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Photo by Tom Hogan/HoganPhotos
For the fans that have followed the Ward saga, this fight feels like more of a homecoming than a comeback. In fact, pleasing the fans is the main reason Ward wanted the fight to happen in Oakland. At the final press conference Ward explained:
[otw_shortcode_quote border_style=”bordered”]The fans were phenomenal. I would see them in the street and talk to them on social media and they kept saying ‘we want you back and we miss you.’ That’s why we brought this fight back to Oakland, as a thank you to the fans for your patience, diligence and for supporting me as long as you have.[/otw_shortcode_quote]
Ward’s return can be summed up in three words: long time coming—and he’s ready. If you can’t take Ward’s word for it, listen to his brilliant trainer Virgil Hunter. “He’s not the same fighter that he was before all the litigation. He’s been tested. A lot of people are mentioning ring rust, but I brought in some of the baddest guys I could bring in [for sparring] and I’m happy with what I’ve seen.”
This is probably sad news for Smith, who is counting on Ward being rusty to end his undefeated record. Smith says, “It’s hard not to be a fan of Andre Ward, but the plan is to show him what no one has ever done Saturday night and I’ll be giving everything I can to do that.” Smith knows he has a puncher’s chance, and he’s right.
The truth is though, that chance is very small. Even his trainer, Joe Gallagher, admitted at the press conference that challenge in front of Smith is real. “It’s going to be an uphill task. Some would say mission impossible, but we plan to spoil the party Saturday night. I wish good luck to both fighters. Good luck to Virgil and his team. See you Saturday night.”
