His career is one of the biggest disappointments in boxing atm. Where is the Andre Ward that wanted to win titles in divisions as a step ladder to winning a HW title?
Being very very good is one thing. Fighting once every two years in Jokeland is another. More protected than Ottke. Needs to fight more and on neutral ground.
I would have to say no. If we based hall of fame membership on ability/skills, yes. Ward has the tools to be a great. But for one reason or another, his resume is not sufficient, IMO. His only notable era was Sep 09 - Sep 12. During that period he had six fights. He has nothing of note on his resume until Kessler, a great (if somewhat tainted by billy-goatism) victory over the best SMW of the day. This made him 'the man' at 168. This status was solidified with his dismantling of Froch. In addition, he has a victory over Bad Chad at a weight that was a serious handicap for Dawson. That's basically it. Kessler Froch Dawson He has a couple of second-tier scalps (Abraham and Bika). Before, he was fighting the likes of Pudwill, and since, the likes of Paul Smith. I think he could have been HOF worthy and might even eventually be HOF worthy, but as of now, I think not.
I tend to think that posters around here have far higher standards for HOF induction than the HOF themselves have. When I look at guys like Froch and Kessler - I personally view those 2 as HOF worthy, myself. As such, I tend to think Ward, if he retired today, probably gets in as well. He certainly has time left to strengthen his case, too.
Envy and jealousy,that's all it is. The wish Golovkin could come close to reaching Ward's accomplishments.
In 28 career bouts, Ward has only fought in Oakland a total of 6 times. That's is it, 6 freaking times. I remember during the super six tournament when you guys were bytching about the final being held in Oakland. Ward's team agreed to Froch and his team demand for the fight to be held outside the state of California. Ward agreed. What happend? Froch still got his ass schooled.
Ward has fought in both Saint Lucia and Cayman Island. Froch has fought outside the U.K a total of 4 times. Mind you America is the fight capital of the Word. Even your fighters dream of fighting here. I like dealing with facts.
no. he could have been. big mistake not taking Bute's belt and 0 just after supersix and then fight Dawson at 168. He could have easily won both fights, Bute in Canada and Dawson at 175 and claim HOF status at the age of 25. He still have time though but he needs to man up and avoid fighting bums and smiths, he lost too much time already
Why fight abroad when America is where it's at? There have been no realistic offers for him to fight outside of the US. Froch bailed on a rematch, DeGale came to the US to fight Dirrell, and he's with Haymon now so more US fights await...Ward already schooled Abraham. Bute? Guy was proven a hype job but even at that fighting in Canada isn't really abroad now is it? George Groves? Forget it. Even the eastern Europeans are migrating to the US to fight. This "doesn't fight abroad" thing is absolute horse sht.