The Art Of Ward

Marshawn Lynch: The Contract Talk That Almost Got Physical, Retiring & “7 Car Crashes” a Game

Wed, 30 Sep 2026 14:54:00 -0000

Marshawn Lynch pulls up on Andre Ward for a sit-down between two guys from the same soil. North Oakland, Oakland Tech, and a whole lot of people who knew them before anyone else did. Marshawn gets into how he kept his family together through the fame when so many athletes lose theirs, the Seahawks contract talk in a locker room that got so heated he nearly put hands on his GM, and the lesson it taught him about leverage that he still uses on every deal.
Then it’s Beast Mode. The coaches who told a kid at Oakland Tech he was training for the league, the shoulder-pad sensors that clocked a single game at seven total car crashes, why he still can’t tell you what he was thinking on the Beast Quake run, and the 31 straight days of Seattle rain that welcomed him to the city that became home. He talks about Mama Lynch and the village that raised him, the day his mom refused to put him on medication, and walking away from football at Super Bowl 50 without telling his agent.
And he opens up about his father like he never has: the driving lesson his dad never showed up for, seven years without seeing him, and the call that came the day he was supposed to fly home and visit. Weeks before that call, Dre had met his father in person. They close on what every athlete needs to take care of on the way out, and on lifting up Chris Johnson following his diagnosis.

0:00 Intro
1:15 Staying Grounded and Keeping Family Close Through Fame
7:44 Never Buying Into the Fame
10:44 The First Contract Blowup and Stacking Leverage
17:25 Negotiating Under Pressure (Lessons From the Fight Game)
21:16 How a $10K Shoot Turns Into $25K
25:17 Giving Back and Turning Resources Into Income
27:41 The Media Narrative and Proving Them Wrong
30:12 Ad Break
32:32 Oakland Tech and Where “Beast Mode” Came From
38:02 The Running Back Mindset: Getting Through All 11
40:32 Seven Car Crashes a Game
42:42 The Stiff Arm, the Geometry, and the Beast Quake
48:44 Winning Over the 12s and Seattle
55:34 Mama Lynch and the Village
1:01:43 Growing Up Without His Dad
1:08:37 Seeing His Father Again
1:11:55 The Call, the Six-Hour Walk, and No Resentment
1:18:41 The Memories He Does Have
1:26:42 Why the Community Needs Fathers and Mentors
1:31:42 When Family Can’t Grow With You
1:43:31 Retiring at Super Bowl 50 and Life After Football
1:51:42 Body, Mind, and Money
1:57:57 Chris Johnson and the Message to Young Athletes
2:05:16 Getting Proactive About Your Health

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Joe Tessitore: Collapsing at MSG Before Crawford-Khan, Ripping Out His Own IV & Why Bud Waited

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 21:27:23 -0000

Joe Tessitore sits down with Andre Ward, his broadcast partner of thousands of hours and, as Dre puts it, a mentor and a brother.

The career is all here. Local news in Hartford, the ESPN call in late 2001 that put him next to Teddy Atlas on Friday Night Fights, the Emanuel Augustus fights he still calls flashes of genius, and why he never negotiates his own deals. He talks about getting pulled off Monday Night Football in the New York Post and not attaching emotion to a corporation, what actually separates a professional from a talent, and the Mike McQuade introduction that made a whole production room sit up straight.

And then April 20, 2019. Madison Square Garden, Crawford vs. Khan, and Tessitore collapsing on air from the top of the building. The EKG, the ambulance, the son riding with him, and the moment he told the doctor to take the IV out, handed his kid a wad of cash for an Uber, and walked back into the Garden sweating through his shirt with the hospital band still on to call Bud Crawford’s fight. Ninety minutes after the main event, one person was still waiting outside the green room to make sure he was okay. It was the champion.

00:00 – Intro: Meeting a broadcasting legend
04:38 – Origin story: his mother’s journey from Italy
11:08 – Young Joe: quiet childhood, his sister’s death
11:56 – His father and alcoholism
15:01 – Forgiveness and looking forward, not back
18:11 – Big Italian family, horse racing, cards
20:30 – “I loathe mediocrity”
21:42 – Chasing “magis” — the pursuit of more
26:28 – Saint Joseph and fatherhood as identity
29:52 – The football injury that changed everything
32:25 – Discovering “the voice”
35:19 – Survivor’s guilt and his sister’s death
39:37 – Business degree over communications
44:16 – Getting removed from Monday Night Football
45:57 – The 2002 ESPN call and boxing roots
51:13 – Uncle Mike the baker: talent vs. opportunity
1:04:45 – Crawford vs. Khan: the medical episode begins
1:09:25 – Hospital, IV, and walking out of the ER
1:14:28 – Calling his son John’s fake field goal
1:26:38 – Stripped down: “Who is Joe Tessitore?”

