ONTARIO, CA (Nov. 14) — Andre Ward & Edwin Rodriguez get up close and personal at the final press conference before they colllide for Ward’s WBA & Ring Magazine Super Middleweight Title Saturday night in the fight dubbed “THE RETURN.”

Andre “S.O.G.” Ward:

“I’m locked in. I take this sport real serious. And he (Rodriguez) is going to find that out come Saturday night. Everybody talks about how hungry he is as a challenger, but he is running into a hungry champion. I am excited to get back. I’m sharp. I’m ready to be better than ever. ”

Edwin “La Bomba” Rodriguez:

“I respect Andre Ward. I think he’s a good fighter. He has accomplished a lot in the sport of boxing, winning the tournament in the Super Six. But, at the same time, I don’t respect him either. I’m ready to get in there and punch that guy in the face. Come November 16th, I will do just that.”

“THE RETURN”features a 12-round World Championship bout between Super Middleweight World Champion, Andre Ward and undefeated challenger Edwin Rodriguez. The night of boxing will take place Nov. 16 from the Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, Calif. live on HBO World Championship Boxing® (10:00 p.m., ET/PT). Available in HDTV.

Tickets are priced at $200, $125, $75, $50 and $25 (parking included with purchase) and are available at Citizens Business Bank Arena Box Office or online at AXS.com or call AXS at 888-929-7849 starting. For more information, please visit www.CBBankArena.com. Doors for the event open at 3:00 p.m.

The Ward-Rodriguez bout is being presented by Goossen Tutor Promotions in association with S.O.G. Promotions and DiBella Entertainment, and sponsored byToyota, Morongo Casino Resort Spa and the City of Ontario.

For more information on Goossen Tutor Promotions, including exclusive behind-the-scenes videos and photos, visit www.goossentutor.com . For more information on DiBella Entertainment, visit www.dbe1.com . Follow HBO Boxing news at www.hbo.com/boxing , on Facebook www.facebook.com/hboboxing and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/hboboxing . Join the conversation by using the Hashtag #WardRodriguez on Twitter.

LONDON (14 Nov) – Boxing’s best super middleweight, Andre Ward, returns to the ring this Saturday following a 14-month layoff, adamant he can take advantage of his opponent’s all guns blazing approach.

The WBA super-middleweight world champion, who also holds The Ring Magazine equivalent, is set to make his eagerly anticipated return this weekend against the undefeated Edwin Rodriguez, after being out of action for over a year due to a shoulder injury.

Fighting in front of his native Californian crowd at Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, the 29-year-old is out to show there is little in the way of ring rust and that the sparkle which saw him overcome Chad Dawson so comprehensively in his last outing, back in September 2012, very much remains.

He goes into the bout against the tricky Rodriguez knowing it’s not an easy assignment for his first fight back but intends to use his past experiences against similarly styled opponents to his advantage.

“We’re going to execute the gameplan and going to let it unfold, and if it unfolds the way it’s supposed to, he definitely can be stopped,” said Ward, speaking exclusively to BoxNation.

“He’s never been 12 rounds before and he makes a lot of mistakes. His eagerness is his strength but it’s also his weakness, similar to Froch. He doesn’t regard his defence, he’s reckless at times but if you’re reckless you can be caught out,” he said.

“Edwin’s a good fighter, he’s undefeated, he’s a hungry challenger but he’s also dealing with a hungry champion. So you’ve got to look at that side too. I’ve not just got to deal with him, he’s got to deal with me,” Ward said.

The 28-year-old Rodriguez, from the Dominican Republic, has built up a notable record with 24 wins from 24 fights with an impressive 16 stoppages.

It is not so much the record which concerns Ward, who himself remains undefeated, but rather his opponent’s desire to seize his chance under the spotlight.

“I don’t think its just being an undefeated fighter but the fact that it’s his opportunity. I had my opportunity in 2009, now it’s his chance and you can’t underestimate his mindset going into the fight,” Ward stated.

“But at the same time you’re not dealing with some guy, speaking of myself, who’s underestimating this kid or doesn’t know who he’s fighting. I’m well aware of Rodriguez’s strengths, and his weaknesses.

“At this level you want to take away your opponents strengths and expose their weaknesses and that’s what I’m planning on doing,” he said.

Ward’s return to the ring on BoxNation continues a majestic next couple of months for the channel which has secured the world’s biggest bouts live and exclusive all the way up until Christmas.

Featured over the next few weeks will be Manny Pacquiao against Brandon Rios, Dereck Chisora and Nathan Cleverly, as they take part in their respective bouts at the Copper Box Arena. Plus, Paulie Malignaggi vs. Zab Judah, Adrien Broner against Argentine axe man Marcos Maidana and many, many more big names.

Ward vs. Rodriguez is live and exclusive on BoxNation (Sky Ch. 437/Virgin Ch. 546) from 2am this Sunday morning. Visit www.boxnation.com to subscribe.
.

-Ends-
About BoxNation
BoxNation, the Channel of Champions and proud partner of Rainham Steel, is the UK’s first dedicated subscription boxing channel. For £10* a month and no minimum term customers can enjoy great value live and exclusive fights, classic fight footage, magazine shows and interviews with current and former fighters.

BoxNation is proud to support Fight for Peace, a charity that uses boxing and martial arts combined with education and personal development to realise the potential of young people in communities that suffer from crime and violence. Buy LUTA (www.luta.co.uk) clothing and support Fight for Peace.

Previous highlights have included Haye vs Chisora, Khan vs Diaz and Mayweather vs Alvarez.

The channel is available on Sky (ch 437), Virgin (ch 546), online at Livesport.tv and via iPhone, iPad or Android.

BoxNation is also available to commercial premises (inc. pubs, clubs and casino’s) in the UK and Ireland, for more information on a commercial subscription please call 0844 842 7700.

For more information visit www.boxnation.com

*Plus £10 one off registration fee for Sky TV and new Livesport.tv customers.

LONDON (8 Nov) – Rising star Mikey Garcia’s battle with WBO super-featherweight world champion Roman Martinez this weekend will act as the appetiser before BoxNation’s incredible festive fight feast.

The world’s best boxing channel kicks-off what will be a mouth-watering next couple of months with the fight games biggest cards set to be featured live and exclusive all the way until Christmas, starting with Saturday night’s Texas showdown.

‘The Filipino Flash’ Nonito Donaire is also set to make his return on the bill against old foe Vic Darchinyan, following his defeat against Cuban kingpin Guillermo Rigondeaux last April.

The main event, though, sees Garcia, the undefeated former WBO featherweight world champion, move up to the 130 pound weight class with the aim of capturing his second title against the skilled ‘Rocky’ Martinez.

Having been stripped of his featherweight crown on the scales, after failing to make the weight against Juan Manuel Lopez in his last bout, Garcia is determined to bounce back and regain his place amongst boxing’s elite.

“I was very sad. I worked very hard to get that title – I waited over two years in line to get that title shot and to not be able to defend and to lose it on the scale – it was hard,” said Garcia.

“As we were walking down the elevator and through the hallways going to the weigh-in knowing that I was no longer champion – I just tried to move forward and do the best that I could,” he said.

The 25-year-old fighting out of Oxnard, California is well aware it’s not going to be an easy ride against Martinez, who has only lost one bout out of 30, that coming in a narrow points decision against Scotland’s Ricky Burns.

“He’s very tough, very durable,” said Garcia. “He’s one of the most resilient guys out there. He is a world champion and he’s not going to let that title slip out of his hands easily. He’s going to fight very hard to keep that title. That’s why I think it’s going to be a very good fight for me,” he added.

“I am not only moving up in weight but I am fighting a world champion in Rocky Martinez and we are doing all the things necessary to be in the best shape possible to be prepared for Rocky Martinez,” Garcia said.

Martinez goes into the bout having beaten undefeated prospect Diego Magdaleno and is confident he will similarly hand Garcia his first loss.

“I know that he is an intelligent guy, very smart and he knows how to throw his punches together and that’s why we trained so hard – to be ready for anything. I think I can take his punches. I think I have proven myself that I am able to take punches. So it is a question of just being ready and being at my best,” Martinez said.

“I should be the favourite. I am the champion and I am naturally the bigger guy. I am strong and I prepared myself well and I believe I am going to win this fight because of that,” he said.

Following BoxNation’s airing of Martinez vs. Garcia, the ‘Channel of Champions’ will be showing the following events live and exclusive: Maldonado Jr. vs. Ramos Jr – Golden Boy Live! (Nov 11), Sergey Rabchenko vs. Cedric Vitu (Nov 16), Andre Ward vs. Edwin Rodriguez (Nov 16), Manny Pacquiao vs. Brandon Rios (Nov 23), Antonio Tarver vs. Mike Sheppard (Nov 26), Copper Box Arena show featuring Dereck Chisora and Nathan Cleverly (Nov 30), Paul Smith vs. Luke Blackledge (Dec 7), Paulie Malignaggi vs. Zab Judah (Dec 7), Guillermo Rigondeaux vs. Joseph Agbeko (Dec 7), Juergen Braehmer vs. Marcus Oliveira (Dec 14), Adrien Broner vs. Marcos Maidana (Dec 14) and Stuart Hall vs. Vusi Malinga (Dec 21).

In addition to this mammoth lineup BoxNation will also be showing the award winning 24/7 series as it delves into the camps of Manny Pacquiao and Brandon Rios. The UK premiere of Episode 1 will be on Wednesday Nov 13th at 9pm, followed by Episode 2 on Wednesday Nov 20th at 9pm and Episode 3 on Friday 22nd Nov at 9pm.

Fight fans can get all this for just £10 a month (plus a one-off £10 registration fee). Visit www.boxnation.com to subscribe.

Martinez vs. Garcia is live from 1.30am this Sunday morning on BoxNation (Sky Ch. 437/Virgin Ch. 546). Visit www.boxnation.com to subscribe.

-Ends-
About BoxNation
BoxNation, the Channel of Champions and proud partner of Rainham Steel, is the UK’s first dedicated subscription boxing channel. For £10* a month and no minimum term customers can enjoy great value live and exclusive fights, classic fight footage, magazine shows and interviews with current and former fighters.

BoxNation is proud to support Fight for Peace, a charity that uses boxing and martial arts combined with education and personal development to realise the potential of young people in communities that suffer from crime and violence. Buy LUTA (www.luta.co.uk) clothing and support Fight for Peace.

Previous highlights have included Haye vs Chisora, Khan vs Diaz and Mayweather vs Alvarez.

The channel is available on Sky (ch 437), Virgin (ch 546), online at Livesport.tv and via iPhone, iPad or Android.

