Perhaps he wants to target Chavez Jr. after the Smith fight? 172 pounds is the Chavez Jr. weight limit afterall.
sounds good to me. He'll fight at 172, see how he handles it. And depending on that, we may see him at 175 quicker than expected. It'll suck that it'll prolong the GGG fight though
Hoooold up there, they didn't confirm what the plan was. For now, they're measuring body fat. I bet if the fat goes, the plan to go to LHW goes too. SMW is veeery comfortable.
I'd say he can still make 168 but doesn't feel the need to drain himself right down to the weight for his return fight Many boxers who have long layoffs do this if they can get away with it
I am sure he has kept on shape during his multiple times off, but if you aren't fight regularly it will be harder to maintain your weight class. Ward was 178 in the amateurs, he is a bigger guy than people think, and I wouldn't be shocked if he cannot comfortable make 168 anymore. However, I am ok with that. Between Ward, Kovalev, Stevenson, and Beterbiev, there are an ample number of intriguing matchups at super middle.
Ward ducked 168 on the knowledge that Smith was one punch away from becoming Super Middleweight champion of the world.
I think there are still fees attatched even if its not for a belt. I know at least one of these ABC ****s has a rule like this.
I hope Ward has outgrown the division. Not much left for him at 168. Golovkin, Froch? At LHW we have Kovalev who seems to be without a good dance partner.