Andre Ward was one of the greatest fighters of his era.
Ward, from Oakland, California, was the last male US Olympic gold medalist and an undefeated two-weight world champion who has become a voice for many boxers who are voiceless.
Ward recently spoke at a private event hosted by former world title contender Brandon Gonzales, and Ward discussed whether boxing could ever have one governing body that runs the sport.
“I know people float that idea of [a UFC model], and I respect what Dana [White] and the UFC have done,” Ward stated. “I think it is a little too much control.
“I would have to see someone put something together and see if it makes sense.”
Ward, who won titles at super middleweight and light heavyweight, was meticulous in the crafting of his career. He retired at 32-0 (16 KOs) and resisted the urge to return, having defeated the likes of Carl Froch, Mikkel Kessler, Sergey Kovalev and Chad Dawson.
He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame as part of the class of 2021.
Ward originally was signed to Goossen Tutor Promotions but, following a dispute, he went to Roc Nation Sports. Ward knew about the benefits of an open marketplace and learned how to maximize his worth.
“It would have to be a person with billions of dollars to get all the promoters to agree to come under that,” Ward added, about one federation taking over.
“There are too many egos in boxing, from the promoters to the managers to agree to just let one person run it.”
Ward thinks a lot of people in the sport are too proud to come together for the greater good.
Boxing as a business has not seen a lot of humility. For the best to link hands with the best, it would mean someone would have to be less powerful.
Ward said to Gonzales: “Personally, I don’t think that is ever going to happen.”