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Writer's pictureEric J Herrholz

Remembering Andre Ward's remarkable boxing career.

Andre Ward's boxing career is a testament to his exceptional skill, unwavering determination, and remarkable achievements. Born on February 23, 1984, in San Francisco, California, Ward made an indelible mark on the sport, establishing himself as one of the greatest boxers of his generation. Ward's journey began in the amateur ranks, where he quickly rose to prominence. He amassed an impressive record and won multiple titles, including the Junior Olympics and National Championships. His success culminated in a remarkable feat at the 2004 Athens Olympics, where he clinched the gold medal in the light-heavyweight division. This victory not only showcased his talent but also provided a solid foundation for his professional career. In December 2004, Ward made the transition to the professional ranks. He wasted no time in displaying his prowess, embarking on an unbeaten streak that lasted throughout his entire professional career. Ward's boxing style was a blend of technical brilliance, defensive mastery, and versatility. He possessed great speed, power, and a remarkable ability to seamlessly switch between orthodox and southpaw stances, confounding opponents and keeping them off-balance. One of the defining moments in Ward's career came in 2009 when he faced Mikkel Kessler for the WBA Super middleweight title. Despite being the underdog, Ward showcased his exceptional skills and outclassed Kessler, winning a unanimous decision. This victory marked a turning point in his career, elevating him to the ranks of world champions and setting the stage for his future dominance. Ward's success continued as he faced formidable opponents in his weight division. He displayed his technical brilliance and ring intelligence in fights against the likes of Arthur Abraham and Carl Froch. In the Super Six World Boxing Classic tournament, Ward defeated some of the best super middleweights in the world, showcasing his ability to adapt to different styles and emerge victorious. His performance in the tournament, culminating in a commanding victory over Carl Froch in the final, solidified his status as the undisputed super middleweight champion. Beyond his achievements in the super middleweight division, Ward also made a successful move up to light heavyweight. In 2016, he faced Sergey Kovalev, an imposing and highly regarded champion. The fight proved to be a grueling battle, testing Ward's resilience and determination. Despite facing adversity and being knocked down early in the fight, Ward displayed his heart and skill, staging a remarkable comeback and winning a controversial decision. A rematch with Kovalev further solidified and he was able to proove he was the better fighter by knocking out Kovalev with a body punch.

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