Andre Ward: A Must Win Fight to Show he is STILL the Man!
By Andrew “Drew The Picture” Hames
According to multiple sources, a deal is near finalization for former Super Middleweight champion and current Light Heavyweight Andre Ward to solidify his standing at his new weight class by taking on unbeaten and rising contender, decorated amateur and Cuban standout Sullivan Barrera, 17-0 12 KO’s, an IBF-ranked mandatory opponent for Ward’s predicted future opponent, reigning Light Heavyweight destroyer Sergey Kovalev. The considerable risks both combatants are taking at this point of their respective careers speaks for itself.
Andre Ward, 28-0 15 KO’s, the RSR Ranked P4P at number 2 and even #1 according to some publications, has received considerable scrutiny over the past three years over a string of activity that was met by a string of unfortunate circumstances, such as the contractual issues he endured with former promoter Goosen Tutor Promotions, as well as a series of injuries forcing inactivity as recent as the November under-card of the highly anticipated Canelo-Cotto fight, which he was scheduled to serve as a co-main event on before suffering a right knee injury.
The result of such circumstances has been a schedule consisting of only 3 bouts in the last 3 years, albeit all being usually dominant performances. This fight will serve purpose and notice to the boxing world in determining just how polished the former two-time gold medalist’s abilities remain following the extended setbacks, and certainly build further anticipation of his hopeful showdown with Kovalev. An impressive victory would likely revert his public favor from a proverbial 4 to at least a “Super Six”. While Ward was dominant in stopping UK Light Heavyweight Paul Smith in his last outing (the first of his promotional contract with Jay-Z’s RocNation Sports, and first sanctioned fight on Black Entertainment Television), not everyone was impressed with his recent level of opposition. A victory over Barrera would help mend that perception.
The Cuban standout Sullivan Barrera has made recent noise in the Light Heavyweight division, having stopped his last 6 opponents, most recently former IBF title challenger Karo Murat, most known for a gutsy, foul-filled effort against the legendary Bernard Hopkins. Even a competitive showing against the highly heralded Ward would work wins for his young resume and overall standing in the division, perhaps opening the doors for top-5 contention fights with such fighters as Adonis Stevenson, Jean Pascal, Artur Beterbeiv, etc. A victory over Ward, while likely shifting the focus to Ward’s possible deterioration at the new weight class, would also create a cosmic shift in the division, and likely put pressure on Kovalev to oblige his now established mandatory opponent.
The fight is slated to take place in Ward’s hometown of Oakland, California, at the now coveted Oracle Arena, home of the defending NBA champion Golden State Warriors. Let’s hope the decibels in the building are just as high on March 26.
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