Andre Ward vs Paul Smith: Will Ward be ring rusty after 19 months out?

Andre Ward hasn't boxed for 19 months so is the dreaded 'ring rust' going to come into play against Paul Smith?

Despite a lengthy sabbatical enforced by contract disputes, many still regard the WBA (super) super-middleweight champion as one of the best boxers in the world - but will he suffer from his spell on the sidelines?

Some say the theory of 'ring rust' is a myth and it seems Ward has lived his time in the wilderness like a monk anyway, so does the fact he is coming off a long break from professional boxing provide Smith with any extra hope? Can he shock the world if he jumps on Ward early? The opinions of our panel of experts appear to be divided...

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Spencer Oliver

'Ring rust' certainly exists but a fighter of that calibre is not going to be going back in to the ring unless he's 100 per cent. It may affect him for a round or two but it will soon pass after he gets a couple of rounds under his belt.

A fighter of that calibre is not going to be going back in to the ring unless he's 100 per cent.

It won't affect the power - it'll be the timing more than anything. Obviously you can spar but boxing is different and it might take him a few rounds to get his timing right.

Jamie Moore

I think it all depends on your style. Ward is a very defensive fighter. His style is based on counteracting other people's mistakes and it could affect him for a few rounds.

His style is based on counteracting other people's mistakes and it could affect him for a few rounds.

Paul Smith is very experienced and if he is going to try and have an impact on the fight, I think those first couple of rounds are vital because if Ward is rusty, Paul has to capitalise. He has to jump on him early doors otherwise he'll lose an opportunity.

Jim Watt

I am not a great believer in 'ring rust'. If your preparation is right and you've had top-quality sparring to sharpen you up, then there should be no problem, no matter how long you've been out.

If your preparation is right and you've had top-quality sparring to sharpen you up, then there should be no problem.

Sometimes it is used as an excuse but look at Floyd Mayweather. He has gone a year without boxing and he comes back as sharp as a tack, right on it - and I think Andre Ward will be the same. He is very professional, so forget about this magical word.

Johnny Nelson

'Ring rust' does exist but only if you don't live in the gym. If you do, then it's never a problem. Look at Floyd Mayweather, he only boxes twice a year but he is always in the gym and we never see - or worry about - the problem.

He might not be fully fit but he will be gym fit so ring rust is not going to be an issue.

If you're not in the gym, then the problem comes out. But I've got to say I don't think it'll be a problem for Ward either, because Virgul Hunter is one of those trainers who wants you in there, working on things, all the time. Andre Ward had that shoulder problem but I bet he was still in there whenever he could. He might not be fully fit but he will be gym fit so 'ring rust' is not going to be an issue.

Glenn McCrory

Ward is a great fighter and I don't think this will be a major factor at all. Sugar Ray Robinson came back after a long lay-off, Muhammad Ali came back after a long lay-off. He's been in the gym. It's not like he's been on holiday for years and has been on the drink!

Ward has been training the whole time - he just hasn't been allowed to fight because of promotional issues.

Ward has been training the whole time - he just hasn't been allowed to fight because of promotional issues. He's been doing his job every day and I don't think he'll have any 'ring rust'.

Watch Ward v Smith and Adrien Broner v Shawn Porter, live on Sky Sports 1 this Saturday night from 1.30am