Tom Shaw - Getty Images
Andre Ward is cleared to train, but who can he fight next? (Photo by Tom Shaw/Getty Images)
Super middleweight world champion Andre Ward has been cleared to return to training after suffering a hand injury in his December 17 win over Carl Froch, and says he's anxious to return to the ring after taking a quick break away from boxing, reports Dan Rafael of ESPN.
There is no set plan for what Ward (25-0, 13 KO) plans to do in his next fight. A bout with Lucian Bute, which is what everyone would like to see happen, appears to be off the table for the time being, more due to Ward than Bute not desiring the fight for now.
Anthony Dirrell is the WBC mandatory, and that could happen. The Direll team has expressed a desire to move into those type of fights (not Team Dirrell, but Anthony's team), so that's a possibility.
Despite the super middleweight division's reputation as being "loaded" and the fact that there are plenty of good fighters there, there's a problem when it comes to Ward making attractive fights right now:
Anthony Dirrell really might be the best option.
0 recs | 11 comments
Sergio vs Ward – has Sergio said that he’s willing face Ward at a catchweight?
h.barca - February 16, 2012
Yeah, at 164. Ward has no reason to go to 164 and probably can’t anyway.
Scott Christ - February 16, 2012
It’s a shame. I think Martinez would have risen to the challenge and made it a good fight.
h.barca - February 17, 2012
For some reason I don’t see that being a good fight. I think Ward makes it ugly and wins.
tacklerford - February 17, 2012
That sentence could be used for just about every fight featuring Andre Ward. I think Ward is too big and too good for Martinez anyway and I doubt that Ward could really do a catch weight below 168.
Ward v Anthony Dirrell is a fine enough match up for me.
Eoin_not_ian - February 17, 2012
I think once he realizes there aren’t any options, he might come around to a Bute fight.
Radu - February 17, 2012
bute froch is almost done an dusted for may 26th (i think)
properdave - February 17, 2012
Ward is a great fighter, very talented and everything but I think he is so boring (his personality and the way he fights). That’s a shame.
IronMalaka - February 17, 2012
I used to think he was boring, but now I appreciate his ability to adapt. It’s interesting to see how he changes tactics when he needs to.
Apprentice - February 17, 2012
Ward vs Pascal,Hopkins
rgb - February 17, 2012
+1
I’d love to see him smack around Pascal, scoop a finisher with Hopkins that proves him, and then take over Dawson making him the best SMW/LHW.
RyanSexton - February 17, 2012
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