If it is indeed true that we have seen the last of Floyd Mayweather following Saturday’s victory over Andre Berto, then the retirement of the self professed “TBE” leaves boxing’s P4P list with a gaping hole in the #1 slot.
As fans and writers reshuffle, considering the likes of Wladimir Klitschko, Sergey Kovalev and flyweight sensation Roman Gonzalez for that esteemed position, one man who is keen to take it over is long-time former consensus #2, Andre Ward – recently back in the game after a long lay-off and looking to make an impact on the 175 lbs division after (at least before his exile) dominating at 168 lbs.
“I’m definitely eyeing that top (P4P) spot, if I wasn’t I think I’d be doing myself a dis-service, man,” Ward said via fighthype.com.
“I feel I’ve got a lot of years left in me and I want that top spot – but I’ve gotta earn it. I don’t wanna just be the guy who’s next (in at #1), I wanna show you I’m next, though I’m established. I’ve been in this game 10 years. I’m a young veteran,” he added.
Fans last saw the unbeaten American dispose of Britain’s Paul Smith back in June, his first fight in over 18 months and his debut outing with promoters Roc Nation Sports. There is talk of a possible clash with Russian banger Sergey Kovalev for 2016, although at this stage it remains just that, however those are exactly the kind of fights Ward needs to secure – and win – if he is to achieve his P4P aim.
There is speculation that Ward will appear on the Cotto/Canelo undercard, obviously on the Roc-Nation side of the bill, against a TBA, although that is yet to be confirmed, with the American suggesting he will find out exactly what’s happening later this week after he has chewed over what he feels “is best for me and my career.”
Those are decisions “S.O.G” won’t be taking lightly.
“I wanna close my career out the right way and god willing get that top spot, and leave on top like Floyd was able to do. That’s always been my dream since I was a kid.
“(I want to) Leave with my money intact, leave with my faculties intact, and hopefully leave the game better than it was when I first got here.”
Twitter @Undilutedpoison
