PODCAST · news
The Art Of Ward
by Black Effect x All The Smoke Productions
THE ART OF WARD is a series hosted by Boxing Hall of Famer and Chief Content Officer for ALL THE SMOKE FIGHT Andre Ward exploring the fight game from the inside out. THE ART OF WARD series is a tapestry of thoughtful content showcasing Ward’s personal, unmatched perspective shaped by his evolution as a fighter, a man and an influential figure in combat sports.
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Antonio Tarver: The Roy Jones Knockout, “Any Excuses Tonight?” & The Greatest Story Never Told
Fresh off his 2026 International Boxing Hall of Fame induction, Antonio “The Magic Man” Tarver sits down with Andre Ward and takes him from Ivy Lane in Orlando to Canastota: raised by a single mom with three sisters, put in the ring at nine as a punishment at the Boys and Girls Club, and the rock bottom at 18 that ended in drug rehab, where he was telling anyone who’d listen that he was going to the Olympics.Tarver gets into the stories only he can tell: watching Roy Jones get robbed in Seoul and getting up off the couch to run, captaining the ’96 Olympic team that consisted of a young Floyd Mayweather and Zab Judah, turning pro at 27 with not one promoter or manager calling, fighting four rounds on a jaw broken in two places, and the three-year campaign that ended with “You got any excuses tonight, Roy?” and the punch heard around the world.Plus the Bernard Hopkins fight he says deserves an asterisk, being Al Haymon’s first fighter alongside Vernon Forrest, playing Mason Dixon in Rocky Balboa, and finally getting his flowers. 0:00 – Welcoming Antonio Tarver, Newly Crowned Hall of Famer0:23 – Induction Weekend & Honoring His Mom and Trainer2:29 – Growing Up in Orlando with a Single Mom6:11 – Starting Boxing at 9 at the Boys & Girls Club7:24 – Leaving Boxing for Other Sports, Moving Out of the Inner City10:26 – Depression, Cocaine, and Hitting Rock Bottom11:41 – Watching Roy Jones Jr. “Robbed” at the 1988 Olympics15:33 – Deciding to Wait for Atlanta 199617:50 – ’96 Team Captain: Mentoring Floyd Mayweather & Zab Judah20:44 – Bronze Medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics22:46 – Turning Pro with No Promoters Calling27:53 – First Loss vs. Eric Harding29:54 – Turning the Tide and Knocking Out Harding with a Broken Jaw33:05 – The Years-Long Campaign to Fight Roy Jones Jr.35:12 – The Infamous Post-Fight Press Conference Callout44:39 – Breaking Down Roy Jones Fight I (2003)48:45 – The Controversial Decision49:31 – Fighting for the Rematch53:18 – Training Camp for the Rematch55:41 – “You Got Any Excuses Tonight, Roy?”56:14 – The Knockout Heard Around the World1:00:45 – Life After the Knockout1:05:47 – Al Haymon and the Business Side of Boxing1:07:20 – The Trilogy Fight in Tampa1:19:15 – The Bernard Hopkins Fight and Feeling Off1:28:16 – Owning His Lane and His Story1:30:38 – Final Lessons and Closing ThoughtsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Jermall Charlo: The Truth About Turning Down Canelo, Al Haymon’s Handshake Deal & The Comeback at 36
Jermall Charlo sits down with Andre Ward in Houston for his first real conversation in years, just as his comeback fight on the Tim Tszyu/Errol Spence card in Australia is around the corner. The two-time world champion and one half of Lions Only takes Dre back to the beginning: a two-parent household in H-Town, fighting on the same amateur card as his own father, the ingrown toenail that cost him the 2008 Olympics, and why he turned pro without ever signing a contract with anyone.Jermall gets into the stories only he can tell: jumping the gate to introduce himself to Al Haymon and the handshake that’s lasted 20 years, the mystery package sent to his room the night before his first world title fight, the divorce that took his kids and nearly took him, and the truth about turning down the Canelo fight in 2023 and watching his twin brother take it instead. Plus the Julian Williams counter he drilled every single day of camp, life as “the other twin,” and why at 36 he’s still in love with boxing. 00:00 Intro – Welcoming Jermall Charlo in Houston01:44 Body at 3602:26 Pushing each other with Jermell03:38 Early years in Houston, family life04:35 Amateur days, fighting on his dad’s card06:03 Twin dynamic – growing up as Jermall & Jermell08:16 From other sports to realizing boxing was “the thing”09:41 Early trainers & the amateur circuit11:35 Twin life, differences inside & outside the ring16:03 Missing the 2008 Olympics – injury & surgery17:21 Turning pro & staying self-made18:33 Meeting Al Haymon23:04 2015 – Winning his first title26:20 AD BREAK27:07 Life as a champion & the start of his faith journey29:55 Divorce, rock bottom & hitting his lowest point34:44 Full surrender – his testimony47:44 Julian Williams fight – the real tension52:03 Life after the win – spending, business side54:14 Two-year layoff & comeback vs. Benavidez55:42 Scouting opponents & in-ring adjustments56:42 The 2023 Canelo opportunity – why he passed it to Jermell1:00:22 Watching his brother take on Canelo1:01:23 Motivation for the Benavidez rematch1:01:55 Identity, legacy & the pressure of “being the lion”1:05:03 What’s next – real estate, ministry, business1:06:53 Closing thoughts & outroSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Boots Ennis BROKE Xander Zayas Down, but Roy & Dre Don’t Agree on That “Mental Lapse”
Andre Ward and Roy Jones Jr. are back with a new edition of HALL OF GAME, and they’re going straight at the fight everybody just watched: Jaron “Boots” Ennis stopping Xander Zayas in the 7th round at Barclays. Boots broke Zayas down to the body, but the Hall of Fame duo don’t see the third round firefight the same way. Roy calls it going to sleep, Dre calls it an exchange, and they go back and forth on whether it’s a real flaw or just the cost of having that much in the bag.From there it’s the stoppage everyone’s arguing about: should Zayas’ corner have waved it off in the fifth to save him the punishment? Did he quit, or did he show enough? Roy and Dre get into the difference between quitting and getting beat and the mental side of prizefighting.Then they look ahead: what’s actually next for Boots, chase the Vergil Ortiz fight, or Fundora? Plus shout-outs to Emiliano Vargas, Ben Whittaker, and Jose Valenzuela avenging his loss to Edwin de la Santos. 0:00 Intro0:46 Setting the scene: Zayas vs. Boots at Barclays Center1:36 First reactions: fight, atmosphere, stoppage2:07 Body shots that set up the finish4:01 Round 1 power and the Round 3 wobble7:05 Is Boots’ “defensive lapse” overblown?9:11 Ad break10:31 Zayas’ round 3 strategy debated12:57 Boots’ defense, standards, and grading his own performance18:19 Ward’s “mental letdown” theory22:07 The “bag of stuff” theory & lack of elite competition37:08 Setting up the late rounds38:33 Round 5 knockdown breakdown39:45 Should the corner have stopped it?44:18 Round 7 stoppage and the corner look46:28 Did Zayas quit? The big debate51:18 Where Zayas goes from here53:51 What’s next for Boots Ennis56:56 Shoutouts: Vargas Jr., Whittaker, Valenzuela1:01:16 Roy Jones Jr.’s award shoutout1:01:34 OutroSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Crawford Defends Errol Spence From the Haters, Plus Zayas vs. Boots & Bam Rodriguez Makes History
