After twelve months since he fought, undefeated super-middleweight Andre Ward is no longer ranked in the World Boxing News Pound for Pound Top 50.
Ward, 30, has been involved in a dispute with his ex-promoter Dan Goossen, now sadly deceased. This has primarily contributed to an extended period away from the sport for Ward.
The brilliant American last fought on November 16, 2013, in California.
Andre Ward ranking
Due to WBN ranking rules, Ward has now been stripped of his position at number eight in the top 50 fighters in the world. Ward had already dropped from his lofty place at number three on the back of his latest win over Edwin Rodriguez.
The ‘S.O.G’ will now be placed outside the Top 50 until his next fight is completed. Still, even then, the WBA champion is unlikely to regain his old slot unless his opponent is of sufficient quality if any win comes with a performance to match.
It’s been a sad slide for Ward. He had been riding high since his stunning 2011 win over Carl Froch. The triumph meant victory in the Showtime Super-Six tournament.
Ward has only fought twice since. Both of which did nothing to enhance his reputation.
Pound for Pound
A win over a weight-drained Chad Dawson. A one-sided mauling of an out-of-depth Rodriguez struggled to justify Ward’s continued place behind Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao.
The 27-0 contender now struggles to regain his previous status.
Only a world title at 175 lbs or a triumph over one of the other title holders would lift Ward back into the top ten.
It will be interesting to see where his current situation leads next to the New Year.
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