BoxNation is also available to commercial premises (inc. pubs, clubs and casino’s) in the UK and Ireland, for more information on a commercial subscription please call 0844 842 7700.

For more information visit www.boxnation.com

*Plus £10 one off registration fee for Sky TV and new Livesport.tv customers

ONDON (31 Oct) – BoxNation’s knockout November is set to pack even more of a punch with the channel adding super-middleweight supremo Andre Ward’s crunch world title clash with undefeated Edwin Rodriguez to its star studded lineup.

The encounter sees the world’s best 168-pounder, Ward, defend his WBA world super-middleweight title on November 16th in Ontario, California against the ferocious 28-year-old from the Dominican Republic, adding yet another mouth-watering matchup on the ‘Channel of Champions’.

Boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao’s ring return against the formidable Brandon Rios in Macao, China on November 23rd and Queensberry’s Copper Box extravaganza on November 30th, featuring heavyweight hitman Dereck Chisora and former world champion Nathan Cleverly, are the other main attractions in a jam-packed November schedule.

And now, with the addition of Ward, regarded as one of the slickest and best pound-for-pound fighters in the world, BoxNation has yet again delivered a fight that will have boxing fans on the edge of their seat.

The bout with the hardened Rodriguez comes after a 14-month layoff for Ward, due to a shoulder injury, having previously worked his way through some of the very best including Chad Dawson, Mikkel Kessler and Britain’s Carl Froch, capturing the WBC, WBA and Ring Magazine world titles along the way.

“I’m excited to get back in the ring on November 16,” stated the champion Ward. “The opponent is Edwin Rodriguez. He’s a young, hungry, undefeated fighter who doesn’t believe he can lose and it’s my job to change his mind. I think he and his team feel like they are going to catch me slipping coming off of surgery and the layoff. I try to live like a champion. I stay in the gym, eat well, and don’t abuse my body and this rest that I got was needed. I don’t feel like the layoff will hurt me, I feel like it will help me. It allowed me to rest mentally and physically, and I want to show the fans on November 16 that I’m better than I was before I left.”

After making a huge statement in his last bout, stopping Denis Grachev in the first round at the ‘Monaco Million Dollar Super Four Tournament’,

Rodriguez believes he has all the tools to cause a big upset. “Vince Lombardi once said, ‘Life’s battles don’t always go to the stronger or faster man. But sooner or later, the man who wins is the man who thinks he can.’ On November 16th, I know I will win,” said Rodriguez.

Jim McMunn, General Manager of BoxNation, said: “It’s great that we continue to deliver the biggest and best boxing shows live and exclusive on BoxNation. The aim of the channel from the outset was to make sure British fights fans had access to the best fights from all over the world at the very best possible value. We are delighted that we have been able to add yet another great fight to our packed November schedule, this time featuring arguably the second best pound-for-pound fighter in the world in Andre Ward. With a host of names including Manny Pacquiao, Brandon Rios, Dereck Chisora, Nathan Cleverly, and many more also featuring, Christmas has come early for all boxing lovers.”

BoxNation is a dedicated subscription boxing channel offering UK fight fans the best bouts from the domestic and international circuit for only £10 a month (plus a one off £10 registration fee). For more information please visit www.boxnation.com.

– Ends –

About BoxNation
BoxNation, the Channel of Champions and proud partner of Rainham Steel, is the UK’s first dedicated subscription boxing channel. For £10* a month and no minimum term customers can enjoy great value live and exclusive fights, classic fight footage, magazine shows and interviews with current and former fighters.

BoxNation is proud to support Fight for Peace, a charity that uses boxing and martial arts combined with education and personal development to realise the potential of young people in communities that suffer from crime and violence. Buy LUTA (www.luta.co.uk) clothing and support Fight for Peace.

Previous highlights have included Haye vs Chisora, Khan vs Diaz and Mayweather vs Alvarez.

The channel is available on Sky (ch 437), Virgin (ch 546), online at Livesport.tv and via iPhone, iPad or Android.

BoxNation is also available to commercial premises (inc. pubs, clubs and casino’s) in the UK and Ireland, for more information on a commercial subscription please call 0844 842 7700.

For more information visit www.boxnation.com

SHERMAN OAKS, CA (September 30, 2013) – Oscar Molina (7-0, 6 KOs), who represented Mexico in the 2012 Olympic Games will return on November 16, 2013 at the Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, California looking for his eighth professional victory as he takes on Carlos “Gallo” Sanchez in a 6-round bout underneath the Andre Ward vs. Edwin Rodriguez WBA World Championship event.

This past Saturday in Toluca Mexico and broadcast on Televisa, Molina scored a spectacular 5th round knockout over a very game Ignacio Miranda (3-10, 2 KOs) that had the sold out arena standing cheering on their feet. Molina is quickly showing the abilities of an up-and-coming serious contender in the Jr Middleweight division. Backed by a great amateur pedigree that included a 2008 Youth World Amateur Boxing Championship Gold medal and Silver in the 2011 Pan American Games, Molina is fast adjusting to the professional style.

Co-promoted by Goossen Tutor Promotions and Promotions Del Pueblo, Molina will be looking for his 7th consecutive knockout against Sanchez after going the distance in his first professional bout.

The event is promoted by Goossen Tutor Promotions. The Ward-Rodriguez bout is presented in association with DiBella Entertainment. Sponsored by Toyota, Morongo Casino Resort & Spa and the City of Ontario.

For more information on Goossen Tutor Promotions, including exclusive behind-the-scenes videos and photos, visit www.goossentutor.com. Follow us on www.facebook.com/goossentutor and www.twitter.com/GoossenTutor. Follow HBO Boxing news at www.hbo.com/boxing, on Facebook www.facebook.com/hboboxing and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/hboboxing. Join the conversation by using the Hashtag #WardRodriguez on Twitter.

SHERMAN OAKS, CA (October 24, 2013) – In his last fight against unbeaten Cleveland native Mickey Bey back in July of this year, Covina, Calif. lightweight John Molina Jr. looked like he may have trouble with the faster and accurate punching Bey. That presumption became more evident as the rounds went by.

Although Molina was able to land one hellacious shot after another. Bey was just as able to withstand them through the first nine rounds. It wasn’t until the 10th and final round Molina unleashed a series of these dangerous blows that put Bey into another hemisphere and provided Molina with the win and a “Knockout of the Year” candidate.

In a non-televised bout, Molina now has been added to fight in a 8-round bout underneath Andre “S.O.G.” Ward who will put his world titles on the line against the undefeated Edwin “La Bomba” Rodriguez (24-0, 16 Kos) in a scheduled 12-round World Championship main event on November 16 at the Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, California, which will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing® beginning at 9:30 p.m. ET/PT.

Molina (26-3, 21 KOs) has an extraordinary ability to hurt men with his fists. Fans, trainers, promoters, networks and virtually every other living creature walking the earth crave the same thing from their fighters, big knockouts. He possesses something most men do not and as Bey found out, he will use every last second to do harm to you with his fists. Molina is now looking for redemption earning another shot at the championship knowing he carries natural destruction in his hands to achieve the title.

In baseball, the great equalizer is a home run. In football, the touchdown pass does it. In boxing, it’s the knockout. It can turn the worse case scenario in a blink of an eye.

Joe Goossen, Molina’s trainer, believes the confidence and experience, combined with Molina’s extraordinary large size for a lightweight, will bode well for Molina as he uses his willpower and heavy hands to reach the world championship pinnacle.

The superb non-televised companion bout to the Ward-Rodriguez main event will be Ward stablemate, world rated super middleweight Brandon Gonzales (17-0-1, 10 KOs) of Sacramento, CA who will bring his undefeated record to Ontario in a 10-round bout against another undefeated fighter in Jonathan “Country Boy” Nelson (19-0, 9 KOs) from Little Rock, Ark. Trained by Virgil Hunter, Brandon’s last bout televised by HBO, and first scheduled 10-round fight, against Thomas Oosthuizen (21-0-2, 13 KOs), Gonzales had to settle for a disputed draw against the heavily favored South African world contender, although Gonzales was the aggressor from the outset and appeared to be the clear winner at the end of the bout.

Nelson’s uncle and trainer Ozell Nelson who guided the career of Nelson’s friend and mentor, former world champion Jermain Taylor and the one responsible for his nephew’s entry into boxing believes Jonathan has the ability to become a world champion. Said Jonathan, “I know that a lot of people – since Jermain Taylor and I have the same trainer – like to say there’s a lot of similarities in our fighting styles. If I see an opening, I take it.”

After falling short of qualifying for the Olympics, one of the amateur distinctions Nelson has going into this bout with Gonzales is he holds a points win (13-6) over Brandon in a 2006 contest.

As for the other Molina on the non-televised card, no relation to John, the 2012 Mexican Olympic boxer Oscar Molina, who made his professional debut back in January — and has won all six of his bouts to date, five by KO — will add to his busy inaugural year as a pro by fighting in a 6-round bout against Carlos Sanchez (5-4, 1KO).

Currently, the 23-year old native of Chihuahua, Mexico who grew up in Norwalk, CA, is preparing at the Maywood Boxing Club for his bout. Oscar Molina and twin brother Javier Molina (14-1, 6 KOs) are both former Olympians in boxing; though four years apart and for different countries. Javier represented Team USA in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, whereas Oscar represented Mexico in the 2012 Olympics in London.

Oscar made his professional debut on January 26, 2013 in Chihuahua, Mexico, where he won a four-round unanimous decision over Hector Mendoza. Since then, Oscar has been extremely active, stopping all five of his next opponents.

In a 6-round Jr. Lighweight bout, Paramount’s favorite son, Charles Huerta, takes on Ontario’s Jonathon Arellano (13-2-2, 3 KOs). Plus, the fast-rising Ten Goose Boxing prospect, featherweight Juan Funez (2-1, 1 KO) of Reseda, CA, battles Carlos Gonzalez (1-3) of Bell, CA. There will be three other companion bouts to be announced shortly.

The event is promoted by Goossen Tutor Promotions in association with S.O.G. Promotions. The Ward-Rodriguez bout is presented in association with DiBella Entertainment and the event is sponsored by Toyota, Morongo Casino Resort & Spa and the City of Ontario.

London (23 October) James DeGale MBE is out to send a big ‘statement’ to the super middleweight division on November 16th at Glow, Bluewater, live on Channel 5 from 10pm.

The WBC Silver champion hopes to give the fans an emphatic ‘stoppage’ win in defence of his title and show he is ready for anyone.

“It’s time now for me to make a statement because it’s not about treading water, trust me, I do want the big fights and I want the big names,” said the 2008 Olympic Gold medalist.

“I know they’re out there and big nights ahead, but now my only focus is on Davis, November 16th and delivering a big performance for the fans.”

