Did Ward duck Bivol & Berbetiev?

[just the facts]

Nah he just retired. Ward’s body was breaking down.

Prime Ward would’ve beaten both IMO, shame they never fought, but it was never really realistic.

You’re phuckin up a good story with facts.

[_Rexy_]

I’m seeing this often nowadays from the so-called Andre Ward critics but don’t recall any media, professionals, trainers, coaches or analysts calling for Ward vs Bivol/Beterbiev around the time he retired.

Berbetiev was still fighting in Canada, active only once a year getting paid 100k a fight and Bivol was getting paid a little bit less fighting on undercards not even as the co-main event. Why would a guy on the verge of retirement that just beat the P4P #2 fighter in the world fight either guy that brings zero financial attraction to a fight at the end of his career?

It’s also telling that Berbetiev & Bivol haven’t fought each other after 7 years of Ward retiring. But Ward (according to Ward critics) ducked them both, Jesus.

This argument is as bad as Bud ‘ducking’ Boots, even if he were to retire right now.

Also Beterbiev turned down Kovalev fight twice, clearly his handlers weren’t confident. which pretty much defeats the entire argument.

People weren't "calling for it" Beterbiev was the IBF mandatory, and Bivol was the WBA mandatory and Ward dropped the belts and retired. That's why people say it was a duck. Because Ward had two difficult mandatories and retired. at 33 years old.

Also why are you acting like Ward was ever, at any point, a financial draw?

[Cypocryphy]

I thought he lost fight 1 but removed all doubt in fight 2. He definitely beats Bivol, he’s not outboxing Ward. Beterbiev is a tougher fight but I think Ward’s ring IQ would be difference.

You mean Tony Weeks beat Kovalev for Ward, just like Tony Weeks beat Barroso for Rolly. I think you have Ward too esteemed. Bivol has the best +/- in the sport of boxing. If Bivol can demolish a 205 pound Ramirez and shutout completely Canelo, Ward wouldn't have a chance, and Ward is a great boxer.

[paulf]

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Did you do that right? I can't see anything

[MONGOOSE66]

I’m seeing this often nowadays from the so-called Andre Ward critics but don’t recall any media, professionals, trainers, coaches or analysts calling for Ward vs Bivol/Beterbiev around the time he retired.

Berbetiev was still fighting in Canada, active only once a year getting paid 100k a fight and Bivol was getting paid a little bit less fighting on undercards not even as the co-main event. Why would a guy on the verge of retirement that just beat the P4P #2 fighter in the world fight either guy that brings zero financial attraction to a fight at the end of his career?

It’s also telling that Berbetiev & Bivol haven’t fought each other after 7 years of Ward retiring. But Ward (according to Ward critics) ducked them both, Jesus.

This argument is as bad as Bud ‘ducking’ Boots, even if he were to retire right now.

Also Beterbiev turned down Kovalev fight twice, clearly his handlers weren’t confident. which pretty much defeats the entire argument.

If this is true then Mayweather ducked Spence.

[GhostofDempsey]

He retired rather than fight either of them. I wouldn’t call it ducking since he stayed retired.

[Atypicalbrit]

Personally I think he tasted his own mortality in the first Kovalev fight, deep down he has to know that at the very least he could have lost that fight.

He did very well in the rematch and then he was out, I think his undefeated record meant a lot to him.

[deathofaclown]

I think he retired because he knew he didn't have many fights left in him, what with injuries and whatnot.

But maybe if the landscape looked easier, he might have battled through the injuries for a couple of more paydays. I think he was smart enough to realise he wasn't beating these guys at less than 100%.

I think Bivol would have beaten him at 175. Ward was a great fighter but never faced anyone with elite distance control and work rate to the level of Bivol, I think would have struggled to get to grips with Bivol. I think Bivol has the best distance control of any fighter north of 147 in the last decade. Its no coincidence he also statistically has the best defence too. He would control the distance too well for Ward to get close to him often enough and I don't think he outboxes Bivol from range because of his work rate, combinations and hand speed.

I think he may have struggled with Beterbiev too. Style for style I think Beterbiev is better for Ward than Bivol, but i think Beterbiev is way more physical and stronger than any of Ward's opponents. Ward wouldn't have been able to be physical with him in the way he liked to be. He wouldn't win that battle up close.


I rate Ward very highly though, so don't get me wrong, and I don't think he ducked these guys, but I think he knew he definitely wasn't going beat these guys at less than 100% and his body wasn't 100% anymore.

[RJJ-94-02=GOAT]

You mean Tony Weeks beat Kovalev for Ward, just like Tony Weeks beat Barroso for Rolly. I think you have Ward too esteemed. Bivol has the best +/- in the sport of boxing. If Bivol can demolish a 205 pound Ramirez and shutout completely Canelo, Ward wouldn't have a chance, and Ward is a great boxer.

Ward convincingly stopped Kovalev in the rematch. Quit whining.

I was rooting for Kovalev too, never been a Ward fan but have to give credit where it’s due.

Prime Ward schools Bivol, faster, sharper, better technician, more dimensions to his game etc.