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chad Dawson: Andre Ward’s Apology, The Leaked Sparring Knockdown & Weigh-In Mind Games

Tue, 18 Aug 2026 20:04:35 -0000

Fourteen years after the fight that changed both their lives, Andre Ward sits down with “Bad” Chad Dawson and gets some things off his chest. Ward opens up about why he never wanted the fight, the apology he’s carried ever since, and what he knew about Dawson’s camp that he saved for the weigh-in. Dawson holds nothing back either: getting dropped in sparring two weeks out, who leaked it, why he’s “110% sure” Bernard Hopkins faked the shoulder injury, the Adonis Stevenson knockout, and the same referee who stopped both of his worst nights.

From gloves on his hands as a baby to signing his first pro contract in the gym without anyone reading it, the three-time world champion walks through a career built on fighting anyone, anywhere, and the price he paid for it: three years in Vegas after the losses and the long road back home. Plus a first-time reveal about why he really chased Antonio Tarver, his pick in the Keyshawn Davis vs Devin Haney debate, and sparring Jake Paul.

00:00 - Welcome & Reconnecting with Chad Dawson
03:23 - Andre Ward’s Reflection & Weight Class Regrets
05:49 - Adonis Stevenson Camp & Weigh-In Scuffle
08:13 - Press Conference Energy & Sparring Southpaws
11:45 - Growing Up in a Boxing Family & Turning Pro
18:15 - Glenn Johnson Reality Check & Style Identity
25:01 - Breaking Out: The 2007 Tomas Adamek Title Win
30:23 - Moving Camps to Vegas & Team Friction
36:38 - Vacating Titles & Fighting Antonio Tarver
41:16 - Chasing Big Names & Boxing Business Mistakes
48:41 - Breakdown: Modern Fighters & Style Matchups
51:44 - Facing Jean Pascal in Canada & Controversial Stoppage
55:16 - Bernard Hopkins Drama: Ring Toss & Mind Games
1:02:15 - The Aftermath of the B-Hop Fights
1:08:40 - Weight Cut Nightmares
1:14:20 - Reflection on Career Accomplishments & Hall of Fame Debates
1:18:05 - Current State of the Light Heavyweight Division
1:23:50 - Passing the Torch & Final Message to the Fans

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Zab Judah: The Mayweather Knockdown They Never Called, Roger in the Ring & $350K in Fines

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 23:28:04 -0000

We’re BACK for PART 2 of THE ART OF WARD featuring Zab Judah. Zab kicks off by telling Andre Ward what the Cory Spinks fight week actually looked like: checking into the hotel under an alias and getting a death threat on the room phone anyway, armed security rotating outside his door through the night, and sending his conditioning coach out in street clothes to order the team’s food because he was certain somebody would try to poison it.

Then the run that defined the rest of his career. He lost the undisputed title to Carlos Baldomir, and Don King had him re-signing his contract that same night, because the IBF belt was the only thing left that could get him Floyd Mayweather. Zab makes his full case on that fight: the glove that touched the canvas and was never called a knockdown, the first five rounds, Roger Mayweather coming into the ring in the tenth and his own father walking in right behind him, the $8 million purse and the $350,000 he handed straight back in fines, and why the year they suspended him afterward hurt more than the loss.

Plus Miguel Cotto’s low blows on Puerto Rican Day weekend at the Garden, the Lucas Matthysse camp he built off a tape of Matthysse’s third professional fight, the three million dollars he refused to hand an investor, the accountants who ran through what was left, and the walk he took by himself to a Brooklyn hospital thirty days after his final fight that ended in emergency brain surgery.

0:00 – Intro: Fight week lockdown before Corey Spinks II
7:53 – The knockout & the Harlem Shake celebration
10:21 – Post-fight bond with Corey Spinks
15:57 – The Carlos Baldomir loss & re-signing with Don King
20:15 – Setting up the Floyd Mayweather superfight
23:13 – Fight week tension with Mayweather
27:06 – Breaking down Floyd’s style and the early rounds
30:25 – Controversial scoring & the suspension conspiracy
33:02 – The ring brawl breaks out
37:04 – Body shots, fatigue, and respect for Floyd
40:18 – Nevada fine, one-year suspension, moving forward
41:36 – Miguel Cotto war at MSG & the low blows
45:47 – When boxing became “just a job”
46:27 – Underestimating Lucas Matthysse & the mid-fight adjustment
52:10 – Becoming his own promoter and dealmaker
56:09 – Money problems and hard financial lessons
1:03:30 – Comeback fights and the Cletus Seldin stoppage
1:04:28 – Hospital scare and emergency brain surgery
1:11:10 – Recovery, reflection, and closing thoughts

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Zab Judah: Don King’s $250K Gucci Bag, Meeting Mike Tyson at 8 & The Kostya Tszyu Blow Up

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 22:29:18 -0000

Zab Judah sits down with Andre Ward for a two-part conversation on a career that started at six years old and didn’t end until he was 41. The Brownsville-born six-time world champion takes Dre all the way back to the beginning: a mother and father who met in karate school, a house where you fought your own brothers for food and for who got the bike, the Golden Gloves chain snatched off his neck on the train, and the night his father woke him up in the middle of the night just to put him in front of Mike Tyson.