Andre Ward and Roy Jones Jr. are back in a new edition of HALL OF GAME, and they’re not holding back. They break down the fight everybody’s talking about, Jaron “Boots” Ennis vs. Xander Zayas on June 27 at Barclays, and Roy makes his pick clear: on paper, Boots is supposed to win, and the only question is whether Zayas can take the punch. Who will come out on top?First they get into the NBA Finals: how the New York Knicks erased a 29-point Game 4 lead and snatched the title from Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs after 53 years, why Roy says De’Aaron Fox’s turnovers “turned the team off,” and what Wemby still has to prove. Then it’s Bam Rodriguez making history as a three-division champ at 24, the Inoue super-bantamweight fight everybody wants, and Roy’s blunt take on the modern “duck game” and the media that fuels it.Finally, the Hall of Fame duo talk Errol Spence Jr.‘s comeback fight vs. a tough Tim Tszyu, Errol opening up on THE ART OF WARD, and a message to the haters. 0:00 - Intro: Hall of Game Is Back1:15 - Roy Jones Jr. Catches Us Up: Franklyn Dwomoh, Newman vs. Munguia & Dallas Fight Card2:10 - NY Knicks Win the NBA Championship After 53 Years4:15 - Roy’s Take: De’Aaron Fox’s Turnovers & the Spurs’ Collapse7:34 - The Boxing Parallel: How Leads Slip Away12:08 - Shout Out to Jalen Brunson & the Knicks’ Grit13:54 - AD BREAK14:49 - Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez Becomes 3-Division World Champion16:40 - Can Bam Beat Naoya Inoue? Breaking Down the Styles25:30 - Xander Zayas vs. Jaron “Boots” Ennis | June 27 Preview27:43 - Is This Fight Too Soon for Zayas?30:23 - Breaking Down Boots’ Fight Game & the Weight Class Move36:20 - Winner Gets “The Towering Inferno” — What’s at Stake40:28 - Errol Spence Jr. Is Back! July 25 vs. Tim Tszyu41:48 - Roy’s Coaching Take: What Spence Needs to Rediscover43:27 - Dre’s Interview with Spence: The Crawford Fight, the Camp & the Comeback47:51 - Addressing the 10%: YouTube Critics Calling Spence’s Interview “Excuses”50:32 - Andre & Roy on Biased Media & Fighters Feeding Narratives58:45 - Katie Taylor Sells Out Croke Park (82,000 Tickets in 30 Min!)1:01:16 - OutroSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Errol Spence: The Floyd Sparring Standoff, Crawford Camp Issues & The Crash That Changed Everything
Errol Spence Jr. pulls up to THE ART OF WARD in Houston, in the middle of training for Tim Tszyu, for one of the most open conversations of his career. The Dallas native and former unified welterweight champion takes Andre all the way back — fighting in the DeSoto streets, a 120-degree gym with no AC, starting boxing late but making the 2012 Olympic team anyway, and the mindset that made him a feared sparring-session legend before he ever turned pro.Errol gets into the stories only he can tell: the day Floyd Mayweather called him an expletive mid-session and they turned off the bell to keep going, why his father steered him to Al Haymon over a $250K Top Rank signing bonus, the car crash that nearly took everything, the eye injury that cancelled Pacquiao, and the truth about the Crawford camp and the loss that reset his life. 00:00:00 – Intro00:00:19 – Relationship Between Andre & Errol00:02:30 – Training Camp & Working Smarter With Age00:06:03 – Growing Up in DeSoto, Texas00:07:16 – How Errol Got Into Boxing00:09:47 – Amateur Career & Roy Jones Influence00:13:00 – Competitive Mentality & Sparring Intensity00:15:30 – Starting Late & Being Preserved00:18:51 – 2012 Olympics Experience00:20:01 – Turning Pro & Signing With Al Haymon00:28:24 – Financial Wisdom & Life After Boxing00:34:13 – Sparring Floyd Mayweather00:38:58 – Kell Brook Fight in England00:42:52 – Relationship With Jerry Jones & AT&T Stadium Fight00:47:04 – Free Agent on Handshakes Only00:50:29 – Drinking & The Car Accident00:54:13 – The Shawn Porter Fight00:58:51 – Financial Discipline & Living Off Interest01:01:11 – The Car Accident: What He Remembers01:07:25 – Life After the Accident01:10:22 – Reconnecting With God After the Crawford Loss01:15:26 – Being a Present Father01:22:58 – Manny Pacquiao Fight Falling Through & Eye Injury01:29:13 – Making the Crawford Fight Happen01:31:47 – Crawford Camp Issues & Derrick James01:38:41 – The Crawford Fight Night01:44:59 – Life After the Crawford Loss01:52:32 – Why He’s Still Fighting at 3601:57:47 – Closing Thoughts & AppreciationSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Shakur Stevenson: ‘I’m Not Easy Work’ & The Truth About the Devin Haney Standoff
Shakur Stevenson sits down with Andre Ward on THE ART OF WARD for the third time, and it might be the most unfiltered one yet. Fresh off selling out Madison Square Garden and turning Teofimo Lopez into a one-sided beatdown, the four-division world champ breaks down how he played that fight a thousand times in his head before the first bell, why he’s suddenly boxing’s most wanted (and most clout-chased) name, and the real story behind walking away from his WBC belt.Shakur goes deep on the Devin Haney standoff and the 144 vs 147 weight tug-of-war, fires back at Bill Haney’s “easy work” claim, sizes up Conor Benn, and guarantees he’d stop any UFC crossover that dares step in the ring, like an Ilia Topuria. He and Dre get into the boxing brain that separates the elite, studying tape vs trusting instincts, and the young fighters and managers Shakur is now building behind the scenes.Then it gets personal: why fame is a “cold game,” the Floyd Mayweather obsession that genuinely scares him, the J Prince lessons on teaching a man to fish, the O’Shaquie Foster beef, and what going out on top actually looks like. 0:00 - Intro & Sparring Session (Andre Ward & Shakur Stevenson)3:32 - Breaking Down the Teofimo Lopez Fight5:28 - Sold Out MSG & Handling the Pressure6:40 - “I Was Born for This” | Performing Under Bright Lights8:20 - Corner Advice & Almost Stopping Teo10:29 - The Post-Fight High | A Month to Come Down11:44 - Appreciating Teofimo for Making the Fight12:02 - Making Big Fights Happen Directly (Like Bud & Crawford)12:55 - Why Everyone Wants to Fight Shakur Now14:09 - Shakur’s Boxing Brain & Future in Broadcasting15:17 - The Imagination in the Gym | Envisioning Every Opponent17:15 - Having a Boxing Mind vs. Just Being Talented17:54 - Watching Film & Learning from Floyd19:11 - AD BREAK22:16 - The WBC Stripping Him of His Belt26:23 - The Devin Haney Fight | Weight Negotiations & Business Talk29:28 - Could Haney vs. Stevenson Actually Get Made?31:47 - Taking Callouts Less Personally | It’s Business Now34:06 - Conor Benn Situation | What Happened?34:41 - Assessing Conor Benn as a Fighter36:49 - Would Shakur Do a UFC Crossover Fight? Ilia Topuria40:39 - Does Shakur Like Being Famous? (Honest Answer)45:19 - The J. Prince Relationship | A Real Mentor47:11 - Managing Fighters50:33 - How Would You Beat Andre Ward?51:48 - How Would You Fight Bud Crawford?52:03 - Floyd Mayweather vs. Sugar Ray Robinson GOAT Debate54:09 - The State of Boxing Today55:20 - Biggest Lesson from 9 Years as a Pro55:47 - What Does the Rest of Shakur’s Career Look Like?56:31 - Thoughts on Adrien Broner’s Current Lifestyle58:39 - Floyd Mayweather’s Money Situation & Can’t-Let-Go of Boxing1:02:42 - Errol Spence Is Back | Thoughts on Spence vs. Tszyu1:03:45 - Shakur’s Message to O’Shaquie Foster1:06:07 - “I Don’t Run” | On Character & Integrity1:07:39 - Going Out on Top | Comparing Ward & Crawford’s Retirements1:11:21 - OutroSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Andre Ward: ‘I Knew Going Into Kovalev 2 That Was My Last Fight’ | Virgil Hunter Part 2
