Former two-division champion Andre Ward had one of the most interesting careers in boxing history. He held both the unified super middleweight title and the light heavyweight titles during the span of his career and retired from the sport with an undefeated record of 32-0. Moreover, there weren’t too many matches where ‘Son of God’ seemed in trouble as he used his superior boxing to dominate every opponent put in front of him. This has made him a blueprint for upcoming boxers who aspire to have a long and successful career in the sport.
However, Ward tasted some brutal punches during his bout against former light heavyweight champion Sergey Kovalev. In the fight, Ward was dropped by Kovalev and looked in trouble for the first time in his career. Despite this, he was able to push himself to victory and also had the help of a guardian angel.
Andre Ward revisits his career-defining moment
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Ward recently posted a video of the fight against Kovalev. In the video, we can see Ward being dropped and then cut back to his corner. Moreover, his coach and godfather Virgil Hunter would then give him a speech that he would remember for a lifetime. He told Ward that he must win all of his next rounds if he wants to win the fight. Moreover, he claimed, that what made boxing legends like Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard, and other greats different was their will to fight back and emerge victorious. Ward even claimed that this speech was a defining moment in his career. “Defining Moments!” he wrote.
Defining Moments !
— Andre S.O.G. Ward (@andreward) February 22, 2023
Ward would absorb all the knowledge that Hunter gave him like a sponge and would end up being victorious. He would be crowned the light heavyweight champion in this fight and would also defend it once before hanging up his gloves. This video also drew some wild reactions from fans who were amazed at Hunter’s and Ward’s connection.
Fans react to Andre Ward’s career-defining moment
One fan praised Ward’s corner for pushing him to emerge victorious from a tough spot.
goddamn what a corner!
— INTUITION (@ItsIntuition) February 22, 2023
Another fan also had some words of praise for this iconic pair of pupil and coach.
Virgil & Ward, what a combo. And what an amazing victory this was
— BLTV (@BoxingLegendsTV) February 22, 2023
A fan even claimed that this was the best ringside advice in the history of the sport.
Read More: ‘Stop Lying’: Andre Ward Slams Gennady Golovkin for Turning Down Their Fight
This gotta be the best ringside talk in the history of boxing.
— Yomi Gold🚀 (@YomiOyesola) February 22, 2023
Moreover, one fan has a detailed analysis of Ward’s corner advice. He stated that what made Ward’s corner different was that his coach was able to remind him of his greatness rather than giving the fighter basic advice.
As legendary you are a a fighter that was arguably the best corner work advice round to round in history boxing. A lot coaches would tried over coaching where all he did was reassure you of your greatness. Brilliant
— Carlos junior (@Carlos2Q) February 22, 2023
Lastly, a fan even took shots at current super middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez stating that he never saw ‘Saul’ with this type of fighting spirit.
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Ain’t never seen canelo like that champ…
— CI$COG (@ciscoggg) February 22, 2023
Although this fight was a close call with many having Kovalev as the victor, Ward would prove that he belonged as champion after he knocked out the Russian in their rematch (BoxRec). Ward would then retire from the sport becoming a part of a select few champions who have retired from the sport undefeated. Moreover, he proved his mettle as a champion recovering from a tough spot and emerging victorious.
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What did you think about Ward revisiting his career-defining moment? Let us know in the comments.
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