Being out of the ring since November 2013, WBA super middleweight champion Andre Ward is now on the hunt for an opponent as he has a date penciled in for his return on June 20. One of the names mentioned is Britain’s Paul Smith. Smith currently comes off two losses to Arthur Abraham.
Ward will be fighting at the Oracle Arena in his hometown of Oakland on June 20 and Eddie Hearn, Smith’s promoter, and Ward’s trainer Virgil Hunter both are confident a deal will materialize.
“Smith is who we want and I’m told it’s a done deal. But it won’t be for Andre’s belt even though it will be over the 12-round championship distance.” Hunter told Daily Mail.
Eddie Hearn also stated that talks are on going between Roc Nation and Matchroom Boxing for a deal to come into fruition.
“They’ve enquired about Paul Smith to fight Andre Ward, talks are on going and I think he’s got a chance “He had two good performances against Abraham in front of a big audience and Ward, regardless of what he’s said, he wants a comeback fight. He’s been out for nearly two years. If that’s his option – great for Paul Smith,” Hearn told Boxing News Online.
While it may be a surprise fight in many eyes, there is no doubt that the WBA super middleweight champion will be carrying an element of ring rust and would need to dust off any cobwebs before taking on a higher ranked opponent.
Former British super middleweight champion Paul Smith comes off two defeats to reigning WBO super middleweight champion Arthur Abraham. While providing a valiant effort in the first fight, providing heart and desire to trouble Abraham at times, Smith was comfortably beaten when the pair faced in each for the second time in February.
– Oun Abbas Hussain / @ouney86
– UK Correspondent for Behind the Gloves.
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