Andre Ward

Ward vs. Smith | 3 Keys to Victory for Andre Ward

By Tony Calcara

Posted on June 16, 2015

The hometown hero–Andre Ward–returns Saturday night, June 20, to face Englishman Paul Smith at the Oracle Arena in Oakland, CA. Read on for Tony Calcara’s three keys to victory for 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.