Part 1 is the climb and the first collapse. Duva pulled him out of the Golden Gloves at sixteen and put him on a plane to spar Pernell Whitaker, who didn’t know who he was for three days. At eighteen he was the co-main event on HBO. At fifteen and zero he took the Micky Ward fight everybody told him to turn down, and ended up in the corner telling his own father he thought his ribs were broken. Then Kostya Tszyu: undefeated, headlining Vegas for the first time, and it was over in two rounds. Zab tells all of it, the stool, the referee, the year they took from him, and why he still says he never got to go out on his shield.

Plus the recruitment that changed his career: Don King walking into Justin’s in New York with a bag of cash in the limo, the plane tickets to Florida that somehow didn’t exist for his two lawyers, the Statue of Liberty in the backyard, and the $250,000 in a Gucci bag and the green convertible Bentley he drove home himself because he wasn’t about to let anybody ship it.

0:00 – Welcome Zab Judah to The Art of Ward
3:26 – Combat Family Roots & Growing Up with 14 Siblings
6:01 – Brooklyn Amateur Days & High School Survival
9:52 – Life in the Brownsville Projects
11:09 – Meeting Mike Tyson at Age 8
13:07 – Tyson’s Highs, Lows, and Wisdom
21:26 – AD BREAK
22:51 – Golden Gloves Champion & NYC vs. Upstate Mentality
26:26 – 1996 Olympic Trials & Linking Up with Floyd Mayweather
29:12 – Turning Pro & Sparring with Pernell Whitaker
33:24 – Tyson Undercards & the Mickey Ward War
36:55 – First Title Win & Living Large as Champ
39:44 – The Kostya Tszyu Fight & Aftermath
44:07 – Throwing the Chair & Dealing with the Fallout
52:39 – Second World Title & First Deal with Don King
55:34 – Signing with Don King in Florida (the Bentley Bonus)
1:07:55 – The Corey Spinks Fights & Becoming Undisputed Champ in St. Louis
1:13:37 – Chaos in the Corner (Part 1 Ends)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dre & Roy Break Down Spence vs Tszyu, Fulton’s Weight Disaster, Berlanga’s Must-Win & Fury-Joshua

Thu, 30 Jul 2026 03:38:00 -0000

Andre Ward & Roy Jones Jr are BACK after a wild weekend of boxing. Errol Spence Jr. came back after three years away, flew to Australia to fight Tim Tszyu in his own backyard, went the distance, and then walked away from the sport for good. The internet decided he looked shot. Dre and Roy see it completely differently, and Roy has a message for everybody with an opinion: if you never told him when to start, you don’t get to tell him when to stop.

Plus Stephen Fulton misses weight again and comes home from Australia with no check, Edgar Berlanga climbs off the canvas to save his night at the Garden, and Roy tells young fighters exactly what happens when you let a promoter put words in your mouth.

00:00 – Intro
00:23 – Weekend Recap: Spence Returns, Charlo & Fulton Fall Out
03:54 – Andre Ward Gets Emotional on Chad Dawson
18:08 – Hackett vs. Derevyanchenko & Berlanga Stops Butler
22:07 – Stephen Fulton’s Weight Problem, Again
29:54 – Errol Spence vs. Tim Tszyu Breakdown
44:14 – AJ, Fury & Errol Spence’s Legacy

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Antonio Tarver: The Roy Jones Knockout, “Any Excuses Tonight?” & The Greatest Story Never Told

