andre ward career

[thenalo]

i was watching a video of andre ward, and he said he only lost 5 amateur bouts, the last one being in '98. i remember seeing him lose to ernie gonzales at the blue and gold tournament that year, does anyone know any of his other ones?

[boxmel]

The last time Andre lost was to Ernie at the Blue & Gold. His other 4 losses were before that (before he turned 16).

[DCAmateurBoxing]

The last time Andre lost was to Ernie at the Blue & Gold. His other 4 losses were before that (before he turned 16).

10 years and counting. He definitely has forgotten what a loss feels like. I like Ward and hope he keeps the streak going. Pretty amazing in modern times to go so long and very Breland-esque streak in that he started with the Olympic Games. Mark lost in 1981 and then won 100 in a row amateur bouts and his first 18 bouts as a pro in 1987. Ward's has him beat so far with his streak. Floyd went 11 years as a pro without a loss. Roy went 8 years as a pro without a loss.

[boxmel]

One of the reasons his streak is long is because he didn't participate in many competitions once he turned open. His coach turned down most international opportunities prior to Andre's qualifying for the 2004 Olympics.

[DCAmateurBoxing]

One of the reasons his streak is long is because he didn't participate in many competitions once he turned open. His coach turned down most international opportunities prior to Andre's qualifying for the 2004 Olympics.

Judging from his success in the Olympics, it would seem as though he would have done very well in international competition. Are you saying he avoided these opportunities to keep the streak alive? I know it's hindsight, but maybe his coach felt like he didn't need it and was ready. I read that he took his father's death in 2002 pretty hard and it was publicly reported that he dealt with a bout with depression around that time. I guess that may have played a part too. Do you remember any reasons for not participating in the intl events?

[boxmel]

His coach, Virgil, didn't want him to go. Period. Felt it wasn't good for Andre to train with other coaches.

[Dennis]

His coach, Virgil, didn't want him to go. Period. Felt it wasn't good for Andre to train with other coaches.

As it turns out by looking at what happened with this year's U.S. Olympic team, Virgil was either very smart or omniscient.

[boxmel]

Totally different situation with coaches and training in 2004 - Virgil just didn't want Andre going anywhere where he wasn't. Only problem with this plan was that Andre had hardly any international experience - guess it didn't matter in his case - but - still.........

[Dennis]

Totally different situation with coaches and training in 2004 - Virgil just didn't want Andre going anywhere where he wasn't. Only problem with this plan was that Andre had hardly any international experience - guess it didn't matter in his case - but - still.........

His style didn't get "confused" by other coaches trying to change or improve it either. That is what often happens when national coaches take over.

[Dennis]

Good point Amy.

[Joe King]

He needs to fight more.

[Dennis]

I think they would have, but they realized that he needed to mature and adapt to the pro game. Getting dropped and buzzed a few times made his management a little nervous. I think they were wise to move him slowly as he is very talented and still young. He is only 24 so he has plenty of time. I see him boxing for a world title within 12-18 months.

[rmz]

I think they would have, but they realized that he needed to mature and adapt to the pro game. Getting dropped and buzzed a few times made his management a little nervous. I think they were wise to move him slowly as he is very talented and still young. He is only 24 so he has plenty of time. I see him boxing for a world title within 12-18 months.

I think he just had some knee work done recently.

[Dennis]

A knee injury would slow down a career for awhile. If it is an ACL reconstruction surgery, it is typical for athletes to need at least 6 months of rehabilitation/physical therapy to be able to return to competition.