Andre Ward is one of the very few elite fighters who managed to retire without ever experiencing the bitter taste of defeat, having hung up the gloves with a glittering record of 32 wins and zero losses.
However, Ward has just revealed that he would be open to putting that undefeated record on the line and returning to boxing and, even hinted at a potential opponent.
Speaking to Ariel Helwani on the MMA Hour, ‘S.O.G.’ admitted he would be open to a professional bout with brash YouTuber Jake Paul, as well as appearing to be keen on having other exhibition showcases.
When asked by Helwani about having fights of a similar ilk to those Floyd Mayweather has made millions from over the past few years, Ward kept the door open.
“I’ve had some people talking, but nothing that was substantial or real. But I think I would be open to something like that, I really would.
I think that would be fun and give me a reason to get back in the boxing gym. I’m fit, but I’m not boxing fit right now. And I would be open to something like that if it was the right situation.
I’m not going to make a mockery of my legacy, but if it was something that made sense then I might jump on that.”
And when Helwani raised the prospect of a meeting with Paul, the former two weight world champion also appeared keen.
“Oh yeah. I would be open to both [a professional an an exhibition fight]. For sure.”
Even though Ward hasn’t fought since his 2017 win over Sergey Kovalev, it’s hard to make too strong a case for Paul in this one.
‘The Problem Child’ will attempt to bounce back from his February defeat to Tommy Fury when he takes on MMA star Nate Diaz at the American Airlines Centre in six weeks’ time.