Andre Ward says he will beat Paul Smith and show the world he is back
Thursday 18 June 2015 22:22, UK
Andre Ward says he will beat Paul Smith and show the world he is back.
The pound-for-pound great is back in the ring for the first time in 19 months against the British challenger, in Oakland, California, on Saturday night.
Live International Fight Night
Ward, number one in the super-middleweight division - even though this fight is at a catchweight of 172lbs - has fought just once in almost three years due to contractual issues with his former promoter.
But ahead of his return to the ring, the 31-year-old says he will be as good as ever.
"He's a competitor, he's coming to win but you better believe it," Ward told Sky Sports.
"Like always, I've prepared like I am supposed to prepare; every round I've sparred, every mile I've run. I left my family like I always do and I am ready for this coming Saturday night.
"We not only want to win but we want to put on a tremendous performance and tell the people Andre Ward is back."
We not only want to win but we want to put on a tremendous performance and tell the people Andre Ward is back
Ward also accused Smith and trainer Joe Gallagher of making "bold statements" about how they are going to surprise him.
And even if the Liverpudlian rarely trash-talks and dismissed the idea, the man known as SOG (Son Of God) is fired up.
"I'm glad my opposition talked before they came over here from the UK. They gave plenty of bold predictions saying what they are going to do and how they are going to do it."
Watch Andre Ward v Paul Smith and Adrien Broner v Shawn Porter, live on Sky Sports 1 this Saturday night from 1.30am.
