Boxing Off-Topic

[pietasterp]

Quote: Originally Posted by pk500

RIP to the Raging Bull, Jake LaMotta. A turbulent life outside of the ring, but one of the toughest sons of b*tches to ever step between the ropes. Was the first to beat Sugar Ray Robinson, the greatest of all time. 'Nuff said.

To be honest with you, I didn't even realize LaMotta was still alive (!). He really stayed under the radar after his retirement...

[ggsimmonds]

Andre Ward calling it quits.

http://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/i...leaving-boxing

[pietasterp]

Quote: Originally Posted by ggsimmonds

Andre Ward calling it quits. http://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/i...leaving-boxing

Not surprising I suppose. He was out of the game for a long time prior to his mini-comeback, and he probably got used to life without pounding his body on a daily basis.

Great fighter, great career, but as we all know, boxing retirements are temporary until proven otherwise...

[pk500]

Quote: Originally Posted by ggsimmonds

Andre Ward calling it quits. http://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/i...leaving-boxing

Fine fighter who reached his peak in the Super 6. But Ward pissed away his career after winning that tournament due to ducking foes, taking long hiatuses, promotional squabbles, etc.

Ward's retirement does not hurt the business of boxing. Not one bit.

Do you know any Andre Ward fans outside of Oakland? The guy couldn't even sell out Oracle for fights, and he was supposedly the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world. He was a TERRIBLE PPV draw.

Canastota calls for Ward in five years, if he stays retired. But he never was beloved by fans due to his dull style and arrogance out of the ring, so boxing marches on.

So long, SOG: Don't like the ropes hit you in the azz on your way out of the ring.

[gmac0322]

Man the hate is real with pk lol

Sent from my SM-N920V using Operation Sports mobile app

[pk500]

Quote: Originally Posted by gmac0322

Man the hate is real with pk lol Sent from my SM-N920V using Operation Sports mobile app

Much respect for Ward as a fighter, even if his style didn't please crowds. He dominated a stacked field in the Super 6.

But Ward has been a paper champion since 2011, with Kovalev his only real foe of the last six years. He was living off the vapors of being an elite fighter without proving it very often in the ring.

Ward also wanted to be loved so much by fans but did little to court their affection. You can't have it both ways, 'Dre.

He will be a champion forgotten by most within 10 years.

[JayBee74]

Quote: Originally Posted by pk500

Much respect for Ward as a fighter, even if his style didn't please crowds. He dominated a stacked field in the Super 6. But Ward has been a paper champion since 2011, with Kovalev his only real foe of the last six years. He was living off the vapors of being an elite fighter without proving it very often in the ring. Ward also wanted to be loved so much by fans but did little to court their affection. You can't have it both ways, 'Dre. He will be a champion forgotten by most within 10 years.

But even past his best years he managed to move up and in weight and defeat one of the most feared fighters (Kovalez) in the world, although the first bout was questionable. He really impressed me in that second fight because he was tougher than the tough guy.

The handwriting was on the wall. The PPV numbers dipped for Ward-Kovalez II but Andre still walked away with close to $7 million which is his absolute peak. There is nothing but more dangerous opponents (Stevenson, Beterbiev) for less money, so why continue?

[aholbert32]

Quote: Originally Posted by JayBee74

But even past his best years he managed to move up and in weight and defeat one of the most feared fighters (Kovalez) in the world, although the first bout was questionable. He really impressed me in that second fight because he was tougher than the tough guy. The handwriting was on the wall. The PPV numbers dipped for Ward-Kovalez II but Andre still walked away with close to $7 million which is his absolute peak. There is nothing but more dangerous opponents (Stevenson, Beterbiev) for less money, so why continue?

I think he wouldve destroyed Stevenson with ease.