Picking up where Part 1 left off, Virgil and Andre go all the way through the pro career. The 2004 Staples Center debut. The knockdown by Darnell Boone that nearly cost him an HBO deal. The frantic red-eye to Germany to lock in the Super Six tournament and opening the bracket against Mikkel Kessler at home, plus the collision course with Andre Dirrell that Bumper kept saying wouldn’t happen — and the moment Andre’s mind shifted on his own friend. Skipping Lucian Bute, beating Chad Dawson, and the two-year lawsuit that almost derailed everything.Then the Kovalev story like it’s never been told. Virgil admits he was a fan of Sergey Kovalev before him and Dre ever fought. The knee that swelled to three times its size in training camp and ultimately getting it drained two hours before he walked to the ring. Getting up off the canvas in Round 2 and closing like a champion, and the decision the critics still argue about — and Andre’s full response to all of it.And then, for the first time on tape, Andre reveals he knew going into the second Kovalev fight that it was his last fight — and never told Virgil. The phone call from Jack London Square the night before he announced his retirement. Virgil’s response, the investment lessons, the jewelry-vs-houses speech, and why Virgil refuses to be the old coach on a stump watching one of his fighters take brain damage for a paycheck.Part 2 of 2. If you missed Part 1, go back and watch the origin story. 0:00 – Intro: From the Streets to the Pro Game1:40 – The Super Six Tournament & Moving to 168 lbs3:34 – Facing Mikkel Kessler: Setting the Tone5:22 – Patterns of Success: The Journey & God’s Plan6:23 – Financial Wisdom & Having an Exit Strategy13:45 – Virgil’s Training Philosophy & Locker Room Rules21:20 – Keeping Fighters Focused & Blocking Distractions23:00 – Cleaning Out Super Middleweight & Moving to 17525:20 – Preparing for Sergey Kovalev: The 3-Fight Plan27:40 – Knee Injury & Doubt Before the Kovalev Fight29:43 – Walking to the Ring: Confidence Despite the Injury30:07 – The Knockdown & Corner Adjustments vs. Kovalev32:06 – Breaking Down the Kovalev Win & Critics34:04 – The Rematch & Kovalev’s Decline42:32 – Ward’s Retirement Decision44:13 – Knowing When It’s Over: The Mindset of Retiring on Top46:22 – Financial Lessons for Young Fighters49:18 – The Danger of Eroding Skills & Spending Your Prime51:38 – Retiring When You’ve Proven Everything55:06 – Missing the Gym & Staying Away After RetirementSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Virgil Hunter On The Day Andre Almost Lost Everything: “You’re Going To Go Downhill” | Part 1
For the first time ever, the man behind Andre Ward’s undefeated career and 2004 Olympic Gold sits down on THE ART OF WARD... and they go all the way back.Virgil Hunter, 2011 Boxing Writers Association Trainer of the Year, pulls up for Part 1 of a two-part conversation 32 years in the making.This isn’t just a boxing conversation. This is the full story.The day a 10-year-old Andre walked into US Karate & Boxing in Hayward and locked eyes with a quietly depressed Virgil, still grieving the loss of his first prospect. Frank Ward’s simple request: “teach my son how to hit and not get hit.” The years Andre and his brother Jonathan lived with Virgil and his wife. The crack era in Oakland that pulled Andre into the streets — selling rocks two blocks from the apartment where his own mother was using. The psychology Virgil used to pull him back: the guilt-trip phone call, the jailhouse intervention, the Hennessy bottle quietly pulled from Andre’s bag in Las Vegas. The James Prince connection. Marrying Tiffney young against everyone’s advice. Losing his father in 2002. And the 2004 Olympic Gold in Athens and how Virgil had to move mountains to be there ringside. 00:00 - Intro & Welcome Hall of Fame trainer, Virgil Hunter, to The Art of Ward02:30 - The First Meeting & Frank Ward’s Request06:02 - Virgil’s Depression & Why That Day Was Spiritual06:47 - Building a Foundation Before the Temptations08:30 - Andre & His Brother Move In With Virgil & His Wife10:30 - Frank Ward, Andre’s Mom & The Mother Wound14:00 - Battle Testing With Donaire & The First Fights16:00 - The Silver Gloves Nationals & Curtis Stevens20:00 - Sparring Pros at 13 & The Strength Behind It21:11 - The Difference Between Andre & His Brother21:57 - Drive, Tenacity & Being a Student of The Game24:30 - The Junior Olympics & When The Streets Started Calling27:13 - The Oakland Mystique & Virgil’s Focus Shifts29:39 - The Psychology: Guilt Trips, Interventions & The Hennessy Bottle32:06 - Can You Make A Great Without Sacrifice?33:16 - Structure Is The Foundation of Greatness35:33 - His Mother’s Relapse & Selling Dope Two Blocks Away37:00 - The Prayers Working & Virgil’s Street Intelligence39:41 - Structure Kept Him From Crossing The Line42:47 - Virgil’s Diary Entry & The Full Prophecy44:50 - Washington, Tiffney & Marrying Young Against Everyone’s Advice49:04 - James Prince Enters The Picture52:17 - “He’ll Win Us A Gold Medal”: The Guarantee To J Prince53:22 - Exposed To The Life: Floyd, Roy & Dre Losing His Father58:00 - Surrendering & Locking In For The Olympics01:00:10 - “You Don’t Think I Can Get You To Athens?“: The Faith Moment01:02:35 - Front Row Tickets & God Paying For The Whole Trip01:08:13 - The Last American Male Olympic Gold & USA Boxing’s Problem01:11:24 - It Takes A Team & No Great Man Stands Alone01:13:34 - Body Language, Technical Ability & What Wins At The Highest Level01:16:46 - The Decision That Shook Everything UpSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Carl Froch On Biting Andre Ward, Calzaghe Ghosting Him & Leaving The UK
