After Signing A Deal For Life With Michael Jordan, Boxing HoF Refrained From Becoming A “Monster”

Andre Ward remains grateful to NBA legend Michael Jordan for everything he’s done for him in his life. However, one message that ‘Air Jordan’ penned for Ward has invoked a sense of introspection in the retired super-middleweight fighter.

It was right after he had captured gold in the 2004 Olympics that Ward was given a deal by Jordan’s mega-successful shoe brand. A few years later, the contract was not renewed. Speaking about how the brand’s philosophy aligns with what ‘MJ’ stands for, Andre informed Black Enterprise that he had to strive to get a new contract. Right before his 2012 clash against Chad Dawson, ‘Son of God’ was given the contract yet again. This time for life. Ever since then, he has been grateful to Jordan. In a recent revelation, he opened up about how his alliance with MJ kept him from becoming a “Monster.”

Michael Jordan’s Relationship with Andre Ward

Appearing on the 214th episode of ALL THE SMOKE, Hall of Famer Ward kept it real when he was quizzed about his relationship with Michael Jordan. The host quoted what Jordan had said about Ward. “I consider him one of the best fighters of all time. He had a sense of class about him which I absolutely loved. He wasn’t your typical boxer.” How could he not be overwhelmed when one of the best athletes of all time was being this nice to him? Andre Ward added, “Man that’s big, anything coming from Mike. Cause, you know Mike, Mike don’t comment on everybody.”

Being candid about the deal he made with Jordan’s brand, Ward further added, “So you know, that’s one of the reasons why he sign me, and Mike don’t sign no everybody. So this is big man, I appreciate it, and I’m comfortable man with the legacy I left in the ring.”

However, he did not stop there. An introspective Ward then went on to suggest that it was the Jordan deal that prevented him from going rogue. He elaborated on how if not for the deal, he would have been a different person.

What did the Jordan deal do for Ward?

Speaking about the timing when the deal came to him, the fighter who retired six years ago, added that he was found by the brand when he was still coming into his own. However, roping in the “classy” compliment that Jordan attributed to him, he further noted that he made a conscious effort to remain poised in the sport but not take any heat from anyone at any point.

That deal that he signed with the team, strengthened this mission and stopped him from becoming a version of himself that he did not want. “I knew my career was going to be over at a certain point in time and I’m not trying to build this monster that I got to live with now.”

Also Read: “He Doesn’t Have the Style”: Former World Champion Andre Ward Names the Opponent Who Would’ve Been Tougher Than Anthony Joshua

Andre Ward retired from boxing in 2017 after he cited that he was unable to bear the stress that came with training for the sport. Post-retirement, he suggests he leads a life that he always wanted. What do you think of his revelation? Let us know in the comments section below.

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