There’s no arguing Andre Ward’s (27-0, 14 KO) status as a fighter.
Not only is he an elite-level world champion, he’s indisputably one of the top five fighters in boxing, pound-for-pound.
And aside from Floyd Mayweather, Manny Pacquiao, Tim Bradley and perhaps Miguel Cotto, no other active fighter has defeated a more impressive crop of opponents than Andre Ward.
Currently regarded as the lineal super middleweight champion, Ward has triumphed over Arthur Abraham, Carl Froch, Mikkel Kessler and Chad Dawson who was the lineal light heavyweight champion at the time. An Olympic gold medal winner in the light heavyweight division at the 2004 Games in Athens, Greece, Ward is the only American boxer to claim Olympic gold in the past decade.
But given his Olympic feat and accomplishments as a pro, Andre’s popularity in the mainstream pales in comparison to U.S. gold medal predecessors such as Muhamad Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard and Oscar De La Hoya who became mainstream personalities during the Games and virtual rock stars as pros.
The Spinks brothers, 1976 Olympic gold medalists, had more proverbial juice than Andre Ward as did 1984 gold medal champions Pernell Whitaker, Meldrick Taylor and Mark Breland. Nearly all of the previous American gold medalists who became accomplished world champions as pros were mainstream athletes a la Tom Brady and LeBron James. However, outside of his native Oakland, Ward could probably walk down any big city street and go virtually unrecognized.
Has something changed?
Boxing’s popularity in the U.S Boxing in the States is not as mainstream as it once was so American Olympians are seemingly not placed on the same high pedestal they once were. Had Andre won his gold medal prior to 2000, his stock value in the U.S. would be higher.
“Bor-ing” Ward is not the most exciting fighter to watch if you’re a casual fan. He is highly effective but wins ugly. Hence, his style isn’t going to ‘ooh and ahh’ someone who isn’t a hardcore boxing buff. Sugar Ray Leonard, Muhammad Ali and Oscar De La Hoya, on the other hand, were highly offensive and crowd-friendly, and appealed to the masses as a result.
Personality Floyd Mayweather, the highest paid athlete in sports, isn’t the typical ‘crowd-friendly’ pugilist either but he’s a huge celebrity because he’s controversial and boasts a lot of charisma and swagger outside the ring. For better or worse, his personality is magnetic and individuals, whether they love or detest him, are interested in his fights.
For some reason, the U.S. seems to often gravitate towards the ‘bling-bling.’ With his subdued, mild-mannered persona, Andre doesn’t have the outside-the-ring sizzle Floyd possesses but is the quintessential professional in the ring and a loving husband and father outside it.
A devout Christian, Ward also incorporates his faith into every aspect of his life and is a strong role model to his fans.
Will Andre Ward become a big star in the U.S. a la Ali, Mayweather, Leonard and De La Hoya?
If so, what will it take to make that happen?
Andre Ward faces Paul Smith (35-5) in the former’s hometown of Oakland, CA on June 20 and the bout will be aired on BET.
