“You Can’t Fight Every Battle”: After 13 Years of Boxing and Hall of Fame Induction, Andre Ward Makes Startling Confession About Politics in the Sport

Published 01/12/2024, 2:10 PM EST

Andre Ward, a boxing titan, dropped a bombshell on ‘ALL THE SMOKE.’ After 13 years in the ring, his words carry weight. But what did this Hall of Famer reveal? It’s not what you’d expect. In a sport known for its physicality, Ward spoke of politics. Boxing’s hidden game, he says, is as complex as the fights.

He advises navigating these murky waters with caution. Why shouldn’t we fight every battle? What secrets lie behind the glitz of boxing? Ward’s insights challenge our understanding of the sport. They suggest a deeper, strategic play at work.

How Andre Ward became immune to politics

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Andre Ward, an undisputed champion in the boxing world, boasts an impressive resume. He retired undefeated, with a record of 32-0. His accolades include an Olympic gold medal and multiple world titles in two weight classes. Yet, in a podcast, Ward’s focus shifted from his in-ring triumphs to the shadowy realm of boxing politics.

“I would say the politics, there’s politics like it is within every sport,” he remarked. This candid admission underscores the universal presence of politics in sports. Ward’s experience paints a picture far different from the usual tales of physical prowess.

Further, he elaborated, “Couple things I think you got to learn, how to navigate the politics, you can’t fight every battle.” These words highlight a strategic approach to an often-overlooked aspect of professional sports. “It’s a time to speak and it’s a time to be quiet and watch and process and digest what’s going on,” Ward continued. This insight reflects a mature understanding of the dynamics at play beyond the public eye.

Finally, Ward concluded with a powerful statement, “And then you got to get to a certain point where politics, opinions, narratives they don’t move you.” This demonstrates a level of mental fortitude and independence reached through years of navigating the sport’s behind-the-scenes. Ward’s words reveal a different kind of fight, one that requires as much strategy and mental strength as physical combat.

In the same podcast he also talked about his relationship with Michael Jordan.

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Michael Jordan signed Ward because of this reason

Andre Ward reflected on the profound impact of Michael Jordan’s endorsement. Jordan, a sporting legend, had expressed deep admiration for Ward, saying, “I consider him one of the best fighters of all time. He had a sense of class about him which I absolutely loved. He wasn’t your typical boxer.” Ward, humbled by such high praise, responded, “Man that’s big, anything coming from Mike. Cause, you know Mike, Mike don’t comment on everybody.”

He also revealed the significant role Jordan’s brand played in shaping his path: “That’s one of the reasons why he signed me, and Mike don’t sign no everybody.” Ward candidly admitted that this partnership greatly influenced his personal and professional life, potentially steering him away from a different, less admirable path.

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How much does the support and recognition from legends in other sports fields impact an athlete’s career and character?

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Written by:

"Boxing is the ultimate challenge. There's nothing that can compare to testing yourself the way you do every time you step in the ring," said Sugar Ray Leonard. Growing up engrossed in sports, it was the compelling narrative of the Mike Tyson documentary that first pulled me into the magnetic world of boxing.

Edited by:

Snigdhaa Jaiswal

“You Can’t Fight Every Battle”: After 13 Years of Boxing and Hall of Fame Induction, Andre Ward Makes Startling Confession About Politics in the Sport

How Andre Ward became immune to politics

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Michael Jordan signed Ward because of this reason