DeGale takes on ‘Dangerous’ Dyah Davis, a former NABF champion who has faced and beaten undefeated fighters and shared the ring with the WBC world super middleweight champion Sakio Bika.

A tough American who boasts 22 wins and will provide a stern test as his namesake suggests.

But the man fondly known as ‘Chunky’ recognises the threat and is focussed on overcoming it in style.

“I’m going to be going in there switched on and full of confidence and try and get that stoppage win,” James said.

“It’s a great venue and I want to go in there and put on a performance for all the fans – I want the big names and the big nights and I know the first step to that is doing a good job on Davis.

“I’m not overlooking him, if anything I’m more focussed on him because I know where a good performance here can lead me.”

Ticket Information

Tickets for November 16th are priced from £40 and are available to purchase from the following box offices:

Hennessy Sports box office on 01925 755 222 and online at: http://hennessy.ticketline.co.uk

Ticketline on 0844 888 4402 and online at: ticketline.co.uk

Ticketmaster on 0844 847 2500 or online at: ticketmaster.co.uk

Oct. 22, 2013 – HBO Sports® debuts an all-new installment of “2 Days” when the feature segment returns Tuesday, Nov. 5 at 10:15 p.m. (ET/PT) with a behind-the-scenes look at super middleweight sensation Andre Ward, one of boxing’s elite pound-for-pound fighters.

“2 Days” is a revealing and intimate look at a 48-hour span in the life of a boxer in the lead-up to one of his fights and the next edition will focus on super middleweight champ Andre Ward. HBO cameras followed the engaging and compelling fighter prior to his showdown with 175-pound champ Chad Dawson in Oakland.

HBO air times include: Nov. 7 (12:30 p.m.), 9, (12:45 a.m.), 10 (12:15 a.m.), 11 (11:45 p.m.), 14, (1:15 p.m.), 15 (4:00 p.m.) and 16 (8:15 a.m.).

HBO 2 air times include: Nov. 6 (3:00 p.m., 10:15 p.m.) 8 (8:45 a.m.), 9, (4:45 p.m.), 10 (8:30 a.m., 2:10 a.m.), 12, (4:15 p.m., 9:45 p.m.), 13 (9:30 a.m.) and 23 (12:30 a.m.).

All times are ET/PT.

Ward is set to return to the ring on Saturday, Nov. 16 when he faces No. 1 contender Edwin Rodriguez in Ontario, CA on HBO World Championship Boxing®.

“2 Days” will also be available on the HBO On Demand® service, HBO GO® and at www.hbo.com/boxing as well as various other new media platforms that distribute the series.

HERMAN OAKS, CA (September 20, 2013) – Following slightly more than a year’s absence from the ring due to injury, Bay Area hero, 2004 U.S. Olympic gold medalist and current WBA and Ring Magazine World Super Middleweight Champion, Andre “S.O.G.” Ward makes his highly anticipated return to the ring defending his title against Edwin Rodriguez on Saturday, November 16 at the Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, CA.

Simply and appropriately billed as “The Return,” Ward (26-0, 13 KOs) will risk his title against the undefeated Rodriguez (24-0, 16 KOs) in the scheduled 12-round World Championship main event which will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing® beginning at 9:30 p.m. ET/PT.

Tickets are priced at $200, $125, $75, $50 and $25 (parking included with purchase) and will be available at Citizens Business Bank Arena Box Office or online at AXS.com or by calling AXS at 888-929-7849 starting on Friday, September 27. For more information, please visit www.CBBankArena.com.

Following last year’s 10th-round destruction of then-WBC Light Heavyweight titleholder Chad Dawson in his biggest and most impressive defense of both his WBA and WBC belts in his hometown of Oakland on September 8, Ward was scheduled to take on former WBC/WBO Middleweight Champion Kelly Pavlik back in January. However, the bout had to be scrapped because Ward required surgery to an injured right shoulder, keeping Ward out of the ring for over 12 months and costing him an intriguing fight and sending Pavlik into retirement.

With Ward’s Super-Six Tournament demolition through the 168-pound division against the likes of Mikkel Kessler, Arthur Abraham, Allan Green, Sakio Bika and Carl Froch, Ward now puts his attention toward the currently ranked #1 WBC, #3 WBA, IBF and WBO Rodriguez.

“I’m excited to get back in the ring on November 16,” stated the champion Ward. “The opponent is Edwin Rodriguez. He’s a young, hungry, undefeated fighter who doesn’t believe he can lose and it’s my job to change his mind. I think he and his team feel like they are going to catch me slipping coming off of surgery and the layoff. I try to live like a champion. I stay in the gym, eat well, and don’t abuse my body and this rest that I got was needed. I don’t feel like the layoff will hurt me, I feel like it will help me. It allowed me to rest mentally and physically, and I want to show the fans on November 16 that I’m better than I was before I left.”

So now the 29-year old Ward can’t wait to make his return against the Dominican-born super middleweight, who now lives in Worcester, Mass. Having made a huge statement in his last bout stopping Denis Grachev in the first round in Monte Carlo, France winning the “Monaco Million Dollar Super Four Tournament” – Rodriguez, 28, will be fighting for the first time in California. In his most recent outing, the undefeated Rodriguez known as “La Bomba, ” handled Grachev from the opening bell. The normally durable Grachev went down twice in the first round and was taking further punishment when referee Stanley Christodoulou stepped in to stop the one-sided bout. Grachev was coming off impressive wins over highly-touted Californian Ismayl Sillakh, and also ended former champion Zsolt Erdei’s undefeated run. With the victory, the DiBella-promoted Rodriguez has propelled his name toward the top of the 168-pound division targeting Ward in the process.

“Vince Lombardi once said, ‘Life’s battles don’t always go to the stronger or faster man. But sooner or later, the man who wins is the man who thinks he can.’ On November 16th, I know I will win,” stated Edwin Rodriguez.

“I commend Andre Ward for accepting a huge challenge after an injury and layoff. On November 16th, he will wish he didn’t when he gets La-Bombed by La Bomba,” said longtime promoter Lou DiBella.

Some strong words from the #1 world-rated Rodriguez proclaiming the demise of the #2 pound-for-pound fighter in the world.

Ward probably summed it up best, “You have a young fighter in Edwin Rodriguez that feels like it’s his time. You have a young veteran in myself that feels like it’s still my time, and those ingredients will make for a blockbuster fight on November 16 on HBO.”

All other bouts will be announced shortly. Doors open at 3 p.m. with the first undercard fight set at 3:15 p.m.

The event is promoted by Goossen Tutor Promotions in association with S.O.G. Promotions. The Ward-Rodriguez bout is presented in association with DiBella Entertainment and sponsored by Morongo Casino Resort Spa and the City of Ontario.

“We are proud to be a sponsor to this great boxing event featuring WBA and Ring Magazine Supermiddleweight World Champion Andre Ward,” stated Morongo Casino Resort Spa General Manager, David Brents.

For more information on Goossen Tutor Promotions, including exclusive behind-the-scenes videos and photos, visit www.goossentutor.com. For information on DiBella Entertainment visit www.dbe1.com. Follow HBO Boxing news at www.hbo.com/boxing, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/hboboxing and on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/hboboxing. Join the conversation by using the Hashtag #WardRodriguez on Twitter.

Citizens Business Bank Arena, built and owned by the City of Ontario, operated by AEG Facilities, includes 9,500 fixed seats with additional “portable” seating risers to accommodate capacities of 11,089 for concerts, 9,736 for ice hockey and 10,832 for basketball. The Arena is home to Ontario Reign, an ECHL Premier AA Hockey Team. The venue is the biggest and most modern arena within the Inland Empire, an area with over 4.1 million people. It is located in the City of Ontario, on a 37-acre parcel located between Haven Avenue and Milliken Avenue, Fourth Street and the I-10 Freeway.

New York, NY (7/29/13) – Former light heavyweight and cruiserweight world champion Zsolt Erdei (33-1, 18KO’s) isn’t looking for any easy fights after suffering his first professional defeat in a razor-thin and questionable split decision loss to Denis Grachev in the first leg of the Monte-Carlo Million Dollar Super 4 Tournament. Erdei is instead offering up his services to super middleweight kingpin and ESPN.com’s pound-for-pound number two-ranked fighter in the world, Andre Ward. Ward, who is coming off a shoulder injury and extensive rehab, hasn’t fought since scoring a 10th-round TKO over Chad Dawson in September of last year. Erdei says he has no problem in moving down to super middleweight and would jump at the opportunity.

“When I decided to sign with Lou DiBella and fight in America, it was for me to face DBE the best boxers in the world. Ward is considered to be the best boxer in the world above the middleweight division and he is a great champion. I respect his skills very much, but I know that I have what it takes to get the job done and shock the world. A win over Ward makes me a superstar in America and that is my ultimate goal,” said Erdei.

Regarding his defeat to Grachev, which many ringside observers, including the Principality of Monaco, felt was unjust, Erdei takes the split decision loss in stride.

“Everybody knows that I won my last fight and was clearly robbed of the victory. For that reason, I still consider myself an undefeated two-division champion and I still want to fight the best.”

Promoter Lou DiBella echoed similar sentiments. “Many people who saw his fight with Grachev thought that Erdei won. Regardless though, he showed that he is still one of the best 168/175 lb. fighters in the world, having performed at the level that he did after not fighting for nearly two full years.”

When Ward was winning gold at the 2004 Summer Olympics, Erdei, himself a 1996 and 2000 Olympian, was already the WBO light heavyweight champion of the world, having won a dominant 12-round unanimous decision over Jesus Gonzalez in January of that same year.

Over the next five years, Erdei would successfully defend his title 11 times, before moving up in weight and claiming the WBC cruiserweight title with a 12-round decision over Giacobbe Fragomeni. In the bout with Fragomeni, Erdei conceded 17lbs. to the defending champion, but was still able to pull off the terrific feat with a majority decision.

After the victory, Erdei decided to retire from the sport, before reconsidering and coming back with a new goal: to take over America. Erdei signed with promoter Lou DiBella’s DiBella Entertainment and reeled off two straight victories. Erdei was scheduled to face former light heavyweight world champion Tavoris Cloud in December 2011 but was forced to pull out of the bout after suffering an injury during training. Yet another injury in training forced him out of his September 29, 2012, HBO date against Isaac Chilemba. By the time he fought Grachev this past March, he had been out of the ring for nearly two full years. Showing absolutely no ring rust in the bout, Erdei boxed beautifully against Grachev, sweeping the early rounds. As the fight wore on, Erdei got dragged into a bit of a slugfest, ultimately losing the 10-round split decision.