14 years later, Carl ‘The Cobra’ Froch sits down face-to-face with Andre Ward. The 2023 Hall of Famer, 4-time super middleweight world champion, and one of the most fearless personalities in boxing pulls up to THE ART OF WARD for a conversation almost nobody thought would ever happen.Froch walks Andre through the full story. From a skinny kid in Nottingham getting flattened on a rugby pitch, to walking back into a boxing gym at 19, to becoming a four-time world champion at super middleweight. He gets into the Pascal war, the Jermain Taylor stoppage with torn ankle ligaments and a scratched cornea three weeks out, the Lucian Bute destruction, the controversial first Groves fight he openly admits he was under-trained for, and the 80,000-strong Wembley KO that closed his career. And then he gives Andre what nobody expected: a flat-out admission that he bit Andre’s shoulder during their 2011 Super Six final, his read on the body shots Andre took that night that left him unable to move for a week after, and his decision to pull his family out of England for good and move to Dubai. He also tells the real story on Joe Calzaghe ghosting their planned exhibition, and weighs in on whether he’d actually get back in a ring with Andre Ward today.This is one of the most loaded sit-downs in The Art of Ward’s run. Don’t miss it. Subscribe to All The Smoke Fight for more raw conversations with boxing’s biggest names. Tap in. 0:00 Intro — Carl Froch comes on the show1:35 How Andre and Froch reconnected through David Haye5:40 Froch on leaving Sky Sports and going independent5:59 Growing up in Nottingham7:23 Family background and his relationship with his father11:47 His unorthodox style and the four-year break from boxing at 1513:47 Coming back to boxing at 19 and turning professional28:00 The Jean Pascal fight — his first world title35:00 The Jermain Taylor fight — torn ankle, scratched cornea, three weeks out44:00 The Super Six World Boxing Classic — entering the tournament51:53 First meeting with Andre Ward at the Super Six press conference55:21 Froch’s honest scouting report on Ward going into their fight58:27 The 2011 Super Six Final — what really happened that night1:01:15 Froch admits he bit Andre’s shoulder during the fight1:24:11 Froch’s honest self-assessment1:26:01 The body shots that left Andre unable to move for a week1:27:45 Lucian Bute — the destruction in Nottingham1:31:58 George Groves — the controversial first fight1:32:32 Wembley Stadium — 80,000 fans and the KO that ended his career1:38:01 Would Froch and Ward do an exhibition today?1:40:58 The Joe Calzaghe exhibition that never happened1:41:27 Life after boxing1:45:29 Why Froch is moving his family out of England to Dubai1:50:11 Wrap-upSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Lady Ward: Teenage Pregnancy, Virg Saved Us & The 'I'm Done' Retirement Moment
For the first time ever, Tiffiney Ward steps in front of the camera on THE ART OF WARD. Andre’s wife, best friend, and the woman who’s been by his side for over 25 years opens up about the life she’s kept almost entirely offline. From growing up as an Army brat in Germany, to losing her dad as a teenager, to getting pregnant at 16 and being moved down to Oakland by Virgil Hunter and his wife Millie, this is the origin story behind one of boxing’s greatest careers.Tiffiney pulls the curtain back on the moments most fans have never heard: their Wednesday-night bible study wedding, the contract Andre signed without showing her, the eight-week training camps that left her crying every single time, the surgeries, the lawsuit, the wink to her in the corner after the Kovalev knockdown, and the morning Andre laid on the bedroom floor and said “I’m done.” She talks about faith, motherhood, the Virgil and Millie blueprint, and what it really takes to stay locked in for 25 years inside a sport that breaks most marriages.This is Andre Ward’s untold story, told by the only person who’s been there for every chapter. Don’t miss it. Subscribe to All The Smoke Fight for more raw conversations with boxing’s biggest names. Tap in.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Benavidez Should Fight Usyk Next, Errol Spence Returns vs Tszyu & Inoue Breaks Tyson’s Record
Andre Ward and Roy Jones Jr. break down a stacked Cinco de Mayo weekend that delivered everything boxing fans wanted. David Benavidez became the first three-division champion across super middleweight, light heavyweight, and cruiserweight with a dominant performance against Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez, and the question of what comes next is the biggest one in the sport right now. Roy makes a bold strategic call the Hall of Game audience will be debating for weeks: skip Jai Opetaia, skip every other cruiserweight, and go straight to Oleksandr Usyk while the iron is hot.Andre and Roy also dig into Naoya Inoue vs Junto Nakatani in Tokyo, where Inoue defended his undisputed junior featherweight title in front of 55,000 fans and broke Mike Tyson’s Tokyo Dome live gate record. They also react to the news that Errol Spence is officially back, set to fight Tim Tszyu in Australia on July 25.Plus: Mitchell Robinson and Dyson Daniels get tangled up in the Knicks vs Hawks 72-22 playoff blowout, and Roy explains exactly why a Pensacola fighter was never going to take that lying down. 0:00 - Intro0:26 - Recap of Fight Weekend / Cinco de Mayo Boxing1:32 - Undercard Review: Sanchez vs. Chavez4:38 - Co-Main Event: Jaime Munguia vs. Armando Resendiz5:53 - Controversial Decision? Duarte vs. Fierro Breakdown7:41 - How to Score a Close Fight (Judging Discussion)10:55 - Main Event: David Benavidez vs. Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez15:57 - Benavidez at Cruiserweight: What’s Next?16:47 - Canelo Alvarez vs. Benavidez: Will It Ever Happen?19:09 - Benavidez vs. Usyk? Exploring the Big Money Fights24:24 - Ad Break27:12 - Naoya Inoue vs. Nakatani at Tokyo Dome (55,000 Fans!)31:16 - Breaking News: Errol Spence Returns vs. Tim Tszyu35:22 - Knicks vs. Hawks Braw39:10 - Closing Thoughts on the State of BoxingSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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David Benavidez: The $3K Zurdo Sparring Story, Cinco de Mayo Takeover & Stoppage Promise
David Benavidez sits down with Andre Ward and Roy Jones Jr. on HALL OF GAME just days out from his cruiserweight showdown with Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez at T-Mobile Arena on May 2nd. El Monstro opens up on the move to 200 pounds, walking around at 210, and what it means to finally own a Cinco de Mayo weekend after 13 pro years and 27 years in the sport. “Greatness is not given. It’s taken.”Benavidez tells the story of sparring Zurdo at 17 years old for six weeks helping him prep for Arthur Abraham. Now they’re headlining a pay-per-view. He breaks down the speed advantage, why the punches that hurt are the ones you don’t see, and his promise to get the stoppage. Plus the rare father–son dynamic with Jose Sr., raising his own son Anthony in camp, and the threshold he says he’s about to cross.In the back half, Andre and Roy go non-boxing on the Steve Kerr era apparently ending in Golden State — what made Kerr’s run remarkable, why he transcended his own game to fit Steph, and whether stepping away makes sense at 60. They close with a health update on Shadasia Green after she suffered a brain bleed against Lani Daniels.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Zurdo Ramirez: Benavidez’s Weaknesses, Their Sparring War & Mexico vs Mexico on May 2
