Ward just restated his claim as the #1 SMW

I agree Ward needed a tune up after so long out, but I would have liked for the fighters to have been at SMW.
Big fan of the division and have followed it from the start (due to being a R Leonard fan, then there was the Eubank/Benn times after) and have a fair amount of knowledge about some fighters from the division that less knowledgeable posters would knock.
I would like to see ward back in the mix, but feel the current era is a bit weak with many fighters being recycled.
Degale/Ward would be a decent match up, but Ward probably needs another tuneup and Degale I think needs to grow into the roll of being a champ a bit. Possibly a good match up for next year?

 

Yep...I agree. The fight at 168 would have told us more about whether Ward can still be effective at THAT weight. But, it would have damn near killed the portlier Paul Smith, I guess.

I agree, there's no need to rush the Degale fight. Let it simmer until next year.

 

The last time Ward fought a SMW at SMW it was Froch and how long ago was that? Dawson -weight drained LHW, Rod- Couldn't make weight so it wasn't at SMW , Smith-wasn't at SMW...

Let's see Ward fight and beat some top guys at SMW (which he can) before we make this assessment.

 

Ward has beaten more top guys at 168 than anyone else and he doesn't need to prove himself, He is a known entity. All he has to due is get in shape and declare that he's ready. He is automatically at the top because right now he would be favored against any fighter at 168.

 

No you don't retire from fighting the top fighters in your division for over 3 years and then just because your in shape your at the top.. If that were true he would have made 168 and he wouldn't have fought Smith who isn't even in the top 15 of any sanctioning body. While Ward hasn't been active other fighters have been PROVING themselves at the top of the game. Between the layoff, his surgery, and his weight he needs to prove he is still a top fighter at 168. Right now we don't even know whether he can make 168 safely or if he is moving up so we have to wait and see. In boxing ideally you stay at the top by fighting the best available competition it doesn't matter how great of a fighter you are. If you beat the best guys in your division then just stop competing you can't go on and on for over 3 years without fighting a top 168 fighter and say your the best just because you did something 3 years ago that's ridiculous. This is a sport not a record that only gets challenged every few years.

Hopefully Ward returns to form I personally hate it when boxers have promotional issues and he gets back in the mix. He is a really talented fighter whose career has stalled.

 

Listen after watching Degale Dirrell he doesnt need to fight we know he is the best!

 

I want to see Ward-Degale, Ward-Dirrell and Ward winner of Groves-Jack

 

All easy wins.

 

Yeap. Grass is greener syndrome. Since GGG isnt fighting at 168, 168 must be better. Right? Right? :conf

Now that Froch is retire there is..... Ward.... and...... yeah, just Ward. Sure, there are some good fighters... but there are good fighters at 160. Ward is the only true talent though, with HOF potential.

 

Bellew's neither a LHW, or a great fighter.

 

I agree.

If he commits to returning to SMW, (which I believe Virgil Hunter has confirmed) then he should be considered the number 1 guy.