With many of the top super middleweights currently tied up, a bout between Ward and the two-division world champion, two-time Olympian, and only once-beaten European star Erdei seems to make perfect sense. Erdei just hopes he gets the opportunity to show that he is still one of the elite fighters in the world.

“To be the best, you have to beat the best. Beating Ward puts me in that position,” said Erdei.

The California State Athletic Commission sided with promoter Dan Goossen in his dispute filed by world Super Middleweight champion Andre Ward according to Dan Rafael of espn.com

“We’ve enjoyed a very honorable and successful relationship with Andre Ward and I can only hope having to go through this whole legal process will only strengthen our relationship moving forward,” Goossen said. “I’ve said for years that he had the talent — both in and out of the ring — possessed by the other greats before him such as Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard, Oscar De La Hoya and, of course, Floyd Mayweather.

“Now I look forward to getting back to promoting Andre’s next bout, as well as helping him become the No. 1 fighter in the sport.”

“I want to thank the California State Athletic Commission and the Attorney General’s office for protecting not only their licensed boxers, but their licensed promoters as well,” Goossen said.

“I believe I am in the prime of my professional boxing career,” Ward said before the ruling. “Actions of a California licensed promoter (Goossen) are preventing me from defending my title and pursuing my profession. A boxer has a limited timeframe to earn his livelihood, provide for his family and, let alone, perform at a championship caliber level. Goossen’s actions leave me with the possibility of not stepping in to the ring at all in 2013.”

“It is absolutely crazy to me that this man (Goossen) would stand in the way of Andre’s boxing career and his next title defense, and not respect Andre’s request that his co-promoter and manager be part of those discussions,” said Ward’s manager James Prince. “Understandably, HBO did not want to get in the middle of any dispute between Andre’s co-promoters or Andre and Goossen, but for this man to refuse to attend a meeting because he wanted to be the only one talking with HBO and have sole control over Andre’s career is flat out wrong.

“There are multiple reasons to terminate the promotional agreement with Goossen and we are following proper procedures with our sole objective of always doing what is in the best interests of Andre Ward.”

Said Ward, “Goossen had various opportunities to meet with HBO and to interact with my manager. He refused and otherwise did not respond to my team regarding these important business dealings concerning my career.”

Andre Ward kept himself in the pound-for-pound debate with smarts evident all over again this week when he trashed the World Boxing Council with skillful subtlety.

In saying no to a meaningless belt in a prepared statement Monday, Ward saved himself some future sanctioning fees and was rewarded with applause for a demonstration that represented no risk to him. Taking a stand against the WBC these days is little bit like saying you’re opposed to dirty water. Who isn’t?

Besides, what is a WBC Super Middleweight World Champion Emeritus Title anyway? Just a redundancy? Or a gold watch? Retired professors have titles that include emeritus. The unbeaten Ward is neither retired nor emeritus.

Ward is active, which was the real point to a move that was the rhetorical equivalent of former heavyweight champ Riddick Bowe dumping a WBC pea-soup green belt into a garbage can in 1992.

Pound-for-pound ratings are political. A debate, first-and-foremost. There’s not much chance that Floyd Mayweather Jr. will ever face Ward. With Mayweather at welterweight and Ward at super-middle, more than 20 pounds separate them. For now, fans and Showtime will just be happy if Mayweather agrees to fight Canelo Alvarez. To stay in the debate, however, you have to remind everybody you’re still in the game. Inactivity is a sure way to drift out of mind and out of contention.

Shoulder surgery in January limited Ward to only one fight – a victory over Chad Dawson more than eight months ago – since beating Carl Froch in December, 2011. If not emeritus, Ward wasn’t exactly active. Now, he plans to resume his career in September. The timing of his statement to the WBC coincides with his appearance Saturday in London as a ringside analyst for HBO’s telecast of the Froch-Mikkel Kessler rematch. He’s back in the headlines, back in the hunt and poised to re-assert himself in a race with Mayweather for pound-for-pound supremacy.

It’s still not clear who Ward will fight in September. But he has said he eventually wants Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., expected to face Brian Vera on August 3 in Mexico City. Chavez promoter Bob Arum also says he foresees a bout with Ward.

It would be a biggie for both. For Chavez, it’s a chance to resurrect his reputation after haphazard training and a one-sided loss to Sergio Martinez exasperated Mexican fans hoping for a second-coming of his legendary dad. For Ward, it’s a chance to win over Mexican fans, the demographic that can turn a good fighter into a pay-per-view star. To wit: Manny Pacquiao. Without Erik Morales, Marco Antonio Barrera and Juan Manuel Marquez, Pacquiao would not have blown up into a worldwide phenomenon.

A Chavez fight in August eliminates a September bout against Ward, although it’s fun to wonder whether Arum might be tempted. If the promoter could talk Chavez out of Vera in August and ask him to go straight to Ward on Sept. 14, he might have a fight that would compete with any Mayweather bout not involving Canelo.

Let’s say there’s a repeat of the Top Rank-Golden Boy rivalry played out last September in Las Vegas with Martinez-Chavez at Thomas & Mack Center and Canelo’s victory over Josesito Lopez at the MGM Grand. Which one would you watch? HBO’s Chavez-Ward at Thomas & Mack or Showtime’s Mayweather-Devon Alexander at the MGM Grand?

It’s speculative. Even mythical. Then again, so is the pound-for-pound debate, which Ward brought back by getting back into the headlines.

Sherman Oaks, CA (Jan. 7) – Deferring to the recommendation of a noted Bay Area orthopedic specialist after receiving a second opinion on his injured right shoulder, reigning WBA, WBC and Ring Super Middleweight World Champion Andre “S.O.G.” Ward underwent successful surgery, which will keep him out of action for an indefinite period and has forced the postponement of his highly-anticipated title bout against Kelly Pavlik for a second time.

Originally scheduled as an HBO “World Championship Boxing” main event from the Galen Center on the campus of USC on January 26, the bout was rescheduled to March 2nd after the 2004 U.S. Olympic gold medalist, “Super Six” World Boxing Classic tournament winner and 2011 “Fighter of the Year” felt pain in his right shoulder after throwing a punch at sparring partner Tony Hirsch during training in Andre’s hometown of Oakland. The original MRI revealed a significant amount of swelling and inflammation, but no injury to the rotator cuff.

However, after a period of rest and rehab resulted in little improvement, Andre sought a second opinion from Dr. Michael Dillingham, for 25 years the team orthopedic surgeon for the San Francisco 49ers and currently for the San Francisco Giants. A subsequent MRI revealed a small tear in Andre’s right shoulder capsule and, this past Friday, surgery was performed by Dr. Dillingham at the SOAR Surgicenter in nearby Burlingame. Assisting the doctor on the surgical team were his partners Ken Akizuki (team orthopedist for the Giants) and Joe Donahue (former 49ers assistant team orthopedist and current team physician for Santa Clara University).

“Technically, things went very well and all involved are very hopeful about the eventual outcome,” stated Dr. Dillingham. “Within a week, Andre will begin his rehab.”

Lisa Giannone, of Activecare Physical Therapy in San Francisco, will head up Andre’s rehabilitation team.

“The doctor said Andre will initially have his arm in a sling where he will be better prepared to give a timeline for Andre’s recovery process once the sling is removed,” said promoter Dan Goossen.

“Andre has always surpassed everyone’s expectations and I told Dr. Dillingham he can expect the same fire from Andre with his rehabilitation as the fans see when he’s in the ring.

The timing is unfortunate for Andre (26-0, 14 KOs), whose fast-track rise to elite status since winning his first world title in 2009 against reigning WBA super middleweight champ Mikkel Kessler — then capturing the WBC version in late 2011 against brash Briton Carl Froch and, in his most recent domination of current WBC light heavyweight king Chad Dawson — has vaulted him near the top of the “Pound for Pound” ratings and cemented him as a recognized superstar worldwide.

“My surgery went very well and I am definitely pleased with the outcome. I had a fantastic team of surgeons overseeing everything on Friday morning and they did a great job of repairing the injury. I am confident that I will return to the ring even better than I was prior to the injury,” stated Ward.

“I really want to thank everyone for all of the prayers and support that my family and I have received. We truly appreciate it and it has helped throughout this process. I can’t wait to get back out there and perform for all my fans and plan to keep everyone updated on my progress. The best is yet to come so stay tuned.”

Below is a link to the photo gallery provided by Squint Photo – http://www.flickr.com/photos/91948583%40N03/sets/72157632460172154/

The postponed fight between World Super Middleweight champion Andre Ward and former Middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik is now off due to Ward needing shoulder surgery according to Dan Rafael of espn.com

The bout was originally scheduled for January 26th and then moved to March 2nd after Ward suffered the injury.

Pavlik’s manager Cameron Dunkin told ESPN.com that he was notified Wednesday night by Top Rank’s Bob Arum, Pavlik’s promoter, that Ward would be sidelined for an extended period.

“Bob called me up and told me the fight was out and said, ‘What are we gonna do with Pavlik?’ He said Goossen called him and told him that Ward needed shoulder surgery,” Dunkin said. “So I don’t know what we’re gonna do, but we’re going to move forward and get Kelly a fight and get him back in the ring.

“I sent him a text to let him know what was up because I couldn’t get in touch with him.”

“I wasn’t jumping up and down for the fight,” Dunkin said. “I wasn’t excited for it, but it’s something Kelly wanted and that is my job, to create opportunities for my clients. Kelly told me that fighting Ward was what he wanted to do. He said to get the fight done, so sometimes that’s what you gotta do. And now we will look for something else.”

UPDATE

Andre Ward said Thursday that he has a tear in his right shoulder that will require surgery.

“When I first got injured, there was a lot of inflammation, and the MRI was misread by the first radiologist,” Ward said in a statement. “I’ve been doing extensive rehab and the shoulder was getting stronger, but after three-and-a-half weeks of rehab, there was still slight pain that had me concerned enough to get two additional opinions.

“It was then diagnosed that there is a small tear in my shoulder capsule. It’s not a major tear, but I can either rest it and see if it heals itself or speed up the process by surgically repairing it, and be stronger than I was before the injury and that’s what we opted to do.”

“I’m working with one of the best orthopedic surgeons and physical therapists in Northern California, and I know that I will come back stronger than before,” said Ward, a native of Oakland, Calif. “I appreciate all the support that I’ve already received and my fans can rest assured that I’m going to be back in the ring as soon as possible.

“Despite the injury, I still plan to have a big 2013 and hope to have two fights in the New Year.”

“I was really looking forward to the fight with Pavlik,” Ward said. “Everything was on board and situations happen, but I wish Kelly Pavlik and his team nothing but the best in the future.”

