Andre Ward v Paul Smith: A preview of the catchweight bout live on Sky Sports
Sunday 21 June 2015 10:38, UK
We take a look at the main talking points ahead of the return of super-middleweight king Andre Ward, who faces Liverpool's Paul Smith live on Sky Sports on Saturday...
Live International Fight Night
Background
Andre Ward has been out of professional boxing for 19 months but in the early hours of Sunday morning, the WBA (super) super-middleweight champion puts his unbeaten record on the line against Paul Smith at a catchweight of 172lbs.
The 31-year-old American was forced to take a break from the sport due to contractual issues but having reportedly kept up his training, he will hear the opening bell in his hometown of Oakland as a clear favourite to pick up where he left off.
Ward (27-0-0-KO14) boasts victories over Carl Froch and Arthur Abraham, the current WBO champion who beat Smith twice in the past year.
Former British super-middleweight champion Smith, 32, did not look out of place at world level but seems to be up against it again with the agreed catch-weight seemingly favouring Ward, who won an Olympic gold at light-heavyweight.
But there was a shock at the weigh-in when Smith, who operated at middleweight early in his career, weighed in a massive 4.4lbs over the agreed limit... and then a reported 3.4lbs over a revised limit of 181lbs.
What the fighters say
Andre Ward: "It's fight time. No matter how long I've been off, it's like riding a bike. I've been here before. I embrace these moments and it's what it's all about."
Paul Smith: "It’s an amazing chance I’ve been given and, as always with me, you’re going to get 100 per cent and every last thing that I’ve got."
What the experts say
Jim Watt's prediction: Ward on points
Paul Smith knows he can mix it with the world level so if he goes in to this fight believing he can win, then that's good. And fair play to him.
Glenn McCrory's prediction: Ward stoppage in eight
I think Ward will box his way in rather than try to destroy Smith. He'll feel him out. His size and skill will play its part.
Jamie Moore's prediction: Ward on points
I've got a feeling Ward has been in the gym a long time and has just been waiting. I think it's been a case of waiting for contracts to expire and it's not as if he's coming back from injury.
Johnny Nelson's prediction: Ward late stoppage
I have a feeling Paul Smith is going to be a much better opponent than Andre Ward is expecting, but Virgil Hunter is no mug.
What's happened this week?
A lot, actually.
First of all, Ward was lifted by the news that his local basketball team, the Golden State Warriors, clinched the NBA title. With a party atmosphere in Oakland, the super-middleweight seems to be relishing his return more than ever.
The biggest news came at the weigh-in, though. Smith, who had apparently campaigned to make the catchweight 170lbs, weight in 4.4lbs heavier than the agreed 172lbs.
Ward was critical of the Liverpudlian and branded him 'unprofessional', and after lengthy negotiations and Smith returning to the scales the following morning, it was agreed that the fight would go ahead with the visitor fined 20% of his purse.
Watch Ward v Smith and Adrien Broner v Shawn Porter TONIGHT (Sunday morning) live on Sky Sports 1 from 1.30am
