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.