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, World Super Middleweight champion Andre Ward suffered a shoulder injury that will him force him to postpone his January 26th title defense with Kelly Pavlik.

“He felt a little tweak when he threw a punch and stopped immediately,” Ward’s promoter, Dan Goossen, told ESPN.com on Thursday. “He didn’t really think it was that damaging at first but he certainly felt pain. He went to the doctor and followed up with an MRI (on Friday). It disclosed no tears, no rotator cuff injury, nothing of devastating proportions, but there was a lot of swelling and inflammation, so the key to healing is not using the arm for a few weeks.”

“Speaking to Andre about it, he said he has had nagging pain in his shoulder since he was a young kid, but nothing to the extent of what he felt this last time,” Goossen said.

“We’ve seen Andre fight through pain with a broken hand as recently as the Froch fight,” Goossen said. “If he says it’s painful and the prescription is to rest the arm, that’s what he will do.”

LOS ANGELES (Nov. 27) – On Saturday, January 26, World Champion Andre “S.O.G.” Ward (26-0, 14 KO’s) of Oakland, CA takes on Kelly “The Ghost” Pavlik (40-2, 34 KOs) of Youngstown, Ohio in what promises to be a thrilling WBA and WBC Super Middleweight World Championship Bout.

This event will be the first boxing event at the Galen Center at USC in Los Angeles, CA, home to the USC Trojans Basketball and Volleyball teams. “The layout of the Galen Center couldn’t be better for the presentation of a boxing event and we are excited to host these world class bouts,” said USC Senior Associate Athletic Director J.K. McKay.

When Ward captured his first world championship in 2009, defeating WBA super middleweight champion Mikkel Kessler, he went on to challenge three other world and former world champions in his next five bouts. World titleholders Carl Froch, Arthur Abraham and Chad Dawson all tasted defeat at the hands of Andre Ward. Next in line is the very powerful, former world champion Kelly Pavlik, who promises to take both title belts from Ward.

The co-featured bout has Riverside’s Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola (35-2, 30 KOs) challenging heavy-hitting knockout puncher Bermane “B. Ware” Stiverne (22-1-1, 20 KOs) from Las Vegas, NV by way of Haiti. Both Arreola and Stiverne will put their power on display with the winner guaranteed to fight for the heavyweight world championship in his next bout.

This exciting HBO® World Championship Boxing doubleheader is being presented by Goossen Tutor Promotions in association with Antonio Leonard Promotions and SOG.

The Ward-Pavlik bout will be promoted in association with Bob Arum’s Top Rank, Inc.

“Televising Andre Ward in an intriguing showdown against Kelly Pavlik is a great way to start the new year,” said Kery Davis, Senior Vice President of Programming, HBO Sports. “Combined with the heavyweight showdown between Cristobal Arreola and Bermane Stiverne, boxing fans can look forward to an exciting night of action on HBO.”

An injury earlier this year limited 28-year-old Ward’s activity in 2012 to one fight — a thorough destruction of Chad Dawson in September. Pavlik, 30, has fought three times this year and posted wins (two via TKO and one unanimous decision) against opposition with combined records of 53-6.

“Kelly Pavlik has been determined to get back onto the top of the heap in boxing,” his promoter, Top Rank’s Arum said. “I know he’s ready to give it his all against one of the best champions today. I really believe this will be an exciting, competitive fight.”

“I’ve heard all the talk about Kelly Pavlik, but I know better than that. He’s beaten plenty of the big names,” Ward said. “Bob Arum has done a great job of keeping Kelly busy until an opportunity like this came along. You can bet that a former world champion like Kelly Pavlik, being afforded another title shot…he’s going to be primed and ready. We are going to be ready too and it’s going to be a tremendous show.”

“Andre Ward’s a hell of a world champ,” said Pavlik, who’s trained by California-based Robert Garcia. “He’s the super middleweight king right now. He went through a tough tournament and proved where he’s at. He beat everybody that he was supposed to fight and he’s top dog. When I was champ, I was the one being pursued. Now he’s champ and I’m in hot pursuit.”

“Andre Ward has conquered every challenge he’s faced as a pro and has improved each and every time,” said Promoter Dan Goossen. “He captured Olympic Gold in 2004; emerged from the tournament as a long shot to claim the Super Six World Boxing Classic and won both the WBC and WBA super middleweight titles in the process.”

The Arreola-Stiverne fight shapes up as a bout unlikely to go the distance given the knockout rates of both combatants. Arreola, 31, has stopped all but five of his 35 victims, while the 34-year old Stiverne – whose only loss on his impressive record came more than five years and 11 fights ago — has allowed only two of his 22 conquests to hear the final bell.

The always-entertaining Arreola was thrilled to learn the fight will be in front of his hometown fans, “I’m going to make 2013 my year.” I’m excited to be back on HBO and fighting someone worthy and good in Stiverne. He’s a tough fighter but my will and strength will break him down. I’m not going to let anyone stand in my way!”

An irritated Stiverne, who is trained by Don House, said about the fight with Arreola “It should have been done a long time ago.” “I don’t know what he’s been doing besides running from me. I’m looking forward to the fight. He is a tough customer, but nothing that I can’t deal with. I’ll get the job done. I’m not concerned about a knockout. We have a plan that we want to execute. If the knockout comes, it comes.”

“It’ll be a great fight between Arreola and Stiverne,” Stiverne’s promoter, Don King, predicted. “It’s the next step in bringing the world championship back to America. The fight is a must see.”

“Boxing fans love the heavyweights and we have two of the best and biggest knockout artists in the business going toe-to-toe,” Goossen stated. “Chris is back to full health and in great shape already. He is determined to become the first world heavyweight champion of Mexican descent. But he will not overlook Stiverne who has run over his heavyweight opposition — including former world title challenger Ray Austin — in impressive fashion. It will be a great night of fights at the Galen Center.”

Tickets priced at $300, $200, $100 and $50 (plus fees) will go on sale shortly.

Doors open at the Galen Center at USC at 3:30 pm. The first non-televised bout starts at 4 pm. The two HBO® World Championship Boxing bouts will begin at 6:45 pm.

The event is sponsored by Corona.

INDIO, CALIF. (Nov. 9, 2012) – The transition from amateur to professional in sports is a rite of passage for nearly all athletes who earn pay for play. For many Olympic athletes, however, there is added pressure due to real or perceived expectations of them as professionals. Such is the case with Olympic boxers the world over who don’t have the luxury of turning professional in low-profile fights.

Those high expectations come with good reason as from the 1976 Olympics through the 2004 Games, 41 percent of U.S. Olympic boxers went on to win at least one world title as a professional.

On the eve of “Night of Olympians” tonight/Friday, Nov. 9, on ShoBox: The New Generation live on SHOWTIME® (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif.), six past U.S. Olympians, all of whom would become world champions, looked back at their pro debuts and their mindsets going into those fights.

Here’s what Oscar De La Hoya, Howard Davis, Raul Marquez, Russell, Jr., Antonio Tarver and Andre Ward had to say:

OSCAR DE LA HOYA, Gold Medalist, 1992

(Pro debut: De La Hoya registered three knockdowns en route to a 42 second, first-round knockout win over Lamar Williams at the Great Western Forum in Inglewood, Calif. on Nov. 23, 1992.)

“Because I was a fighter who was brought up fighting as a professional-type style I was actually really looking forward to my pro debut. I’d been sparring and training with pros like Joey Olivo and Paul Gonzales since I was 13, so I wasn’t nervous at all. Actually, I couldn’t wait. Just the fact I would be wearing eight-ounce gloves without headgear for the first time excited me.

“Once I got that first fight out of the way, I knew I was on my way.”

HOWARD DAVIS, Gold Medalist, 1976

(Pro debut: Davis outpointed Jose Resto over six rounds at the Aladdin Hotel in Las Vegas on Jan. 15, 1977.)

“The fight was nationally televised. I was disappointed because I wanted to fight in front of my hometown fans at the Nassau Coliseum. Ray Leonard got to turn pro in front of his hometown fans. Instead, the fight was in Vegas, and only a couple of hundred, maybe 500 fans showed up.

“I was very nervous and the nerves didn’t go away until my second pro fight, but I beat him silly every round and didn’t let him hit me. He had no neck, and every time I hit him, I felt like I was breaking my hand.”

RAUL MARQUEZ, 1992

(Pro debut: Marquez stopped Rafael Rezzaq in the fourth round at the HemisFair Arena in San Antonio, Texas on Oct. 3, 1992.)

“It was a big night for me. There was pressure because I was supposed to be one of the U.S. Olympians who would go on to win a world title. I was nervous, but I was nervous before every fight. There were a lot of friends and family from Houston and Mexico there.

“I fought a tough guy. I kept knocking him down and he kept getting up. I don’t even remember how many knockdowns I scored. I’ll tell you this, he was much tougher than I had expected for an Olympian making his pro debut.

“One thing I definitely remember: Lou Duva threw me a party afterward at Mi Tierra, a famous restaurant in San Antonio. There was a mariachi band and everything.”

GARY RUSSELL JR., 2008

(Pro debut: Russell scored a third-round TKO over Antonio Reyes at the Million Dollar Elm Casino in Tulsa, Okla., on Jan. 16, 2009)

“My pro debut was in Oklahoma on ShoBox and I remember being excited and a little bit anxious. I had the opportunity to start all over again. I felt like I was having my first amateur fight and it was exciting to do something for the first time.

“My opponent was wearing a suit at the press conference and I remember thinking that wasn’t going to help him in the ring at all. I had full confidence in my ability to beat him.”

ANDRE WARD, Gold Medalist, 2004

(Pro debut: Ward knocked out Chris Molina in the second round on Dec. 18, 2004 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles.)

“I was more anxious than nervous. It was STAPLES Center, on the undercard of Antonio Tarver-Glen Johnson. My fight was televised on premium cable. There were huge expectations and I had a lot to prove even though I had won the gold medal. I also had to prove to myself I could take a shot as a pro.

“I had an absolute wild man on the other side of the ring. Molina wanted to prove I born with a silver spoon in my mouth. He was throwing bombs, head-butting and yelling at me during the fight. I just had to stay in the moment. I hit him some good shots and he quit.”

(Note: Molina, who was 2-0 going in, never fought again.)

ANTONIO TARVER, 1996

(Pro debut: Tarver scored a second-round knockout over Joaquin Garcia at the Blue Horizon in Philadelphia on Feb. 8, 1997.)

“I didn’t know what to expect. You take off the headgear, you put on the little gloves. There were a lot of butterflies. It was like starting over. All jitters and I was fighting on national TV on ‘Tuesday Night Fights,’ and at the Blue Horizon, which had a tough, educated crowd. I just wanted to be perfect.

