight Ward would love. Tall white guy, undefeated, good boxer, but tailor made for Ward.
Oosthuizen has moved up.
If Anthony Dirrell beats Sakio Bika, a Dirrell unification fight makes sense for February/March. All American domestic bout.
if the winner of bute-pascal decide they can get down to 168 that fight would make sence politcally.
I think Thomas Oosthuizen would test Ward, a fight Ward would love. Tall white guy, undefeated, good boxer, but tailor made for Ward.