Andre Ward facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Andre Ward
Ward in 2011
Statistics
Real name	Andre Michael Ward
Nickname(s)	S.O.G. ("Son of God")
Rated at	Super middleweight Light heavyweight
Height	6 ft 0 in
Reach	71 in
Born	(1984-02-23) February 23, 1984 (age 41) San Francisco, California, U.S.
Stance	Orthodox
Boxing record
Total fights	32
Wins	32
Wins by KO	16
Medal record Men's amateur boxing Representing  United States Olympic Games Gold 2004 Athens Light heavyweight

Andre Michael Ward (born February 23, 1984) is an American former professional boxer. He competed from 2004 to 2017. Andre Ward is famous for retiring without losing a single fight! He won many world championships in two different boxing weight classes. These were the super middleweight and light heavyweight divisions.

Andre Ward was considered the best boxer in the world, pound for pound, by top boxing magazines. He was also ranked as the best light heavyweight boxer. In 2024, ESPN ranked him as one of the top male boxers of the 21st century.

As an amateur boxer, Andre won a gold medal at the 2004 Olympics. He then became a professional boxer later that year. He became very well-known when he joined the Super Six World Boxing Classic tournament in 2009. He won the World Boxing Association (WBA) super middleweight title during this tournament. In 2011, he beat Carl Froch to win more titles. That same year, Andre Ward was named "Fighter of the Year."

In 2016, Ward moved up to the light heavyweight division. He won three major titles from Sergey Kovalev, who was also undefeated at the time. He defended his titles against Kovalev in a rematch a year later. After this, he retired from boxing. Andre Ward was honored by being added to the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2021.

Andre Ward: Boxing Champion

Early Life and Start in Boxing

Andre Ward was born in San Francisco, California. His father was Irish American and his mother was African American. Andre started his boxing journey when he was nine years old. His father took him to a boxing gym in Hayward, California. He also went to Hayward High School.

Amazing Amateur Career

Andre Ward began boxing in 1994. He quickly became a top amateur boxer. In 2002, he won the Under 19 National Championship. He also won the U.S. National Champion title twice, in 2001 and 2003. He ended his amateur career with an amazing record of 115 wins and only 5 losses!

Winning Olympic Gold

One of Andre's biggest achievements as an amateur was winning the gold medal. He won it at the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece. He was the first American boxer to win a gold medal in 8 years!

Here are some of his results from the 2004 Olympics:

• He defeated Clemente Russo from Italy.
• He beat Evgeny Makarenko from Russia.
• He won against Utkirbek Haydarov from Uzbekistan.
• In the Gold Medal Match, he defeated Magomed Aripgadjiev from Belarus.

Becoming a Pro Boxer

After his Olympic success, Andre Ward became a professional boxer. He quickly showed he was a strong fighter.

Early Fights as a Pro

Andre Ward had his first professional fight on December 18, 2004. He won by knockout in the second round. In his second fight, he won by a unanimous decision. He won his next three fights by knockout.

In November 2005, he fought Darnell Boone. Ward was knocked down for the first time in his career in this fight. But he still managed to win by a unanimous decision. After this, he won six more fights, including some by knockout. By November 2007, Andre Ward had won all 14 of his professional fights.

He continued to win, beating Rubin Williams in 2008. He also won a regional title against Jerson Ravelo. In May 2009, he defeated Edison Miranda. Ward showed he could fight well both up close and from a distance. Miranda said Andre was tougher than he expected.

The Super Six Tournament

Andre Ward joined the Super Six World Boxing Classic tournament in 2009. This tournament brought together some of the best super middleweight boxers.

Winning the Super Middleweight Title

Ward's first fight in the tournament was against Mikkel Kessler. Kessler was a top-ranked boxer and a favorite to win. The fight took place in Ward's hometown of Oakland, California. Ward won the fight and took Kessler's WBA super middleweight championship title. The fight was stopped in the 11th round because Kessler had cuts on his face. Ward was far ahead on points when the fight ended.

In June 2010, Ward defended his title against Allan Green. Ward won easily by a unanimous decision. He continued to dominate, winning against Sakio Bika later that year.