“I was 28 and a lot of people thought I was too old to be turning pro. I fought an undefeated guy who had a good chin. I was so anxious; I don’t know if I did everything I wanted to do, but I still got the award for Knockout of the Night.”

# # #

In tonight’s ShoBox main event, talented unbeaten featherweight contender and 2008 United States Olympian Gary Russell Jr. (20-0, 12 KOs) of Capitol Heights, Md., will face Roberto Castaneda (20-2-1, 15 KOs) in a 10-round bout.

The five 2012 U.S. Olympians – heavyweight Dominic Breazeale, of Anaheim, Calif., cruiserweight Marcus Browne, of Staten Island, N.Y., super middleweight Terrell Gausha, of Cleveland, Ohio, junior middleweight Errol Spence, of Desotol, Texas, and bantamweight Rau’Shee Warren, of Cincinnati, Ohio – will box in four-round pro debut fights.

Breazeale takes on Curtis Tate (4-3, 4 KO’s), of Oakland, Tenn., Browne will meet Codale Ford (2-0), of Fort Gibson, Okla., Gausha will face Dustin Caplinger (2-3, 1 KO) of Chillicothe, Ohio, Spence will be opposed by Jonathan Garcia (3-3, 1 KO), of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, and Warren collides with Luis Rivera of Ponce, Puerto Rico (1-2).

The event is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. PT with the first live fight at 5:30 p.m.

Tickets priced at $25, $35 and $45 are available at the Fantasy Springs Box Office, by calling (800) 827-2946 or online at www.fantasyspringsresort.com.

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For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.fantasyspringsresort.com, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.twitter.com/mrgaryrusselljr, www.twitter.com/BreazealeBoxing, www.twitter.com/MarcusBrowne, www.twitter.com/TerrellGausha, www.twitter.com/ErrolSpenceJr, www.twitter.com/RauSheeWarren,www.twitter.com/fantasysprings or visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing or www.facebook.com/fantasyspringsresort.

For information on SHOWTIME, visit http://Sports.SHO.com, www.twitter.com/SHOsports or www.facebook.com/ShoBoxing.

HOBOKEN, N.J. (October 30, 2012) — With a rematch against former World champion Lucian Bute still on the cards, as well as potential grudge rematches against Andre Ward and Mikkel Kessler in International Boxing Federation (IBF) super middleweight champion Carl “The Cobra’s” Froch’s future, the 34-year-old British favorite admitted that his November 17th title defense against Yusaf Mack, headlining the “True Brit” pay-per-view event (in the U.S.), could be his last fight at home in Nottingham, England.

“If the Bute fight happens,” Froch explained, “it will be in Canada, and rematches with Ward and Kessler could well happen in America and Denmark, so this could well be my last fight in Nottingham.”

Froch and Mack headline an exciting night of boxing on Nov. 17 with Tony Bellew aiming to seal his second World light heavyweight title shot in a World Boxing Council (WBC) title eliminator against Argentine invader Roberto Bolonti.

“True Brit,” presented by Matchroom Boxing, will be distributed in the United States by Integrated Sports Media for live viewing at 3:00 PM/ET – 12:00 PM/PT on both cable and satellite pay-per-view via iN Demand, DIRECTV, DISH Network and Avail-TVN for a suggested retail price of only $29.95.

“True Brit” will also be available to view via Fight Now TV, America’s only 24-hour combat sports and entertainment channel, on Cablevision channel 464 as part of the iO Gold package.

Froch (29-2, 21 KOs), rated by The Ring Magazine as the No. 1 contender in the world, captured the IBF title in his last fight on May 26 with an impressive fifth-round technical knockout of previously undefeated champion Bute (30-1). In the past four years, his last eight fights have been against a Who’s Who of the 168-pound division with victories over Bute, Glen Johnson (DEC12), Arthur Abraham (DEC12), Andre Dirrell (DEC12), Jermain Taylor (TKO12) and Jean Pascal (DEC12). Froch’s only losses were by 12-round decisions to unbeaten World Boxing Council (WBC)/World Boxing Association (WBA) king Ward in the final of the Super Six Tournament, and four-time World champion Kessler during the aforementioned tournament. Seven of his last eight opponents, excluding Dirrell, have been world champion.

IBF No.5-ranked Mack (31-4, 17 KOs) has been fighting as a light heavyweight since 2008. He lost his only world title shot to IBF 175-pound champion Tavoris Cloud by eighth-round technical knockout in 2006.

“I’m in fantastic shape and itching to get in there again,” Froch said. “The Bute fight was special and the best night of my career, but there’s no chance I’ll take my foot off the pedal on November 17. Yusaf is a dangerous customer and he has nothing to lose coming here and everything to gain. Yusaf has fought for a World title at light heavyweight and he is going to be doing everything he can to prove himself at super middleweight.”

Bellew (18-1, 12 KOs) and South American champion Bolonti (30-1, 19 KOs) will fight in the 12-round co-feature, an official WBC eliminator to become champion “Bad” Chad Dawson’s mandatory challenger, with the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) Silver light heavyweight championship on the line.

Bellew, rated No. 10 by The Ring Magazine and No. 14 by the World Boxing Organization (WBO), has lost only once as a professional, last year in his only World title challenge fight to undefeated WBO champion Nathan Cleverly by 12-round majority decision.

Bolonti will be going for his 27th consecutive victory on Nov. 17. Fighting outside of his native Buenos Aires, Argentina for the first time, Bolonti is rated No. 5 by the WBC, No. 10 by the WBA and IBF.

The PPV card, pending time restrictions, will also showcase some of Britain’s top, young fighters, including bantamweight prospect Khalid “Kal” Yafai (3-0, 2 KOs), a 2008 Great Britain Olympian, vs. TBA, lightweight Scott “Scotty” Cardle (5-0, 1 KO) vs. Joe Elfidh (7-2), former European middleweight champion Kerry Hope (17-4, 1 KO) in a six-round tune-up vs. TBA prior to his December 8th showdown with Darren Barker, lightweight Martin J. Ward (2-0) vs. TBA, middleweight Ryan “Tank” Aston (7-1, 3 KOs) vs. Tyan Booth (11-6-1, 2 KOs), and featherweight Leigh “Leigh-thal” Wood (4-0, 1 KO) vs. Gavin Reid (6-16-1, 3 KOs). All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Go online to www.integratedsportsmedia.com, www.fightnow.com for more information about the “True Grit” PPV. Follow Integrated Sports on Twitter @integratedppv and Fight Now TV @fightnowtv.

About Integrated Sports Media: North America’s leading distributor of International Pay-Per-View and Closed Circuit sports events has presented World Championship and world-class boxing matches featuring Erik Morales, Vitali Klitschko, Ricky Hatton, Cristian Mijares, Evander Holyfield, Roy Jones, Jr., Tomasz Adamek, Ivan Calderon, Pauli Malignaggi, Rocky Martinez, Nicolai Valuev, Amir Khan, Marco Antonio Barrera, Arthur Abraham, David Haye, John Ruiz, Wilfredo Vasquez, Jr., Brian Viloria, Giovani Segura and Ruslan Chagaev. Also World Championship and world-class mixed martial arts shows featuring Fedor Emelianenko, Tim Sylvia, Bobby Lashley, Mirko Filipovic, Bob Sapp, Jeff Monson, and Roy Nelson. In addition, Integrated Sports Media distributed numerous International soccer matches featuring teams like Real Madrid,Club America of Mexico and the National Teams of Argentina, Honduras, El Salvador and the USA. For more information on upcoming Integrated Sports events visit www.integratedsportsnet.com.

About FIGHT NOW TV: With offices in New Jersey, Las Vegas and Toronto, FIGHT NOW TV is a cross-platform media company that creates and distributes content through its television, video on demand, and online outlets.

Founded by Channel Zero, Inc. and media entrepreneur Mike Garrow, FIGHT NOW TV launched last year as the first and only 24-hour-a-day, seven-days-a-week combat sports channel in the nation. The network’s mandate is to bring the best battles, fiercest fights and stunning knockouts to America. FIGHT NOW TV caters to fight fans of every genre, giving them a front row seat to compelling coverage of MMA, boxing, wrestling/grappling, Muay Thai, kickboxing and other combat sports. FIGHT NOW TV is the place for the best analysis, live and current events, documentaries and news coverage of the biggest PPV events and match-ups from around the

OAKLAND, Calif. – Last week’s fight headquarters were at Marriott City Center in the middle of this recovering town. Friday night Andre Ward sat in its lobby area, his back to the window, a white baseball cap pulled over his eyes. His face was darker than it appears on television, and meaner too. It was the first glimpse of a Ward that any unknowing stranger would avoid out of instinct. Ward wasn’t that playful chap taking his kids to school for HBO’s camera; he was a man concentrated on the manifestation of another’s pain.

In that lobby, with his dark and oblivious scowl, Ward was severed entirely from the dot-com millionaires who once made Porsches more ubiquitous than Hondas, 50 miles south of here. Ward was not, either, a delicate San Francisco artisan returned from complementing an hour in the SFMOMA collection with a crabmeat salad at Fisherman’s Wharf. He was not Silicon Valley or Bay Area. He wasn’t even East Bay. Ward was Oakland.

That portended the very worst for Connecticut’s “Bad” Chad Dawson, a unified light heavyweight world champion who fought Ward for his unified super middleweight championship Saturday at Oracle Arena. Whatever violence Dawson saw as a youth in New Haven, Conn., it was qualitatively different from the Oakland brand Ward showed him Saturday. Dawson, discomfited from the moment Ward’s short left hook dropped him in round 3, succumbed entirely at 2:45 of round 10 – when he rose from a spot on the mat Ward’s left hand put him, and gave referee Steve Smoger tacit approval for a TKO stoppage.

Ward and Smoger were and are a lovely combination, the one most likely to lead Ward, with his mauling and grappling and pressuring, into pleasing aesthetic spectacles. Another ref would have broken Ward and Dawson endlessly, Saturday, and it would have set a precedent that ruined everything – for when a fighter knows every clinch brings an officious ref leaping to the rescue, he does more of it, because even for a prizefighter not-fighting is easier than fighting. And this brings obvious choices whose consequences do not get tabulated till the next morning when that fighter reads about what a dullard he was, in Sunday’s paper.

Ward churns his feet in a clinch. That is his secret. He does not merely push and pull with his upper body, content only to throw a completely open punch at a completely open chin, as so many fighters today do. Ward continues to dig and bend, pivot and tilt, certain that waxed human flesh licked with perspiration is too slippery to hold still for long. He frees his hands with his legs. He sincerely wishes to sink knuckles in flesh, too, making the volume-puncher’s compact: I will hit you anywhere you let me, and let the art critics go to hell.

