Retired American boxing legend Andre Ward has set the sports world buzzing after calling out Nigerian-born heavyweight Anthony Joshua for a potential bout.
Ward enjoyed an illustrious career, capturing unified world titles at super-middleweight and light-heavyweight before retiring in 2017 with an unblemished 32-0 record (16 KOs).
Known for his technical mastery and ring IQ, Ward has long hinted at a possible comeback if the business side made sense.
In a recent Instagram video, Ward revealed:
- “One name that I’ve brought up before… if the business was right, me and Anthony Joshua. That’s a fight I would take at Wembley Stadium. It’s a dangerous fight for my legacy, but it would get me in the mindset to go to war.”
Joshua’s Reaction
Joshua, who won Olympic gold in 2012 and has fought exclusively at heavyweight since turning professional, didn’t shy away from the challenge. He responded directly to Ward’s post, acknowledging the callout and leaving fans eager for more details.
The prospect of the fight has raised intrigue given Ward’s need to move up significantly in weight, a step that could test the limits of his legendary skill set. For Joshua, the bout could offer a fresh storyline following his recent defeat to Daniel Dubois at Wembley, where he failed to reclaim the IBF title.
The Road Ahead
While no official negotiations have been confirmed, boxing promoter Eddie Hearn is already focused on a sanctioned rematch between Joshua and Dubois under the guidance of Turki Al-Sheikh. Whether Ward’s challenge delays that plan or becomes a separate mega-event remains to be seen.
Ward’s perfect record and Joshua’s heavyweight pedigree could make the bout one of boxing’s most fascinating cross-division matchups in recent years, if both men are serious.
