Photo by Tom Hogan/Hogan Photos/Roc Nation Sports
Finally, the return of Andre Ward. The hometown hero returns Saturday night, June 20, to face Englishman Paul Smith at the Oracle Arena in Oakland, CA. The bout, which broadcast on BET, will be at a catch weight of 172 pounds. Ward’s WBA Super Middleweight title will not be on the line.
Absent from the ring since November 2013, Ward (28-0, 14 KOs) has fought only three times in the last 33 months. For boxing fans, its bitter-sweet. On the one hand, we’re thrilled to have him back in the ring. On the other hand, frustration and irritation that a potentially great fighter has been sidelined with injuries and promoter disputes.
Ward, 31, returns to face a tough veteran fighter in Smith. Coming off back-to-back losses against Arthur Abraham, Smith (35-5, 20 KOs) gave Abraham all he wanted for 24 rounds. He’ll look to do the same against Ward.
Smith likes to engineer a high punch output, but often leaves himself vulnerable in doing so. His defense will certainly be tested with Ward in front of him.
Here are the three keys to victory for Andre “S.O.G.” Ward.
Dictate the Pace
Photo by Naoki Fukada
First, dictate the pace. Angelo Dundee would constantly remind Sugar Ray Leonard and George Foreman to “be the boss” and to “be first with everything.”
Andre Ward has been successful when he initiates the action and takes command. Saturday night will be no different.
Ward’s hand speed will be superior and I expect him to dial up combinations and outwork Paul Smith.
Skills Pay the Bills
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The second key for Andre Ward is simple–skills.
Ward’s talent, and smarts are among the elite in the sport. There’s little question that he is both the better fighter and athlete.
Naazim Richardson, in tapping Shane Mosely’s deep talent base, once instructed him to“Swim without getting wet.”
Ward’s pedigree includes a stellar amateur career and a gold medal. Ward will look to outclass Paul Smith as much as he will try to outpunch him.
Be Andre Ward
Photo by Naoki Fukada
The last key for Andre Ward to be successful against Paul Smith is to be himself. John Madden often told viewers that your toughest points to score are your first points.
It’s been nearly eight years since Paul Smith, 32, has fought on U.S. soil. Ward, fighting in his backyard, should remind Smith from the opening bell whose house he’s in and who the better fighter is.
He will do that with ring generalship, movement and first-class counter punching. The quicker he removes Smith’s confidence and bravery, the easier night it will be for Ward.
This is the first step in returning to the pound-for-pound elite in the sport for Ward. A fighter’s greatest adversary is often inactivity. Ward’s opponent on Saturday should help him eclipse that plateau.
I’ve read where some are calling Smith a “sacrificial lamb.” I wouldn’t go that far. He is what Larry Merchant would call, “A live fighter.” However, Ward should climb into the driver’s seat from the opening bell and use his superior skills to cruise to victory.