Writing of which, and continuing a theme of this city’s pleasant surprises – including a number-five placing on The New York Times’ “45 Places to Go in 2012” list – downtown Oakland plays host to the Bay Area’s most surprising art collection: Oakland Museum of California (OMCA). Located atop a history floor and another dedicated to science, OCMA’s paint collection features works by or about Californians. It is exhaustive and fantastic. It is not quite the de Young Fine Art Museum but is at least good, and in every way more accessible, as San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.

The less-artful compact Ward made with Dawson Saturday saw Ward follow every landed right cross with a chopping left hand. It was an ugly, barely legal punch that offended Dawson’s sense of decorum. It also took his balance and ruined him in the 10th round.

Poor Chad Dawson; he simply has no mean streak. He’s a superb athlete. But were he in the NFL, he’d play wide receiver, not tight end; in the NBA he’d swish gorgeous fall-away jumpers but never drive the lane; if hockey were his game, he’d be a perennial contender for the Lady Byng. There were numerous exchanges Saturday that told this tale: Dawson is an athlete who makes money fighting, but Ward is a prizefighter. Dawson was longer, taller, and ostensibly the harder puncher. And yet, when he hit Ward he got lunged at, and when he got hit by Ward he took a step backwards and showed Oracle Arena a look that said: “It’s cool, guys, I know he hit me, but we quashed all that and things are good between us now.”

Nobody in Oakland respected Dawson’s nonbelligerent stand. Frankly, they wanted to see him beaten for it. Attendance was announced at 8,500 but felt like more – with some local newspaper scribes estimating 10,000 or even 12,000. Imagine, an announced boxing gate that felt underestimated! Knockouts are louder, though, because they bring persons leaping upwards at once. Standing, shouting, high-fiving, fist-pumping men bring a force of feeling disproportionate to their number. There were plenty such men, and women too, Saturday, and the audience was darker-complected than most major boxing crowds. A splendid thing, that, and one that speaks to the authentic, and therefore sustainable, fanbase Ward is building in his hometown.

Andre Ward is becoming a professional sports franchise in Oakland, this pleasantly surprising place with a mean streak. Nobody has trod a fairer path to local acclaim than Ward. No prizefighter deserves acclaim more. And so, on nights like Saturday, in the roiling bodies and noise, for an hour at least boxing can feel like a meritocracy.

Bart Barry can be reached at bart.barrys.email (at) gmail.com

OAKLAND, Calif. – Saturday Andre Ward made the most impressive showing of his career, stopping lineal light heavyweight world champion Chad Dawson in round 10 before an impassioned hometown crowd. Impressive, Ward’s performance certainly was. Whether it was enough to make him the superstar some aficionados feel he deserves to be, though, remains to be seen.

“I’m here to see Andre Ward,” said Bay Area resident Devon Donahue, standing at a table in the lower concourse of Oracle Arena during the undercard. “This is my first fight.”

Ward has suffered, unfairly in the opinion of many, a lack of exposure. He has been on premium cable, winning Showtime’s “Super Six World Boxing Classic” most notably, and he fights in a relentless fashion, oblivious of style, a fashion that should appeal widely to the folks in this town. And Ward does appeal, partially.

“First Ward fight,” said Oakland resident Anthony Brown before the main event. “I just want to see a good one.”

Ward is known by aficionados, and respected if not beloved. There is a momentum building, with attendance figures climbing each time he does his punching in the East Bay. But he is decidedly not yet the draw of, say, Floyd Mayweather – even in his hometown.

“Mayweather is established,” said Donahue. “A lot of people here don’t know about Andre Ward. Yet.”

Ward is an Olympic gold medalist, the only current American champion able to make that claim. He is undefeated as a professional. He is a model citizen outside the ring. What, then, does he need to do to become a bigger draw?

“He needs to talk a little shit,” said Elija Holcomb, an East Bay resident whose allegiance to Ward took him to Atlantic City for Ward’s last fight, a decision victory over Carl Froch in December. “We were arguing about that on the way over, would it make a difference? Mayweather is an event. People tune in. I might not like Mayweather, but I watch him.”

There were some billboards on I-880, the interstate East Bay commuters take southwards, this week, and there were banners hanging on Broadway outside the City Center Marriott that hosted fightweek personalities, downtown, but promotional materials for Ward-Dawson were hardly ubiquitous.

“Man, they should have shoved this down their throats,” continued Holcomb, in a lower-concourse booth, pre-fight. “The guy who cuts my hair used to cut (Ward’s) hair. He didn’t – my point is, Ward’s a little invisible. He’s a little invisible.”

In his comportment, both before and after fights, Andre Ward is a gentleman. He believes that if he can continue to fight and beat the very best men in the world, he will eventually become a beloved figure.

“Against the better competition,” Ward said after whupping Dawson, Saturday, “I rise to the challenge.”

Ward’s next challenge will likely be selling himself as a pay-per-view attraction.

Photo by Alexis Cuarezma

OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA — In another virtuoso performance, unified super middleweight champion Andre Ward thrilled his local following in dismantling reigning recognized light heavyweight champion Chad Dawson with a tenth-round stoppage at the Oracle Arena on Saturday night. With the win, and the way in which he claimed it, Ward must now be considered the obvious choice to eventually succeed Floyd Mayweather Jr. as the pound-for-pound king.

After a calculated first round, Ward (26-0, 14 KOs) of Oakland completely took over the fight by the end of round two. At the close of the second stanza, Dawson (31-2, 17 KOs) of New Haven, Connecticut walked back to his corner with a cut over his right eye – the result of a headbutt.

Early in the third, Ward, 168, landed a right lead, followed by a short left that dropped Dawson, 168, for the first of three times in the fight. Dawson got up and began to return fire immediately. Ward landed a couple more hard shots, before Dawson offered back.

Though Dawson looked to have a clear head as the third came to a close, a left in close early in the fourth dropped the WBC Light Heavyweight titleholder again. Though Ward tripped, referee Steve Smoger correctly ruled the knockdown on Dawson. Ward unloaded a heavy arsenal, pressuring Dawson around the ring, but the glassy-eyed light heavyweight champion managed to make it out of the round. Ward may have been a bit winded just as Dawson was ready to go, but it would end up being a moot point.

Dawson looked almost refreshed by the end of the fifth, but Ward punctuated the round with another awkward hard left. Ward opened the sixth back behind his jab, walking down Dawson. The world’s leading 175-pounder could only manage to throw one at a time, which will never get you back into a fight with Andre Ward.

After taking some of the seventh round off, Ward punished Dawson in the seventh, most notably landing two left uppercuts that looked to have knocked some brain matter out of the left hander’s mouth, while the Oakland native had his back to the ropes.

Ward again staggered Dawson in close early in the eighth. Dawson came back with two lefts, one an uppercut, but the wind was clearly out of the southpaw’s sails. When the bell sounded to end the round, Dawson slowly walked back to his corner a defeated-looking fighter.

With the writing on the wall at the end of the ninth, Dawson’s corner opted to send their man out for round ten, rather than call it a night. The move just allowed Ward to land another hard left at range, followed by a right hand. The combination touched off a flurry that dropped Dawson for the third time. Referee Steve Smoger took his time and gave Dawson a good look. Reportedly, Dawson told Smoger, ‘We’re done.’ Smoger waved off the fight at 2:45 of round ten. With the win, Ward retained his WBA and WBC 168-pound titles and opened the door to numerous, mouth-watering possibilities.

In a shockingly quick performance, Antonio DeMarco (28-2, 21 KOs) of Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico successfully defended his WBC Lightweight title with a first-round stoppage over WBC #15 ranked John Molina Jr. (24-2, 19 KOs) of Covina, California.

DeMarco, 134 ½, landed a stiff jab that managed to send Molina, 134 ½, reeling across the ring, eyes unclear. Sensing his man was in some trouble, DeMarco pressed Molina into a neutral corner and flurried him into a hunched over position. Instead of making the decision to take a knee or fire back, Molina simply covered up in an unprotected posture, which really left referee Jack Reiss no choice but to stop the fight. Time of the stoppage was 44 seconds of the opening round.

In the last fight before HBO went on the air live, Malik Scott (35-0, 12 KOs) of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania scored a rare stoppage due to an injury to the left arm of Bowie Tupou (22-2, 16 KOs) of Los Angeles, California by way of Nukualofa, Tonga in a fight the Philadelphian controlled from minute one.

Unsurprisingly, Scott, 226, kept his distance in the opening round, staying behind his jab and keeping the shorter-armed Tupou, 260, out of his own punching range. Try as he might, Tupou kept looking for openings as the fight progressed into the middle and late rounds, but the defensive-minded Scott refused to open up or give him a sizeable target. Seconds into the eighth and final round, Tupou complained of pain in the area of either his left elbow or bicep and referee Ray Balewicz waved off the fight at 52 seconds.

2000 U.S. Olympian Ricardo Williams Jr. (20-3, 10 KOs) of Cincinnati, Ohio kept breath in his up-and-down career with a six-round majority decision over Anthony Lenk (14-2, 7 KOs) of Las Vegas, Nevada.

Williams, 143 ½, really deserved a unanimous score as he was clearly the harder and more effective puncher throughout the fight. The game and durable Lenk, 143 ½, must have won over one judge with his heart and determination to earn an even card.

After boxing his way through the first three rounds, Williams ramped up and seemed to hurt Lenk in the third. By the start of the fourth, Williams felt comfortable enough to stand and trade in spots with the still forward-moving Lenk.

At the end of the fifth, the former Olympian really sat down on his punches and had Lenk in some trouble as the final bell sounded. Perhaps frustrated by the the direction of the fight, Lenk let one go after the bell that did not seem to bother Williams. Though he was not really in the fight, Lenk had one of his better rounds in the sixth, but it was too little too late for the Nevadan. In the end, two judges had the fight 58-56 twice for Williams and one even at 57-57.

Franklin Lawrence (18-2-2, 13 KOs) of Indianapolis, Indiana remained busy, but failed to impress the slow-arriving crowd with a stoppage win over journeyman Homero Fonseca (9-6-3, 2 KOs) of Pearsall, Texas. Lawrence, 233 ½, pecked and jabbed his way through seven full rounds, but never really committed to making a statement in the night’s opening contest. Fonseca, 253, winged the occasional hook, but was never really in the fight. With swelling around his left eye and no hope really in turning around the contest, referee Edward Collantes opted to stop the bout just before the start of the eighth round.

In the first of two walkout bouts, Tony Hirsch (13-5-2, 6 KOs) of Oakland pleased the group of Bay Area fight fans that stuck around with a free-swinging four-round unanimous decision over tough Roberto Yong (5-6-1, 4 KOs) of Sacramento, California.

