In what could only be described as a surprising move, Andre Ward, the undefeated light heavyweight champion of the world, announced his retirement via his website. Ward, or S.O.G, gave no indication of his desire to leave the sport of boxing before this announcement. Fans were obviously taken aback upon hearing that the boxing icon will take his leave from boxing.
Andre Ward Retirement
Ward was seen in action in June of this year where he took on Sergey Kovalev for the second straight time.
He defeated Kovalev via TKO and retained his WBA (undisputed), IBF, and WBO light heavyweight titles and won The Ring light heavyweight title.
He looked in peak form in that fight and took care of business.
It seems that he has mulled this decision for a while and finally took to his website to make the announcement.
In the message he posted to his website, he stated that;
“I am leaving because my body can no longer put up with the rigors of the sport and therefore my desire to fight is no longer there.”
S.O.G
Andre Ward was considered by many to be the top pound for pound fighter in the world.
He fought battles inside the ring.
Ward hasn’t lost a boxing fight since he was a 13-year-old amateur fighter. He was a gifted fighter from the beginning and when he became a pro his true talent came forth.
He started off as a super middleweight and moved to light heavyweight later in his career. Devastating all opponents that stood in his way.
His professional record stands at 32-0, with 16 knockout wins. Andre Ward will always remain the undefeated champ that he is.
There is a chance that he might make a return, like fellow boxing great Floyd Mayweather, and return to fight once more.
His fans will certainly hope so but the 33-year-old Ward seems set in his decision.
Though it saddens us to see a fighter of his caliber retire, we wish him all the best for his future!
