Andre Ward vs. Paul Smith
Photo by Tom Hogan/Hogan Photos
Tony Calcara, Staff Writer
Finally, the return of Andre Ward. Absent from the ring since November 2013, Ward 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 sits on the sidelines with injuries and promoter disputes.
One of boxing’s greatest career-killers is inactivity. Although I don’t expect him to crash and burn against Paul Smith, the inactivity has cost him some fan support, money, precious in-ring activity and his place among the ranked pound-for-pound best in the sport.
Smith is coming off back-to-back losses against Arthur Abraham where he gave Abraham all he wanted. In an interesting side note, he hasn’t fought stateside since 2007. Time will tell how that plays out and if it will even be a factor.
I like Ward, but it is important to note that this is no easy walk. Smith is a real pro, a full load, and, like Abraham, is sure to give Ward his share of troubles.
Prediction: Ward
Brandon Glass, Contributing Writer
Andre Ward is fighting at 175? Oh… another catch weight. Paul Smith is not going to win this fight after dropping two decision losses to a limited but powerful Arthur Abraham.
They say the first was a result of disgraceful judging, but that has no bearing on the second for Smith.
Andre Ward decisioned Abraham easily in the Super Six tournament en route to winning it all, but that was ages ago. Seems the same as the last time he was actually in the ring.
Ward is still a top pound-for-pound fighter and is the Serena Williams of boxing, meaning the best at what he does, but so under appreciated. Ward is a professional at all times and I expect him to impress and possibly stop Smith in this tune up.
Prediction: Ward
Mike Burnell, Staff Writer
Inactivity can make all the difference coming into a fight, just not this one.
Expect Andre Ward to knock the rust off and easily outbox Paul Smith who is coming in with back-to-back losses to Arthur Abraham at Super Middleweight.
Prediction: Ward
Ismael Gallardo, Photographer
Prediction: Ward
Brent Herrin, Staff Writer
Andre Ward returns from a year-and-a half layoff and will square off with Paul Smith Saturday night at the Oracle Arena in Oakland, California.
This really should be considered a televised sparring match as opposed to an actual fight as Ward should have no problem shaking off the cobwebs, and looking good while he’s doing it.
Perhaps this tune up fight, which is being fought at a catch weight of 172 pounds, is sending a subliminal message that the possibility of a showdown with middleweight kingpin Gennady Golovkin could be coming soon.
None of this helps Smith in any way, shape, form, or fashion. Ward by KO.
Prediction: Ward
Lou Catalano, Senior Writer
There have been many great fighters over the years who’ve been relegated to obscure status. Guillermo Rigondeaux fights on the under cards of cock fights. It happens, usually because a fighter is either too slick for anybody to want to deal with, or because they’re unpleasant to watch.
But sometimes, the fighter does the damage himself. Enter Andre Ward. He’s easily the No. 2 fighter in the world, when he actually fights. But somewhere along the line, he decided that despite not being a draw, and despite not really being all that fun to watch, he should’ve been earning more than he was.
And so instead of using his prime years to showcase his talents, he sat on the shelf and complained. Well, all that hard work finally paid off, and he’s scored himself a gig on boxing’s biggest stage, the BET Network.
His opponent has lost two straight, both to Arthur “How Am I Still Fighting?” Abraham. If Ward can pull out a win, he’ll soon be fighting Omar Sheika on VH1 after a special airing of Love And Syphilis in Atlanta. Ward by who gives a shit.
Prediction: Ward
Alex Burgos, Editor-in-Chief
The Return of the Prodigal Son is a painting by Rembrandt where the son comes back home, broke and in despair after having wasted all of his inheritance. The return of the Son of God is the return of Andre Ward, but instead of inheritance, Ward is in danger of wasting away all of his talent.
Not having fought since November 2013, how rusty will Ward be? We’ll have to wait and see, but this 172 pound bout is a testing the water type bout for Ward who is looking to make a permanent move to a higher weight class and get his feet wet after a long hiatus.
Paul Smith is the perfect opponent for Ward at this point in time because he’s durable and skilled, but not a huge threat even if Ward has an off night. The fact that BET is broadcasting this bout is weird and the reception will be interesting to track. All in all I think Ward will make a successful return against Smith and hopefully we can see him back in the ring again this year.
Prediction: Ward
Header photo by Tom Hogan/Hogan Photos