Hirsch, 157, who must have been inspired by what Ward had just accomplished before him, came out and seemed to want to put Yong, 158 ½, on his back. However, Yong has continually proven to be a tough cookie for everyone he has shared a ring with and Saturday proved to be no different. Just to let Hirsch know he was in a fight, Yong landed a hard right just before the final bell. However, all three judges had the fight for Hirsch, 39-37 and 40-36 twice.

In a fight that deserves more space than can be afforded to a walkout bout, Randy Guerrero (0-0-1) of Gilroy, California and Juan Urbina (0-0-1) of Santa Ana, California slugged it out with all they had for four rounds en route to a majority draw. Guerrero, 124, seemed to take round one with his early apparent edge in power. Urbina, 119, came right back in round two and landed some hard shots that likely took round two. Over the next two rounds it would be hard to choose who did the most damage, as both did plenty. In the end, one judge had Guerrero ahead, 39-37, but was overruled by the other two who had it even, 38-38. Though the hometown crowd wanted a Guerrero win, it was the type of fight no one deserved to lose.

Photos by Alexis Cuarezma

Mario Ortega Jr. can be reached at ortega15rds@lycos.com

It’s hard to know whether September’s promise is a new dawn or just a familiar set of oncoming headlights in another head-on collision with a demise predicted and heightened by August’s doom and gloom.

No matter how you look at Andre Ward-versus-Chad Dawson Saturday in Oakland, Calif., and a dueling Las Vegas’ twin bill on Sept. 15 featuring Sergio Martinez-Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. at Thomas & Mack Center and Canelo Alvarez-Josesito Lopez at the MGM Grand, however, it is hard not to see potential for a comeback that is a boxing specialty. No business does it better.

Reliable resiliency is there in a shifting alignment that offers a way out of the never-never land of talk and only talk about Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao. Yeah-yeah, it could still happen. But a generation of lost fans doesn’t care anymore. The good news is that there is always a new one. In part, chances at winning over generation-next rest in what happens with fighters poised to succeed Pacquiao and Mayweather.

For now, the intriguing battle is for No. 2 spot in the pound-for-pound debate. The fading Pacquiao, second on most lists behind Mayweather, is in jeopardy of falling to third or even fourth after evidence of decline in his last two fights, controversial decisions over Juan Manuel Marquez and Timothy Bradley.

“Me, I believe I’m No. 2 at this moment,’’ Martinez said Wednesday in a conference call for his showdown with Chavez Jr. in a HBO pay-per-view bout for the middleweight title.

A better argument might come from Ward, if he remains unbeaten (25-0, 13 KOs) Saturday in a HBO-televised bout against light-heavy champion Dawson (30-1 17 KOs), who agreed to come down in weight for a 168-pound fight in Ward’s hometown. Mayweather stays at No. 1 because of his perfect record (43-0, 26 KOs). Martinez can’t make that claim. Even if he beats Chavez Jr., there are still losses to Antonio Margarito and Paul Williams and two draws on his resume (49-2-2, 28 KOs).

Predictably perhaps, the more circumspect Ward isn’t as bold about his place in the pound-for-pound debate as Martinez, who has become more outspoken in an escalating exchange of trash talk with Chavez Jr.

For the most part, Ward’s attention isn’t easily diverted by anything beyond the challenge immediately in front of him. That means the dangerous Dawson. Everything else is just talk that would take him away from the task at becoming an equal of fighters he admires, including Mayweather and Sugar Ray Leonard.

“They’re masters,’’ Ward said. “I’m trying to be a master.’’

The guess is that Ward will never quit trying. The goal will be there for as long as he is fighting. It’s a motivational piece to a Ward persona that in a couple of years could put him at the top of the pound-for-pound crowd.

Even in the build-up for Dawson, he seemed to look for something that would drive him to knock out slights, imagined or real. Dawson’s camp praises him. But the skeptical Ward deflects it.

“I think they’re giving us some superficial credit because they have to,’’ he said. “…To listen to them tell it, they have every advantage in the book. I think they’ll discover that isn’t the case.’’

Ward’s insightful trainer, Virgil Hunter, had his own spin.

“Our advantage is being at a disadvantage in their eyes,’’ Hunter said.

If there’s a disadvantage during the next nine days, it is expected to be in betting odds against Chavez Jr. and Dawson. But even those are slim. Spring an upset, and one or both will suddenly leap to the front of a line in the fight for spots at the pay window long occupied by Pacquiao and Mayweather.

Bob Arum, Chavez Jr.’s promoter, said an earlier opportunity for big money against Martinez was resisted precisely for the moment that will transpire on Sept. 15.

“We could have taken a chance against Martinez a year ago,’’ Arum said. “If he wins – and we believe he will, he will become an attraction on the level of Pacquiao, Mayweather.’’

Meanwhile, a hint at Mayweather’s immediate future could unfold at the Canelo-Lopez fight at the MGM Grand. Canelo keeps talking about how he wants to fight Mayweather. His representatives at Golden Boy Promotions have advised caution. At least, Golden Boy President Oscar De La Hoya did on May 5 in the wake of Canelo’s victory over Shane Mosley. But an impressive victory over a smaller Lopez on Showtime might sweep aside concern that Canelo is getting ahead of himself.

If Mayweather decides he wants to fight the popular Mexican redhead now instead of later, there’ll be no waiting.

Another future will have arrived.

Saturday evening in Oakland, Calif.’s Oracle Arena super middleweight world champion Andre Ward will defend his title against light heavyweight world champion Chad Dawson. I will be there, I’m happy to report, and eager to make the trip. What follows is an opinion-laden exploration of why.

Ward-Dawson will be a match between the world’s two very best prizefighters between 161 and 175 pounds. That is enough for the purist in me to make the trip from South Texas. It is a rarity anymore the best fight the best, regardless of popular demand, or its absence, and when that happens, it merits a celebration oblivious of subjective or aesthetic concerns.

Oakland’s Andre Ward is a chance to see a better version of a young Bernard Hopkins. Ward does nothing spectacularly but everything quite well. He hasn’t chloroform on either fist but keeps stronger men the hell off him. His footwork is steady, not inventive. He is confident more than stylish. He is self-conscious in the best sense of the term; thousands of concentrated hours have taught him how to keep comfortable in a fight, and the man who can discomfit him has yet to be found (a boy in his 12th year, Jesus Gonzales, was the last to do it, in 1996). And Ward likes to smoke where another man lives, as Joe Frazier put it, to fight on an opponent’s chest – a singularly endearing quality.

Today’s Bernard Hopkins apologists, kids who were usually too young to know or care about Hopkins when he stopped Segundo Mercado 17 years ago and began his middleweight title reign, have little interest in Ward. He is not confrontational enough. He is a careful father rather than a reformed crook. He does not fill a three-minute answer with five minutes of self-aggrandizement. He conforms to the system rigidly, and the system takes care of him. Nothing dangerous there. He is a professional who, by his own estimation, took boxing training too seriously in his youth and now, as he matures, has learned to remand it to a less dominating place – consider for a second how different from the average prizefighter’s career trajectory that is. Ward is not particularly charismatic, and there is little to discover about him outside the ring: Loving dad, religious devotee, proud man, disciplined citizen. Yawn.

Connecticut’s Chad Dawson is less knowable still. Surely there are a few dangerous corners in New Haven, Conn., and Dawson was right to avoid them as a teenager, but there is an element to the Dawson biography, as told by HBO anyway, that feels effortful. Not Victor-Ortiz effortful, of course, but effortful just the same.

Dawson is not a bad guy. Ward is not a bad guy. Both are excellent fighters, the very best in their divisions, and that is not enough? For me it is. I did not believe Ward was at all special when the Super Six tournament began. I expected Mikkel Kessler to prove how meaningless an Olympic gold medal is these days – meaningless as the advisors of each member of our last two Olympic teams did, and will, tell us. But the very opposite was true, wasn’t it? There is a reason Andre Ward is both our country’s last gold medalist and very best prizefighter over 154 pounds.

Ward is a winner. He has a sense of exactly where he stands in relation to another man and where their performances stand in relation to one other. The day a man bests him, Ward will know it and likely concede it, publicly. Chad Dawson does not have this sense. Dawson is talented enough to beat anyone put in front of him, and beat him convincingly, but Dawson does not know how good he is. He does not trust himself or the roster of trainers hired over the years, and how could he? They tried to make him what he is not, he laments. It is hard to imagine Andre Ward mouthing those words.

I am going to the Bay Area, in part, for the same reason I went to Michigan 20 months ago for Bradley-Alexander: as a silent challenge to the black community to support its fighters. In conversations with black boxers and trainers, there is a confidence, or conceit, that relies on a belief that, at any time in the last century, one of their own was the best prizefighter in the world, recognized or not. That’s a conceit I share. But if black men, as a community, are not supporting boxing’s ecosystem, will it always be so? Timothy Bradley does not touch your souls, OK; I do not understand that but accept it. If a community turns away from Bradley, Ward and Dawson to celebrate Floyd Mayweather’s comic-book id or Adrien Broner’s hairbrush, though, that’s another thing entirely, one that raises a question of perspective.

I am also going to the Bay Area because, culturally, it is one of our country’s richest places. I spent two years there as a young, overpaid, Silicon Valley software developer during the dot-com boom and haven’t been back since 2001. There’s a nostalgia for those lovely, hopeful times.

No, this is not a full-throated or objective endorsement of Ward-Dawson, which is why I chose to write it in the first person. I do not expect a great fight. I expect each man to employ his very best technique, and for those techniques to offset each other. I expect Ward to win by using his head – make of that what you will – but think Dawson is uniquely qualified to upset him. Yet I am nearly as excited about seeing Oracle Arena, Saturday, as Thomas & Mack Center seven days after. Call it wanderlust.

Bart Barry can be reached at bart.barrys.email (at) gmail.com

(DUBLIN, CALIF.) – Congratulations to WBA, WBC Super Middleweight Champion Andre
Ward and his wife, Tiffiney Ward, on the birth of the fourth child. Their son,
Micah “Champ” Ward, was born this morning, June 21, and tipped the scales at eight
pounds and 10 ounces.

“It is with great joy that we share the arrival of our son,” the couple said in
a statement. “We thank God that we are all healthy. We are enjoying this moment
with our family and are happy to share the good news with our boxing family too!”

Mother and baby are both doing great and the whole family is excited to welcome
the newest addition. The couple has three older children, Andre Ward, Jr., Malachi
Ward and Amira Lecian Ward.

Former multiple time world champion Johnny Tapia breaks down Ward – Froch