Hall of Famers Andre Ward and Roy Jones Jr. welcome Mexico’s first-ever cruiserweight world champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez ahead of his Cinco de Mayo showdown with David Benavidez at T-Mobile Arena on Saturday, May 2 (live on PBC Prime Video PPV). Zurdo opens up about the pay-per-view-level sparring sessions he shared with Benavidez, admits Benavidez has “weaknesses” he’s been studying in the gym, and breaks down how he plans to fight a volume puncher without matching him punch-for-punch. This is a Mexico vs Mexico fight for Cinco de Mayo — the holiday Floyd Mayweather and Canelo Alvarez held hostage for a decade.Roy Jones Jr. delivers an untold story about why he refused to spar the #1 ranked Reggie Johnson in 1991 — the “I’m not teaching you anything” rule that shaped his entire career — and Andre Ward pulls back the curtain on his Super Six standoff with Andre Dirrell and why he had to “love him from a distance.” Plus: Andre’s honest assessment of Benavidez’s move up to cruiserweight, the riddle Zurdo has to solve that nobody else has, and why Benavidez gets the 60/40 edge heading into fight week. 0:00 - Intro0:26 - Welcoming Zurdo Ramirez — Mexico’s First Cruiserweight Champion1:06 - Zurdo on Fighting for Cinco de Mayo (After Mayweather & Canelo)1:49 - How the Benavidez Fight Got Made2:11 - The PPV Sparring Sessions with Benavidez3:33 - Benavidez’s Strengths: Pressure, Volume & Power3:59 - Zurdo Admits Benavidez Has Weaknesses (But Won’t Say What)5:27 - Training at 34 — Is Zurdo Still in His Prime?6:07 - The Julian Chula Relationship & Game Plan9:46 - Zurdo’s Message to Benavidez & the Boxing World10:10 - Ad Break11:28 - Ward & RJJ Debate: Will Benavidez Carry His Weight at Cruiser?13:36 - The Riddle Nobody Has Solved: Benavidez’s Unbeaten Blueprint14:06 - RJJ’s Untold Story: Why He Refused to Spar Reggie Johnson in 199117:35 - Ward: Why He Kept His Distance from Fighters He Might Face22:12 - Ward’s Full Breakdown of Benavidez vs. Zurdo25:22 - Shoutout: Ayahna Gonzales & Combat U at Sacramento State27:00 - OutroSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Xander Zayas: Super Bowl with Bad Bunny, Boots Ennis Showdown & Untold Stories
Unified 154-pound champion Xander Zayas sits down with Ak & Barak on RING CHAMPS for his most personal interview yet. The 23-year-old Puerto Rican star opens up about being bullied as a kid, his mom putting him in boxing to defend himself, getting beat up by a girl in the gym, and the moment everything clicked. Xander reveals the real story behind his stepdad becoming his father figure and how a single conversation about work ethic changed the trajectory of his career from natural talent to #1 in the nation.On the fight side, Xander breaks down his upcoming mega fight against Jaron “Boots” Ennis on June 27th at Barclays Center, revealing what worries him about Boots and why he believes Ennis has never truly been made uncomfortable. He exposes the real details behind the failed Vergil Ortiz negotiations, fires back at Shawn Porter’s “easy work” sparring claims, shares his thoughts on Devin Haney at 154, and gives his Benavidez vs Ramirez prediction. Plus: the full inside story of performing in the Super Bowl halftime show with Bad Bunny, Ricky Martin making him emotional, meeting Lady Gaga, and a tease about a potential Bad Bunny walkout on fight night.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Mike Bibby, Andre Ward & Urijah Faber Reveal What Sacramento State Is Really Building | COMBAT U
Andre Ward, Matt Barnes, and Urijah Faber hit Sacramento State for the first-ever Combat U panel, joined by university president Dr. Luke Wood, head basketball coach Mike Bibby, rising star Ayahna Gonzales, and more. This isn’t your typical fight podcast. This is a live event inside the only collegiate combat sports program in the country, where Hall of Famers across boxing, MMA, and basketball are building something nobody’s ever seen before.Andre breaks down what it means to be the GM of a college boxing team. Urijah lays out his full vision for creating a legitimate pathway from college to the UFC. Dr. Luke Wood shares his unbelievable journey from being born in prison and living in his car at Sac State to becoming its president. Mike Bibby talks about convincing Shaq to be the basketball GM in five seconds flat, coaching with his son, and what it’s really like rebuilding a program from scratch with 15 new players. And Ayahna Gonzales, Sac State’s first female boxing All-American, talks about her path from gymnastics to the ring and why she wants to be a doctor, not a pro boxer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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The VIRAL Roy Jones Corner Moment Explained, Boots vs Zayas & Tyson Fury Returns
The VIRAL Roy Jones Corner Moment Explained, Boots vs Zayas & Tyson Fury ReturnsFury’s Comeback, Benn & Prograis’ ‘Crossroads Fight’ and The Corner Moment That Broke BoxingBoots vs Zayas Is OFFICIAL, Fury Returns + Inside Roy Jones & Kevin Newman’s Viral Corner MomentAndre Ward & Roy Jones Jr. are back with another HALL OF GAME, and this one gets personal. The Hall of Famers sit down with Roy’s fighter, Kevin Newman II, to break down the viral corner moment that took over social media during Newman’s fight against Elijah Garcia on the Fundora-Thurman undercard. Roy reveals what was going through his mind, why he went to that level, and the alter ego he calls “RJ” that he doesn’t like coming out. Kevin shares his perspective, his late father’s last text about Roy, and why this fight was bigger than boxing.Beyond the viral moment, the crew dives into the biggest fights on the boxing calendar. Tyson Fury is making yet another comeback against Arslanbek Makhmudov on April 11th at Tottenham Stadium. They debate the Conor Benn vs Regis Prograis crossroads fight and why it matters for both legacies. Plus, the BIG announcement: Jaron “Boots” Ennis vs Xander Zayas, June 27th at Barclays Center.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Matt Barnes: The Racist Hit on His Life, Kobe’s Last Promise & the Road Back to God
Andre Ward sits down with ALL THE SMOKE co-founder, Matt Barnes, for one of the most raw, unfiltered conversations in THE ART OF WARD history. Matt opens up about growing up biracial in Sacramento, fighting for respect on both sides, and the terrifying moment a racist incident at his high school turned into a hit on his life -- complete with NAACP intervention, 24-hour security, and a phone call from his own cousin in prison.Matt goes deep on his NBA career: getting cut and grinding through the D-League, finally getting a chance under Don Nelson, the vindication game where he lit up Mo Cheeks for 25 points and 7 threes while talking trash the whole time, the Warriors’ famous “We Believe” playoff run against the Mavs, and the moment Nelly looked him in the eye and said “your time is up.”But the core of this episode is the relationship with the late Kobe Bryant. Matt shares stories nobody has heard before. What their friendship was really like, the 4:30am workouts, Kobe’s belief that his next 20 years would be even bigger than his playing career, and a chance encounter in a grocery store with the man who was guiding Kobe’s helicopter the day he died.Plus: losing his mom to stage-4 cancer that her healthcare provider failed to catch six times, finding God, the Derek Fisher story and how it actually ended, and when he knew to walk away from the NBA and enter media.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Fundora vs Thurman: The Psychology, The Power & Why BOTH Say It Won't Go The Distance
