Ward is irrelevant in terms of marketability, he doesn't appeal.

Ward is already proven far more so than say GGG that's for damn sure. Kovalev is proven so I won't criticize him. Ward wanted to fight GGG but GGG wanted it at 164 which is ridiculous especially since GGG is basically unproven against elite comp. It also did him no favors that GGG was willing to fight JCC Jr and Froch at 168 but not Ward. Beating Ward at 168 is a much better win and would do more for his career than beating Froch or JCC Jr there. Fight someone worth a damn prove yourself then talk about money. It's like he wants big money without ever facing anyone worth a damn. That's my problem with GGG.

 

What's happening to Rigo is criminal and isn't good for boxing, so I don't know why you bring him up? He's not a "so called draw" so lets freeze out one of the best fighters in the world today?

I disagree about Ward not being a draw he does fine in his hometown when he was more active. I don't blame HBO for not paying Ward 2 million to fight Smith he needed a tune up after a long layoff. If he is able to swindle Jay Z out of 2 million to face Smith then more power to him. HBO however would pay him 2 million to fight GGG or more.

 

HBO and showtime said "NO MAS" to ward

 

Rigo is just as skilled as Ward, and is just as inactive and just as marginalized because he can't get any big fights, for some, but not all of, the same reasons as Ward (boring style, promoter issues)

 

I'm kind of torn on this issue. In the NFL, you don't lose your position because of injury and I understand that way of thinking. But in boxing, you're not on TV then you're unknown by the general population. Ward has boxed to infrequently over the past couple years that he needs to build up his presence to the general audience and not just to boxing geniuses like on ESB.

I don't think he should immediately be a top ten ranked boxer until he has a couple fights even against D grade opponents. Does he still have his speed and reflexes? Will be have ring rust? Is his head still hard as a rock? (lol).

Ali came back a different fighter after 3 1/2 years off, and it wasn't due to injuries.

I realize he's been in the public eye based on his announcing, but that's not enough.

He could be a huge star in the boxing world, but he has to be in the ring a lot more frequently and not just in freaking Oakland. His style is an issue...it's not appealing to everyone...but defeating a Kovalev or GGG or Stephenson would be very meaningful.

Finally...I think he is a very good role model for boxing, like Jacobs. Boxing needs good guys. He would be a SAINT compared to Kovalev, who comes across as a very nasty guy.

 

Ward-GGG is irrelevant as he is now unifying against Lemeuix and was irrelevant anyway since Ward hasn't fought at 168 in over 2 years. Ward at this point is pretty much backed into a Kovalev fight. Good luck he will need it.

 

"The best fight the best" said the haters "except for in Ward's case, nobody should fight Ward, he isn't a draw."

 

then why doesn't he chase lets say Degale or even an Abraham rematch in Germany? both very winnable and put Ward back on track of his career

 

I don't know what he's doing at this moment or what his plans are. But all this "he isn't a draw" is nonsense, considering he's the best, or one of, in and around his weight class.

His drawing power is irrelevant except for when he's negotiating, and that's none of our business.

 

He's not backed into anything. Ward says he can make 168 so he can make 168 until proven otherwise. Ward-GGG is a much better fight than GGG-Lemeuix who's basically slightly above prospect level nothing more. With that said I have nothing against a Ward-Kovalev fight but if that happens it will be at 175 and you will never get the chance to see Ward-GGG but some of you don't want to see that fight anyway for whatever reason.

 

drawing power is crucial, because a fan-fiendly style with a big fan base = more $$$ from tickets, which = more TV interest which = more possible PPV money = more of the top guys wanting a piece of the pie for themselves (just look at Mayweather)

 

how is Lemi a prospect if he holds a legitimate title?

 

It's funny isn't it? We all know the reason why some people don't want Ward-GGG because they think Ward will beat him. These same people however want Ward-Kovalev because they think Kovalev will beat Ward. It's funny how that works.:yep

 

He won a meaningless vacant title, remember that.

 

Its really amazing that some guy can come on here like some 5th avenue advertising director and make determinations about the marketability of this fighter or that fighter like they have their finger on what all boxing fans want to see.

when in reality its your opinion about what you like or enjoy about a particular fighter or style of fighting. Say that and stfu.

Because for me I like all styles of boxing, though I may prefer one style over another. But if it comes on tv im watching period. I dont care who is fighting.