After being away from the ring for over a year undefeated WBA super middleweight champion Andre Ward will make his return to the ring against undefeated challenger Edwin Rodriguez on Saturday Nov. 16 at the Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, Calif in the event being billed as “The Return”.
Widely regarded as the No. 2 pound-for-pound fighter in the world, Ward dominates his bouts in the same fashion Floyd Mayweather Jr. does his.
After defeating Chad Dawson last September winning the light heavyweight title in what was one of Ward’s best performances to date, he was scheduled to take on Kelly Pavlik this past January. After Ward injured his shoulder in training camp he had to get surgery to repair the damage and the Pavlik bout was scrapped.
Ward is excited for his return to the ring and said Rodriguez might try to catch him off guard after his shoulder procedure and lengthy layoff.
“I’m excited to get back in the ring on November 16,” stated the champion Ward. “The opponent is Edwin Rodriguez. He’s a young, hungry, undefeated fighter who doesn’t believe he can lose and it’s my job to change his mind. I think he and his team feel like they are going to catch me slipping coming off of surgery and the layoff.”
Ranked the No. 1 contender by the WBC and the No. 3 contender by the WBA, WBO and IBF, Rodriguez will look to make his mark in boxing with a win versus Ward. With no real big name wins to his resume, Rodriguez will be making a big jump up in competition.
Rodriguez said his will to win will give him an edge come Nov. 16, as confidence is a big part of boxing.
“Vince Lombardi once said, ‘Life’s battles don’t always go to the stronger or faster man. But sooner or later, the man who wins is the man who thinks he can.’ On November 16th, I know I will win,” Rodriguez explained.
The bout will be interesting to see how Ward is affected by his year-long absence from the ring and if Rodriguez can surprise many and hand Ward the first loss of his career.
The Ward-Rodriguez bout will be shown on HBO for those who can’t catch it live at the Citizens Business Area Bank. Tickets are priced at $200, $125, $75, $50 and $25 (parking included with purchase) and will be available at Citizens Business Bank Arena Box Office or online at AXS.com for those interested in attending the bout.