Sebastian Fundora and Keith Thurman join Andre Ward and Roy Jones Jr. on HALL OF GAME just days before their blockbuster WBC super welterweight championship fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena Saturday, March 28th on PBC PPV on Prime Video. I n this exclusive pre-fight episode, Thurman opens up about his emotional response to the original fight cancellation, reveals his tactical game plan for closing the 9-inch height gap against The Towering Inferno, and delivers one of the most psychologically intense breakdowns we've ever heard on the show. Meanwhile, WBC champion Sebastian Fundora explains why he's actually more dangerous on the inside than the outside, reflects on bouncing back from his only career KO loss, and confidently predicts this fight will NOT go to the scorecards. Andre Ward and Roy Jones Jr. deliver their expert analysis, including Roy's unforgettable "two ways in the house" breakdown of how Thurman can win this fight. Both hosts agree: this is going to be a war.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Katie Taylor: The Olympic Gold That Stopped Ireland, A Hall of Fame Career & The Serrano Trilogy
Katie Taylor sits down with Andre Ward for an unforgettable conversation that spans her entire legendary career. From growing up in a rough area of Bray, Ireland during a heroin epidemic, to disguising herself as a boy just to compete because women’s boxing wasn’t sanctioned, Taylor’s origin story is unlike anything in sports.The two-time undisputed champion takes us through her impossible dream of winning Olympic gold before women’s boxing was even in the Games, the heartbreak of losing in Rio after stepping away from her father as coach, and how a cold call to her eventual coach in Connecticut and a message to Eddie Hearn launched one of the greatest professional careers in boxing history. Katie opens up about headlining Madison Square Garden, the electric Serrano trilogy (including the 74-million-viewer Netflix sequel), responding to “dirty fighter” accusations, and why she chose to make the third fight “boring” on purpose.Ward and Taylor also go deep on balancing intensity with family life, the role of faith in the fight game, walking away on your own terms, and what legacy really means when the gloves come off for good. This is a must-watch for any boxing fan. 0:00 - Intro & Ring Magazine Awards2:57 - Growing Up in Bray, Ireland & Falling in Love with Boxing9:02 - Disguising as a Boy & The Impossible Olympic Dream12:48 - Discipline, Sacrifice & Dominating the Amateur Scene16:39 - Can Katie Taylor Turn Off the Intensity?19:35 - Humility, Work Ethic & Staying Grounded21:52 - 2012 Olympic Gold: The Day Ireland Stood Still25:38 - Rio 2016 Heartbreak & Stepping Away from Dad29:40 - Cold Calling Her Way to the Pros & Eddie Hearn34:45 - Becoming Undisputed & The Sanction Fee Pain37:17 - Taylor vs Serrano I: The Instant Classic at MSG47:15 - First Pro Loss, Torn Calf & The Comeback49:08 - Serrano II on Netflix: 74 Million Viewers & Mike Tyson57:53 - “Dirty Fighter” Accusations & 2-Min vs 3-Min Rounds1:05:01 - Serrano III: The Art of Adjustment1:08:31 - Retirement, Legacy & Walking Away on Top1:12:33 - Faith & IdentitySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Simms Tells Barboza ‘You’re NOT a Big Name, Bro’ & Reveals His Plan to End It March 14th
Andre Ward welcomes welterweight contenders Arnold Barboza and Kenneth Simms, Jr. to the Hall of Game ahead of their March 14th main event at the Honda Center in Anaheim. Both fighters are coming off losses and looking to make a major statement in what’s shaping up to be a true crossroads fight at 147 pounds.Kenneth Simms, Jr. opens up about his razor-thin loss to Oscar Duarte, reveals the DM exchange where he told Barboza “You’re NOT a big name, bro,” and breaks down his game plan to take the fight to the trenches. He also shares the moment Tim Bradley told him he didn’t think he could beat Elvis Rodriguez, a slight that still fuels him today. Arnold Barboza gets real about being mentally and physically broken after fighting Teofimo Lopez following three back-to-back camps over nine months in Big Bear, and explains why he finally said yes to the Sims fight after years of passing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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The Untold Story About Gerald McClellan: "It Just Seemed Like Nobody Cared"
Mr. Lueshing denies certain statements made in this podcast, which have been removed as a courtesy. In one of the most powerful and revealing episodes of THE ART OF WARD, Andre Ward sits down with Lisa McClellan, the sister and primary caretaker of former two-time WBC Middleweight Champion Gerald "G-Man" McClellan. Lisa drops bombshell after bombshell, from the missing mouthpiece before the infamous Nigel Benn fight to Don King holding a champagne celebration in the hospital lobby during Gerald's emergency brain surgery. This is a story every boxing fan needs to hear. For more information on how you can help, check out the Ring of Brotherhood Foundation: https://ringofbrotherhoodfoundation.org/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Mayweather–Pacquiao 2 Is Official, Claressa Wins Big & Shakur Joins To Talk Ryan Garcia Fight
Andre Ward breaks down a massive fight weekend, including the news of Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao 2 at The Sphere on Netflix and what it means when legends return for sanctioned fights. He recaps Ryan Garcia vs. Mario Barrios, why Ryan looked the most complete he’s ever been, and what the win changes moving forward.Plus, Shakur Stevenson joins the show to react to Ryan’s performance and the weight-class reality, before Andre closes with Claressa Shields vs. Franchon Crews-Dezurn 2 in Detroit and the post-fight moment that mattered most.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Bill Haney: Floyd Not Calling Back, The 10-Man Hit List, Federal Prison & The One That Got Away
Andre Ward sits down with one of boxing’s most polarizing figures — Bill Haney. From the streets of East Oakland to federal prison at 22 to building Devin Haney into one of the best fighters in the world, Bill holds nothing back. He reveals the day Devin sparred Floyd at 16, drops the full 10-man hit list, takes responsibility for the Ryan Garcia PED situation, and opens up about being the only one who got away from Oakland.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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The Truth Behind WBC Stripping Shakur: His Lawyer Josh Dubin Tells All
Shakur Stevenson's attorney and co-manager Josh Dubin joins Andre Ward and Roy Jones Jr. to tell the full, unfiltered story behind the WBC stripping Shakur of his 135-pound title just days after becoming a four-division world champion. The conversation covers the $120,000 sanction fee demand, the bizarre mention of Terence Crawford during negotiations, the 15-day rule the WBC ignored, and why the sanctioning body system needs a complete overhaul. Dre, Roy and Josh also make the case for a fighters union and deliver a powerful message to every young fighter: "You don't get what's fair. You get what you negotiate."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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ATSF_HoG_AudShakur Stevenson Shines, Keyshawn Davis Returns, & Jarrell Miller Goes Viral | RING VI RECAPio
