Former boxer Andre Ward has made it clear on more than one occasion that he is happy with the decision he made in 2017 to hang up his gloves. However, the former champion and Boxing Hall of Famer recently surprised by admitting that he would not mind returning for a high-profile, high-level fight.“Me and Anthony Joshua,” Ward declared in a video recorded this month. “That’s a fight I would accept at Wembley Stadium.”
Me and Anthony Joshua
Jaron Ennis: The disciple who doesn’t approve of the idea
Considered as “your favorite boxer’s favorite boxer,” Ward inspired a whole generation of fighters. One of them is Jaron “Boots” Ennis, who grew up admiring his dominance, fighting style and his triumphs over Sergey Kovalev in 2016 and 2017.
For Ennis, however, the thought of Ward facing a heavyweight giant like Anthony Joshua is simply a bad idea. “I don’t like it,” he told YSM Sports Media. “I think he should stay retired. Anthony Joshua is a huge guy.”
I think he should stay retired. Anthony Joshua is a huge guy
Anthony Joshua, a rival too big
Ward (32-0, 16 KOs) retired undefeated after establishing himself as the unified light heavyweight champion, but that stage was almost a decade ago. Now, at 41 years of age and after knee problems, his return against a puncher of Joshua’s size and strength would be risky.
The reality is that Joshua has been on Ward’s mind for some time. After beating Kovalev, a fight against Tony Bellew was even considered before facing the Briton. In the end, Ward chose to retire and not risk his physique.
Joshua between glory and rebuilding
While Ward enjoys retirement, Anthony Joshua has had a rollercoaster career. He was a two-time unified champion, defeating the likes of Wladimir Klitschko, Joseph Parker and Andy Ruiz Jr. However, he also suffered some setbacks, the most recent being a devastating knockout at the hands of Daniel Dubois.
Today, at 35 years of age, Joshua is analysing his next steps in the elite heavyweight division. Although unlikely, a fight against Ward always generates speculation among boxing fans and lovers
For Ennis, the equation is simple: Ward has plenty of talent and skills, but the risk outweighs any possible reward. “That’s a very big man,” he said of Joshua. “We don’t know if Ward could take that punch. It’s best for him to stay retired and enjoy what he built.”
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