The Tournament Final: Ward vs. Froch

In the final of the Super Six tournament, Andre Ward fought Carl Froch. This was a big fight between two top boxers. It took place in December 2011. Ward won the tournament by a unanimous decision. He used his jab very well and was faster than Froch. Ward even broke his left hand during the fight, but he still won!

After winning, Ward said he was "ecstatic" and that they had achieved their dream. Froch also praised Ward, saying he was "very good defensively." With this win, Ward became the unified super middleweight champion.

Ward vs. Dawson

In 2012, Ward fought Chad Dawson, who was a light heavyweight champion. The fight was at 168 pounds, for Ward's super middleweight titles. Ward won by technical knockout in the tenth round. He knocked Dawson down twice during the fight. Dawson eventually told the referee he couldn't continue.

Challenges and Return to the Ring

Andre Ward had some time away from boxing due to injuries and disagreements with his promoter. In March 2013, he lost his WBC title because he was inactive. However, he later gave up the "champion emeritus" title, saying he was ready to fight.

In November 2013, Ward returned to defend his WBA and Ring titles against Edwin Rodríguez. Ward won by a clear unanimous decision. The fight started a bit rough, but Ward took control and dominated.

After another long break, Ward signed with Roc Nation Sports in 2015. He returned to the ring in June 2015, fighting Paul Smith. Ward won by TKO in the ninth round. In November 2015, he gave up his super middleweight title to move up to the light heavyweight division.

Moving Up to Light Heavyweight

In March 2016, Andre Ward made his debut in the light heavyweight division. He fought Sullivan Barrera. Ward won by a wide unanimous decision. He even knocked Barrera down in the third round. Ward showed his strength and control in the ring. After the fight, Ward said he wanted to fight the best, including Sergey Kovalev.

In August 2016, Ward fought Alexander Brand. Ward won every round on the judges' scorecards. This was his last fight in his hometown of Oakland. He was getting ready for the big fight against Kovalev.

Ward vs. Kovalev I

Andre Ward fought Sergey Kovalev on November 19, 2016. Kovalev held three major light heavyweight titles. This was a highly anticipated fight between two undefeated champions. Ward was knocked down in the second round, but he got back up. He went on to win the fight by a close decision. All three judges scored it 114–113 for Ward. With this win, Ward became a world champion in two weight classes!

The decision was debated by some boxing experts. However, many fans praised Ward for his comeback after the knockdown. Ward earned a career-high $5 million for this fight.

Ward vs. Kovalev II

A rematch between Ward and Kovalev was set for June 17, 2017. The fight was called No Excuses. Ward said, "You got what you asked for -- now you have to see me on June 17. This time leave the excuses at home."

The rematch ended in the eighth round with a victory for Ward. Ward landed a strong right hand that hurt Kovalev. The referee stopped the fight. Ward praised Kovalev after the fight, saying he was a "great fighter."

Andre Ward's Boxing Style

Andre Ward's trainer, Virgil Hunter, describes his style as smart and quick. Ward uses his speed and intelligence to control the distance in his fights. He is very accurate with his punches and is good at counterpunching. Even though he is naturally left-handed, he fights in an orthodox (right-handed) stance. His best punches often come from his lead left hand, like his sharp jab.

Ward is also known for fighting well up close. He can throw punches while holding his opponent. He studied famous boxers like Roy Jones Jr., Bernard Hopkins, and Floyd Mayweather Jr. Ward's style is sometimes called "formless" because he can adapt to different situations. He is also known for being a strong "in-fighter," meaning he is good at fighting in close quarters.

Life Outside the Ring

In 2009, Andre Ward married his high school sweetheart, Tiffiney. They have four sons and one daughter. The family lives in Danville, California.

Retirement from Boxing

On September 21, 2017, Andre Ward announced his retirement from boxing. He was 33 years old. He explained that his body could no longer handle the tough demands of the sport. He said he wanted to leave boxing at the very top of his career.

Ward ended his professional boxing career undefeated, with 32 wins and no losses. Sixteen of his wins came by knockout. In December 2020, he was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame. This was a great honor in his first year of eligibility.

Filmography

Images for kids

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  Andre Ward in 2011

See Also

In Spanish: Andre Ward para niños