Andre Ward & Roy Jones Jr. got you covered after an exciting weekend of boxing. Madison Square Garden delivered Saturday night on a electric night. Shakur Stevenson controlled Teofimo Lopez with distance and dominance, while Keyshawn Davis returned from a layoff to stop Jermaine Ortiz in emphatic fashion. Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington thrilled his hometown with a knockout, and Jarrell Miller went viral after his hairpiece flew off mid-fight. This recap covers every storyline from Ring VI and more!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Why Xander Zayas Is Fighting His Former Sparring Partner & Bruce Carrington’s MSG Dream
Two of boxing’s brightest young stars join Andre Ward & Roy Jones Jr. on this edition of THE HALL OF GAME to discuss the biggest fights of their careers. WBO junior middleweight champion Xander Zayas breaks down his upcoming unification bout against former sparring partner Abass Baraou in San Juan, Puerto Rico, revealing the insider dynamics of fighting someone you trained with and what it means to carry Puerto Rico’s boxing legacy. WBC interim featherweight champion, Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington, opens up about his Madison Square Garden homecoming fight, the weight of being the eighth world champion from Brownsville, Brooklyn, and the emotional near-quit moment in 2018 that almost ended his career.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Why The First Kovalev Fight Changed Everything: Andre Ward’s Never Before Told Stories
Andre Ward opens up in this special bonus edition of WARD ROOM like never before about the lead-up, drama, and everything surrounding his first fight with Sergey Kovalev. From lawsuits and missed fights with Gennady Golovkin, to HBO’s pressure, to the shocking reality of having his knee drained just two hours before walking into the ring, this is a special you don’t want to miss. Ward breaks down the knockdown, the headlines calling Kovalev a “monster,” the behind-the-scenes tension with his team, and how he found the strength to push through adversity and win one of the most defining fights of his career.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Keyshawn Davis Reveals He Was Drinking Every Day Last Camp + Jamaine Ortiz: “He Didn’t Pick Me”
Andre Ward & Roy Jones Jr. sit down with Keyshawn Davis and Jamaine Ortiz ahead of their clash on the Lopez vs. Stevenson undercard on January 31st in Madison Square Garden. Keyshawn Davis admits he was drinking daily during his last camp, a revelation that explains his struggles on the scale. Now he’s promising a different mindset as he looks ahead. Meanwhile, Jamaine Ortiz makes it clear he wasn’t chosen — he earned this shot. The tension between accountability and rivalry sets the stage for fireworks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Was Jake vs. Joshua Real? AJ’s Devastating Loss & Shakur’s WARNING to Teofimo Lopez
The legends return! Andre Ward and Roy Jones Jr. are back with a brand new HALL OF GAME. Dre & Roy recap Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua and the aftermath of the stoppage heard around the world. Plus, Shakur Stevenson joins the show to talk about his highly anticipated matchup with Teofimo Lopez at Madison Square Garden, and Dre & Roy breakdown what they saw in the thrilling NFL regular season finale between the Ravens and Steelers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Hall of Game Year-End Special: Jake Paul v Joshua Breakdown & Shedeur Sanders’ Hall of Fame Response
In the final episode of 2025, Andre Ward and Roy Jones Jr. hand out their end-of-year awards, GO OFF on the Shedeur Sanders draft controversy, and make their Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua predictions ahead of Friday’s fight on Netflix. Plus: Roy reveals why he’s treated “like Michael Jackson” overseas, Crawford comes up big in the Hall of Game Year-End Awards, and Ward shares a proud moment about his son completing Navy boot camp.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Tim Bradley Challenges Jake Paul to TWO FOR ONE Fight, Reveals Crawford Sparring Story
In this episode of The Art of Ward, Andre Ward sits down with Hall of Famer Tim Bradley live at the House of Boxing in San Diego. Bradley calls out Jake Paul AND his trainer J’Leon Love to a “two for one” fight in the same night—and reveals why he’s training at 5:30 AM to back it up. The two-division, five-time world champion also shares the untold story of discovering Terence Crawford’s greatness during a sparring session, the truths behind his trilogy with the legendary Manny Pacquiao, plus his incredible journey from being expelled in second grade to the Hall of Fame.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Andre Ward’s PBC Verdict: Cruz vs Roach QUESTIONABLE DRAW & Fulton’s Tough Night
Andre Ward’s PBC Verdict: Cruz vs Roach QUESTIONABLE DRAW & Fulton’s Tough NightSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Lamont Roach: Tank’s Knee Cost Me The Win, Pitbull Cruz Game Plan & Unfinished Business At 135
Andre Ward and Andre Berto sit down with Lamont Roach ahead of his December 6th WBC interim title fight against Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz in San Antonio. Roach breaks down the controversial Tank Davis fight where a voluntary knee wasn’t called a knockdown, explains why the rematch never happened, and reveals his complete game plan to dominate Cruz at 140 pounds. From Shakur Stevenson negotiations falling through to calling out Gary A. Russell and his DMV rivals, plus going viral on Twitch during training camp – Roach holds nothing back in this Hall of Game episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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RING IV Recap: Devin Haney PROVED Everyone Wrong + Andre Ward Reveals The Truth Behind Kovalev I
Olympic gold medalists Andre Ward and Andre Berto break down the massive Saudi Arabia fight card, including Abdullah Mason’s war with Sam Noakes and Devin Haney’s statement win over Brian Norman Jr. Ward reveals the untold story of his Kovalev knockdown, the training camp injuries no one knew about, and why he won the rematch before it even started. Plus, heartfelt tribute to 2004 Olympian Vanes Martirosyan and a fiery discussion on boxing’s judging crisis. Raw, unfiltered fighter perspective from two champions who lived it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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RING IV: Boxing’s Most Stacked Lineup of the Year + Mayweather–Pacquiao II On The Way?
RING IV brings fireworks with Devin Haney and Abdullah Mason both lacing up for action on the year’s most stacked card. Haney & Mason sit down with Andre Ward & Roy Jones to discuss their upcoming bouts, and what to expect in the future. Also, could Mayweather vs. Pacquiao II actually happen? Dre & Roy give their take on the possibility of a sequel to the biggest fight of all time, and if it’s really worth it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Ortiz's Statement Win, Boots Buzz Builds & Roy’s Hopping in the Gym with Errol Spence?!
