Comments Thread For: Andre Ward: I Don't Owe Explanations For My Opponents!

[gmc_rfc_06]

Why would Ward want to avoid Kovalev? We're talking about a guy that is respected by his peers and hasn't lost a fight since he was a young teen.

We're also talking about a guy who hasn't faced an elite opponent since 2011.

[Jubei]

Just becaue he might fight Kovalev some time in the future its fine he drags 40 year old columbian plumber to light heavyweight? Come on NSB.

[Brickyardigan]

Damn... This type of showdown is the thing that gives you that butterfly feeling in the gut, just picturing the two in the ring is going to be an amazing sight. God... This fight...

[SugarRaRobinson]

Fact is that Ward, Roc Nation, HBO and Kathy Duva have all expressed confidence the Ward vs Kovalev fight will take place sometime next year. That's about as good as it's going to get at this point. Not really sure what else you want to hear...

He wants to hear that Ward , due to fear of Kov , backs out of this fight . But since he won't be hearing that , trolling will suffice hitherto .

[MDPopescu]

Twice yesterday Ward said he was gonna fight Kovalev at "some point."

Since you all love to hang on every word GGG says, let's play fair.

If he was really planning on fighting Kovalev in 2016, he wouldn't be saying at some point.




He is milking this PPV to look good.

But hey, GGG is fighting bums though.

The hypocrisy around here is not as stunning as it used to be.



Exactly.

He is already saying at "Some point" to the press, as if he knows something.



He wanted to fight GGG at some point next year too.

Now he says he'll fight Kovalev at some point.

I'm guess he he'll need tune ups until Kovalev shows a weakness to him. Maybe an injury or something.

But, but, he really really wanted GGG. He really did.

But Brand! Lol! Wow!

... Ward always used to employ this "at some point" formula in public... He knows what he's saying: he means he's "open" to fight a certain opponent, but not right now (and/or next); because it's possible that it will not be necessary to fight that guy eventually (see Bute's case).

[alexguiness]

The very fact he made this statement proves he knows he is picking easy defences.

Big fighters make big fights.

[SteveM]

Nailed it, most likely. There will be some kind of injury, some excuse, something will get in the way.
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IF he does what he says he'll do, fight Kov next year, then yeah we're good. But like others have said, he's taking 2-3 no-risk fights to get to that payday, which will probably be his highest yet. All that does is guarantee he won't lose a step getting to Kov, but the downside is he won't be as prepared for Kov. And he certainly isn't Hercules. I'm getting the feeling this isn't going to work out so well for him. Kov with Jackson as trainer can adapt. And Ward can be hit. Just sayin'.

Including the Smith fight he just had, plus another 2 tune ups in Brand + TBA (or is it 3 tuneups) I understand he will make $6 million dollars. Not bad for 3 easy nights work if you can get it. I think when any sports star gets over paid while facing easy competition then the fans always raise questions.
Do none of these journalists have the balls to ask him why he won't at least fight a genuine LHW - even if he is ranked at 15-30 ?

I hope he does fight Kovalev and I hope he gets beaten over a tough grueling 12 round UD with three knock downs , not because I have anything against Ward personally but I just can't stand fouling diva klingons.

[SteveM]

Good post. Ward is a HOFer already. One of the best to ever lace them up imo. Even if he loses to Big K. But if he wins, that's serious icing on the cake, cause I think Kovalev is the real deal. May the best man win. Can't wait!

HOFer - yes!

One of best to ever lace them up - not yet, by a long chalk. I doubt he gets into most boxing historians top 100 with his record up to now. If he did what he said ie. become a heavyweight champ , he'd break that top 100, maybe even top 50. If he dominates LHW and beats Beterbiev, Kovalev and Stevenson - Ok I'm agreed he is in for consideration somewhere on the list of ATGs.

I mean, honestly, many historians and commentators only have Mayweather breaking top 30 ATG list and his resume craps all over that of Ward.

[Deevel916]

I dont think it will be as easy as "well he's fighting Kovalev next year". Believe me when I tell you that this fight will have many obstacles. Particularly the type of money Ward will want to step in the ring with Kov. He's demanding $2mil to fight bums. Imagine what he will want to fight Kovalev.

Fighting tuneups against nobodies will not build anticipation for a showdown with Kovalev outside of the diehard fanbase.

[Dirk Diggler UK]

The very fact he made this statement proves he knows he is picking easy defences.

Big fighters make big fights.

How were they going to afford a big fight for this particular card considering what the two main event guys are getting and then what Ward is getting?

This is simply an excellent opportunity for Ward to gain exposure on one of the biggest cards of the year. A showcase. Opponent was irrelevant.

His next opponent will have to be someone good because it's Kovalev after that.