Like It Or Not, Andre Ward Is Boxing’s Bad Boy

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Andre WardAndre “S.O.G.” Ward (28-0, 15 KO’s) is a special talent in boxing. You could tell from his days as an amateur that he could go far in the sport of boxing. When Ward qualified for the Olympics and then went on to win the gold medal back in 2004 it was clear to see that he was destined for greatness.

Ward’s pro career started off pretty well in December of 2014 with a second round TKO victory, but his career wouldn’t take off until he entered the super six world boxing classic tournament and get victories over some of the world’s best super middleweights including Mikkel Kessler, Arthur Abraham and Carl Froch.

During the tournament, Ward gained some heat from the use of his head during fights but as time had passed so did the memories of the use of his head.

A year would pass after the tournaments end before Ward stepped foot in the ring again when he faced off against “Bad” Chad Dawson. After stopping Dawson, Ward would be inactive for yet another year before facing Edwin “La Bomba” Rodriguez and then take a year and a half off from boxing. He returned in June of this year to take on Paul Smith. In that time span, Ward was often criticized for the lack of action during his fights, the quality of fighters he faces and his inactivity which has begun to piss off some boxing fans. Despite the criticism, Ward feels that he is a proven fighter and has no need to defend himself for the criticism he receives.

“No disrespect, but I don’t make decisions based on opinions. [It] Doesn’t factor in at all,” Ward told The Times on Saturday. “I don’t owe any explanations for anybody I’m fighting. I do feel at times like I’m always proving myself. But I also feel that I’m proven. I’ve proven I can get to the mountaintop. … People are entitled to their opinion, I respect them, but it doesn’t mean they’re right.”

Ward’s attitude towards the situation does not help either. He is going to do what he does whether boxing fans like it or not. At the end of the day, he is just a fighter that faces whoever is in the ring and does not care if boxing fan’s agree with it or not. Even though it does not suit his character and whether you like it or not…in a way he is boxing’s bad boy.