Andre Ward and Roy Jones Jr. go deep on Vergil Ortiz’s win, Lubin’s future, and if we'll finally get Ortiz vs. Boots. Roy’s headed to Dallas to work with Errol Spence, and Dre reflects on what it means to see Spence back around the fight game. An honest, unfiltered Hall of Game episode that doesn’t shy away from the hard truths.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Danny Garcia Reflects on His Boxing Journey with Andre Ward & Roy Jones Jr. | EXCLUSIVE
In this exclusive conversation, Danny Garcia opens up to Andre Ward and Roy Jones Jr. about the highs, the lows, the doubts, and the question every fighter eventually faces: is it time to walk away? A raw, honest look at legacy, identity, and the fight beyond the ring. 0:00 - Intro: Danny Garcia Joins the Show0:47 - Danny’s Farewell Fight?4:33 - Father-Son Dynamics in Boxing: Danny & Angel7:25 - Lara Fight Fallout: Danny’s Honest Reflection9:23 - Angel Garcia’s Advice: Health Over Everything12:12 - Ad Break13:27 - Mental Health Matters: Danny Opens Up21:12 - Danny the Businessman: Real Estate & Wealth Wisdom25:28 - Staying Out of Headlines: Danny’s Positivity Code26:45 - What’s Next for Danny Garcia? Family First30:16 - Fight Preview: Vergil Ortiz vs. Erickson Lubin33:05 - Dre on Lubin’s Journey & Amateur vs. Pro Reality38:49 - Boots Ennis: Where to Next?45:35 - Boots Chasing Belts at 154: Dre Wants Proof47:15 - WrapSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Andre Ward & Roy Jones Jr. Bring out Stephen Fulton: Going up in Weight & Training Camp Stories
Stephen Fulton opens up about moving up in weight, his mindset after his first loss, and why O’Shaquie Foster is the belt he’s chasing next. 🥊 Dre and Roy break down the media machine, the Eagles noise, and classic Roy stories from the road. From Philly mentality to fashion in the ring to the “dad bod” jokes before fight night — this episode covers it all.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Mark Kriegel & Andre Ward get HEATED over Terence Crawford & Mike Tyson’s Secret Ability
Mark Kriegel and Andre Ward clash over the media’s treatment of Terence Crawford and what everyone got wrong. Kriegel also reveals the overlooked skill that made Mike Tyson more dangerous than people realized. 00:00:00 - Intro00:01:55 - Mark Kreigel growing up in New York City00:10:07 - New York City Rituals00:11:20 - Mike Tyson & New York Boxers00:23:34 - How Mike Tyson controlled the Audience00:26:49 - Mike Tyson’s “Eat Your Children” Speech00:27:46 - Mark on the impact of his Father00:40:43 - Mark’s fascination with Father Son relationships00:45:16 - The toughest fighters... are mama’s boys00:47:44 - Comparisons to Ray Mancini00:55:55 - Mark Kreigel hates writing...01:02:10 - How do writers respect those they write about01:09:04 - Dre’s problem with Journalists01:13:30 - Everyone who was wrong about Crawford01:27:14 - 01:35:18 - OutroSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Terence Crawford EXCLUSIVE: Upsetting Canelo, The Round I Knew I Won & What’s Next
Terence “Bud” Crawford breaks down shocking the world against Canelo, the plan behind it, and the smile that said it all. He takes us inside the ring-walk, the Turki negotiations, and why the blueprint to beat Canelo was always there. He also opens up about faith, recovery at 37, and the exact round he took control.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Andre Ward & Roy Jones Jr. Breakdown Jake vs Tank, Exhibition Fight Worries & Sanctioning Bodies
Andre Ward and Roy Jones Jr. break down Jake Paul vs Gervonta “Tank” Davis, weighing power, experience and what really decides this matchup. They go deep on the good, the bad and the business of boxing exhibitions, with first‑hand stories from Roy’s Tyson exhibition and Dre’s perspective on what matters to fans. The legends also unpack how sanctioning bodies shape the sport, purses and legacy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Andre Ward & Roy Jones Jr. Breakdown the Canelo vs Crawford Fight
Boxing Hall of Famers Andre Ward and Roy Jones Jr. break down the epic showdown between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford, where Crawford shocked the boxing world with a masterclass performance to become undisputed at super middleweight. They dissect the turning points, tactical brilliance, and what this win means for Crawford’s legacy. Plus, the two legends pay a heartfelt tribute to the late Ricky Hatton, honoring his grit and unforgettable impact on the sport.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Andre Ward & Roy Jones Jr. Preview Canelo Vs. Crawford SUPERFIGHT
On this special edition of Art of Ward Andre Ward and Roy Jones Jr. give their take on the dream showdown between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford. They break down styles, strengths, and what each fighter needs to do to win. Two Hall of Famers share insight on one of boxing’s most anticipated fantasy matchups.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Andre Berto: Olympic Trials Controversy, Floyd Mayweather Fight Breakdown & Sparring Andre Ward
Andre Berto opens up about his Olympic Trials controversy, from the disqualification against Juan McPherson to joining Haiti’s Olympic team. He breaks down what it was like to finally step in the ring with Floyd Mayweather and the strategy Floyd uses to win rounds. Berto also reflects on sparring a young Andre Ward, chasing his father’s approval, and the lessons learned along the way.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Stephen A. Smith: Laid Off, Rehired & Now Running The Show, Canelo vs. Crawford & His #1 Interview
Stephen A. Smith gets candid about the ups and downs of his career – from being laid off by ESPN to coming back stronger than ever and running the show. He breaks down why he’s picking Crawford over Canelo and shares the story behind the best interview of his life. Packed with raw insight and untold stories, this one shows a side of Stephen A. you’ve never seen.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Manny Pacquiao’s Comeback: From $1 Fights to Challenging Floyd Mayweather… The Whole Story
Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao sits down with Andre Ward to discuss his incredible journey from poverty in the Philippines to becoming one of the greatest fighters of all time. The PacMan opens up about his toughest opponents, career-defining moments, and the mental game that separated him from every other fighter in his era. In this exclusive Art of Ward interview, Pacquiao reveals untold stories about his legendary fights, his relationship with Floyd Mayweather, and what it means to be inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame. Get an inside look at the mindset and determination that made him the only eight-division world champion in boxing history.From his early days struggling to make ends meet to becoming a global icon, Manny Pacquiao shares the raw truth about his boxing legacy and the sacrifices that came with greatness.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Ward & Roy Debate: Floyd Can't Beat Sugar Ray, Dream Matchups & Controversial Takes
Andre Ward and Roy Jones Jr. go head-to-head on the ultimate boxing what-ifs... Starting with why Floyd Mayweather wouldn’t beat Sugar Ray Leonard. They break down dream matchups across generations and don’t hold back on their hottest takes. A must-watch debate between two legends who’ve seen it all.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Keyshawn Davis Reveals Truth On Teofimo Lopez Beef, Failed Drug Test & Olympic Heartbreak
Undefeated lightweight champion Keyshawn Davis sits down with Andre Ward for an incredibly raw and honest conversation about his journey to the top of boxing. Davis opens up about his mental health struggles, including a breakdown that led to self-harm, his failed drug test for marijuana, and the pressures of growing up in Norfolk, Virginia in the shadow of boxing legend Pernell Whitaker. The conversation covers everything from his early sparring sessions with Shakur Stevenson to his losses to Andy Cruz in the amateurs, his signing with Top Rank, and what he's learned training alongside Terence Crawford.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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15
Bernard Hopkins: I Threw the Puerto Rican Flag… Then All Hell Broke Loose
Bernard Hopkins recounts the infamous moment he threw down the Puerto Rican flag and the chaos that followed. He breaks down the mindset behind it, the reaction from fans, and how it shaped the lead-up to his fight with Felix Trinidad. A wild chapter from one of boxing’s most controversial legends.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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J Prince: Discovering Floyd Mayweather, Taking Dre from Trap House to Gold Medal & Dodging Hitmen?!
J Prince opens up about his life journey—from discovering Floyd Mayweather at Tyson’s gym to pulling Andre Ward out of a trap house and guiding him to Olympic gold. He reflects on losing his sister at a young age, the pain that fueled his ambition, and how faith and business savvy helped him escape generational poverty. This episode is packed with powerful moments, including his battles with the federal government and the legacy he built in both music and boxing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
THE ART OF WARD is a series hosted by Boxing Hall of Famer and Chief Content Officer for ALL THE SMOKE FIGHT Andre Ward exploring the fight game from the inside out. THE ART OF WARD series is a tapestry of thoughtful content showcasing Ward’s personal, unmatched perspective shaped by his evolution as a fighter, a man and an influential figure in combat sports.
HOSTED BY
Black Effect x All The Smoke Productions
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