Was Ward forced to move up or did he outgrow SMW?

[about.thousands]

He was at 173.4lbs with 2 1/2 weeks to go for his fight at 172lbs after being out of the ring for almost two years.

My next fight is contracted at 172lbs. With 2 1/2 weeks left, my weight is good!! #June20th #WardVsSmith

A photo posted by Andre Ward (@andresogward) on Jun 3, 2015 at 10:39am PDT

[about.thousands]

Today

Results of @IBFUSBAboxing second day weigh in: Ward 185 lbs, Barrera 184.5 lbs #WardBarrera

— Main Events (@Main_Events) March 26, 2016

[firstborn]

Abel Sanchez thinks Ward is a 168lb fighter trying to fight naturally larger opponents at 175lbs. Ward himself has stated he has no problem making 168lbs and was influenced / coerced by certain people in boxing to move up.

The Ward haters will tell you he's actually a CW though.......

[////]

I think he just got too big. There was an interview after the Smith fight where he said he tested his weight in camp and got down to 170. He looks pretty normal at LHW.

Maybe he could still squeeze down to 168 but for what? There's not much going on there. If you're gonna struggle with weight there has to be some kind of incentive.

[HeroBando]

Today

Results of @IBFUSBAboxing second day weigh in: Ward 185 lbs, Barrera 184.5 lbs #WardBarrera

— Main Events (@Main_Events) March 26, 2016

Doesn't the IBF only allow for 10lb morning after rehydration?

[-PBP-]

Doesn't the IBF only allow for 10lb morning after rehydration?

Yeah 185 is max

[NapalmKnuckles]

I would love to see Ward vs Degale but other than that there's nothing left for him at 168.

[!! Shawn]

Today

Results of @IBFUSBAboxing second day weigh in: Ward 185 lbs, Barrera 184.5 lbs #WardBarrera

— Main Events (@Main_Events) March 26, 2016

Its pretty clear he just outgrew the division. There are quite a few money fights for him at 168, he didnt need to be taking this many tuneups above 168 if he was still serious about 168.

[ИATAS]

I would love to see Ward vs Degale but other than that there's nothing left for him at 168.

Still could happen, degales been talking about moving up himself

[-PBP-]

Anyways nobody knows the answer but him. If you hate him you'll say he outgrew it if you like him you'll say he was forced.