Earlier today at King?s Gym in Oakland, California, WBA Super Middleweight champion Andre Ward worked out and spoke to the media. The Bay area native is now less than two weeks away from a pivotal stage two bout in the Super Six Classic against hard punching Allan Green.
Ward?s demeanor outside of the ring has been that of a fighter who is completely grounded and humble in his approach. While Green has had some disparaging remarks to say about the 26-year old, Ward has kept his composure and refrained from having any feelings of ill will.
The Ward-Green showdown figures to be an excellent matchup pitting Ward?s skills, elusiveness and awkward attack against Green?s speed and power. In his own words this is what Ward had to say earlier today?
Embracing the role of a champion? ?It?s a lot of responsibility. Too much is given, much is required. The fan base is growing, the media attention is growing and this is what I signed up for. I?m embracing it, learning how to deal with it and just thankful to be on a platform and a stage like this and eager to just keep working and be aggressive.??
What to expect against Green on June 19th? ?At this stage and this level you have to be ready for everything the opponent has to bring. In my mind I?m preparing for a very physical and very grueling fight. And if there is anything left, then that?s fine. That?s what I?m prepared for, to do whatever needs to be done to keep my title. I never wanted to be a guy who won a title and then lost it his first defense. I want to be a guy that reigns for a long time.??
Working with his trainer Virgil Hunter? ?We had our days of him being the task master when I was younger, with him implementing the standard of what he was looking for in me. Every time I would come to the gym or anytime I would run and work out, he expected the highest level out of me, but fortunately he doesn?t have to push me like that (any more). He encourages me; he?s a man of wisdom. We work well hand in hand. Honestly, we don?t have to say much when we train. Don?t get me wrong — we talk strategy, but we can look at each other and know what the other one is thinking. We?re always on the same page. It?s a tremendous relationship. It?s more than just trainer and pupil. It?s like a father and son relationship.??
Appreciating the support? ?I want to just give a big thank you to the fans. I thank them for the support. I don?t take these media days lightly when people show up. They can be doing anything right now but they come down and take the time out of their day. I want to say thank you to the media, even the ones who maybe aren?t too particular of me. I mean I understand that. It?s no big deal. I just appreciate the support I get and I want to be worthy of it. I want them to know that I see you; I?m speaking of the fans. I want to continue to do my part to put on great performances and also represent myself outside the ring in a respectable way??
For more images of Andre Ward please check out the slideshow below?
For his involvement in Showtime?s Super Six tournament Ward participated in a photo shoot with excellent photographer Howard Schatz. To see images of Schatz? amazing work please click on the collage below?
