Andre Ward vs. Paul Smith: Due to a promotional issue, court cases, and perhaps a nice helping of stubbornness, Andre Ward (27-0, 14 KO) hasn't fought since late 2013. At that time Ward was ranked by Big Time Boxing as the number two pound for pound fighter in the world, however, Ward was dropped from the rankings altogether after being out of the ring for more than a year not related to an injury. Ward never had the biggest fan base and certainly some fans he did have have jumped ship due to his frustrating inactivity. Finally after a brutally long wait Ward returns this Saturday on BET under new promoter Roc Nation Sports. Ward will be taking on Paul Smith (35-5, 20 KO) in a 10-round bout in the light heavyweight division. The reason Ward is fighting higher than his usual super middleweight division has to be because of his long layoff, although this fight will be at a catchweight of 172 pounds. Clearly Ward doesn't think Smith will provide too much danger for him or else he wouldn't have chosen him as his return opponent. Smith has had some big name fights against the likes of Arthur Abraham, George Groves, and James DeGale but he has lost all of those fights. Ward is a highly intelligent boxer who seems to do everything well. He flashes a good jab out of the orthodox stance and he also has a solid left hook. While Ward doesn't have one-punch knockout power he can hurt opponents over time. Ward also has a good right hand and his hands are fast which allows him to control fights. The biggest problem for Ward is that he makes winning look too easy at times. Smith is also an orthodox fighter and shows a nice jab from the outside. Smith also has a pretty good straight right hand, although he doesn't have much power on any of his punches. Unfortunately Smith doesn't have much else on offense even though he will flash a decent left hook to the body. Also, the chin of Smith isn't great and he has been knocked out two times in his five losses. Ward may be rusty in this fight but he has taken long breaks from the ring before and come back looking as sharp as ever. Even if Ward does show a little rust it won't be enough to allow Smith to beat him. Ward may not look like the number two pound for pound fighter right away but he will dominate this fight on his way to a unanimous decision victory.
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