09.05.04 – Jim Amato: Vonda Ward a 6’6″ former college basketball star wanted to become the best female boxer in the world. Although undefeated Vonda had yet to reap the cash cow. It seemed to be coming closer this year though. A few more wins and a fight with the female side of the sport’s money machine, Laila Ali would be awaiting her.
Either someone did not give Ann Wolfe the script or she just neglected to read it. Wolfe has her own personal agenda for Laila Ali and she was not about to let Vonda Ward stand in her way.
This fight for Ward was basically a bout to find out what she was made of. Still to me it didn’t make sense for her to take this match. She probably could have racked up a few more wins over lesser opponents and then lured Ali in to a fight. Rumor has it that Laila is not to keen on fighting Wolfe. I’m sure Laila could have watched tapes of Vonda’s life and death struggles with boxer named Salazar and seen Ward as very beatable.
Now that scenario has vanished thanks to one well placed right hand by Ann Wolfe. Fight ? What fight ? It was over almost as soon as it started. Ward flailed at the oncoming Wolfe with no effectiveness. Once inside, Wollfe set up the booming right hand that sent Vonda to dreamland.
Vonda was taken out on a stretcher but she appears to be OK. No more dreams of fighting Laila Ali. Vonda is from Northfield, Ohio which is close to both Cleveland and Akron. Two great fight towns. Vonda gave boxing her best shot but it may be time to move on. It was said that Ward already had another fight scheduled for this summer in Canton, Ohio. What were they thinking ? Did they really feel that Vonda would beat Wolfe ?
As for Laila Ali, she should be taking Ann Wolfe VERY seriously!