Ward may be next for Froch

Ward: Title contender

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An impressive Andre Ward took a step closer to a world title shot with a unanimous points victory over Edison 'Pantera' Miranda of Colombia.

The 25-year-old could be next up for WBC super-middleweight champion Carl Froch after stretching his record to 19-0 with 12 by KO, content to allow the durable Miranda to go the distance on this occasion.

Ward showed exemplary technical skills to make the Colombian look pedestrian, despite suffering a cut over his left eye in the first round following a clash of heads.

Fighting in his hometown of Oakland, California for the first time in his pro career, Ward received a standing ovation before scorecards of 119-09 (twice) and 116-112 were read out.

"This is kind of a bittersweet victory," Ward said. "I'm happy and excited because the fans had a good time, and there were a lot of people here, but I'm not 100 percent happy with my performance. I've got to go look at the tape.

"I did some things well, but I felt I could have improved in other areas."

Miranda was the first big test for the 2004 Olympic gold medallist, who has been brought along steadily by his team in the intervening five years - although the tactics now appear to be paying off.

The Colombian had only previously been defeated by middleweight champions Kelly Pavlik and Arthur Abraham (twice) but even at 28 his best days now look behind him.

"It was tougher than I expected," he admitted. "I don't feel cheated. Andre is the champion, I have respect for him."