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 01:16:57 -0000

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 Famer
0:23 – Induction Weekend & Honoring His Mom and Trainer
2:29 – Growing Up in Orlando with a Single Mom
6:11 – Starting Boxing at 9 at the Boys & Girls Club
7:24 – Leaving Boxing for Other Sports, Moving Out of the Inner City
10:26 – Depression, Cocaine, and Hitting Rock Bottom
11:41 – Watching Roy Jones Jr. “Robbed” at the 1988 Olympics
15:33 – Deciding to Wait for Atlanta 1996
17:50 – ’96 Team Captain: Mentoring Floyd Mayweather & Zab Judah
20:44 – Bronze Medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics
22:46 – Turning Pro with No Promoters Calling
27:53 – First Loss vs. Eric Harding
29:54 – Turning the Tide and Knocking Out Harding with a Broken Jaw
33:05 – The Years-Long Campaign to Fight Roy Jones Jr.
35:12 – The Infamous Post-Fight Press Conference Callout
44:39 – Breaking Down Roy Jones Fight I (2003)
48:45 – The Controversial Decision
49:31 – Fighting for the Rematch
53:18 – Training Camp for the Rematch
55:41 – “You Got Any Excuses Tonight, Roy?”
56:14 – The Knockout Heard Around the World
1:00:45 – Life After the Knockout
1:05:47 – Al Haymon and the Business Side of Boxing
1:07:20 – The Trilogy Fight in Tampa
1:19:15 – The Bernard Hopkins Fight and Feeling Off
1:28:16 – Owning His Lane and His Story
1:30:38 – Final Lessons and Closing Thoughts

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jermall Charlo: The Truth About Turning Down Canelo, Al Haymon’s Handshake Deal & The Comeback at 36

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 13:54:35 -0000

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 Houston
01:44 Body at 36
02:26 Pushing each other with Jermell
03:38 Early years in Houston, family life
04:35 Amateur days, fighting on his dad’s card
06:03 Twin dynamic – growing up as Jermall & Jermell
08:16 From other sports to realizing boxing was “the thing”
09:41 Early trainers & the amateur circuit
11:35 Twin life, differences inside & outside the ring
16:03 Missing the 2008 Olympics – injury & surgery
17:21 Turning pro & staying self-made
18:33 Meeting Al Haymon
23:04 2015 – Winning his first title
26:20 AD BREAK
27:07 Life as a champion & the start of his faith journey
29:55 Divorce, rock bottom & hitting his lowest point
34:44 Full surrender – his testimony
47:44 Julian Williams fight – the real tension
52:03 Life after the win – spending, business side
54:14 Two-year layoff & comeback vs. Benavidez
55:42 Scouting opponents & in-ring adjustments
56:42 The 2023 Canelo opportunity – why he passed it to Jermell
1:00:22 Watching his brother take on Canelo
1:01:23 Motivation for the Benavidez rematch
1:01:55 Identity, legacy & the pressure of “being the lion”
1:05:03 What’s next – real estate, ministry, business
1:06:53 Closing thoughts & outro

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Boots Ennis BROKE Xander Zayas Down, but Roy & Dre Don’t Agree on That “Mental Lapse”

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 23:10:26 -0000

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 Intro
0:46 Setting the scene: Zayas vs. Boots at Barclays Center
1:36 First reactions: fight, atmosphere, stoppage
2:07 Body shots that set up the finish
4:01 Round 1 power and the Round 3 wobble
7:05 Is Boots’ “defensive lapse” overblown?
9:11 Ad break
10:31 Zayas’ round 3 strategy debated
12:57 Boots’ defense, standards, and grading his own performance
18:19 Ward’s “mental letdown” theory
22:07 The “bag of stuff” theory & lack of elite competition
37:08 Setting up the late rounds
38:33 Round 5 knockdown breakdown
39:45 Should the corner have stopped it?
44:18 Round 7 stoppage and the corner look
46:28 Did Zayas quit? The big debate
51:18 Where Zayas goes from here
53:51 What’s next for Boots Ennis
56:56 Shoutouts: Vargas Jr., Whittaker, Valenzuela
1:01:16 Roy Jones Jr.’s award shoutout
1:01:34 Outro

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Crawford Defends Errol Spence From the Haters, Plus Zayas vs. Boots & Bam Rodriguez Makes History

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 20:08:31 -0000

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 Back
1:15 - Roy Jones Jr. Catches Us Up: Franklyn Dwomoh, Newman vs. Munguia & Dallas Fight Card
2:10 - NY Knicks Win the NBA Championship After 53 Years
4:15 - Roy’s Take: De’Aaron Fox’s Turnovers & the Spurs’ Collapse
7:34 - The Boxing Parallel: How Leads Slip Away
12:08 - Shout Out to Jalen Brunson & the Knicks’ Grit
13:54 - AD BREAK
14:49 - Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez Becomes 3-Division World Champion
16:40 - Can Bam Beat Naoya Inoue? Breaking Down the Styles
25:30 - Xander Zayas vs. Jaron “Boots” Ennis | June 27 Preview
27:43 - Is This Fight Too Soon for Zayas?
30:23 - Breaking Down Boots’ Fight Game & the Weight Class Move
36:20 - Winner Gets “The Towering Inferno” — What’s at Stake
40:28 - Errol Spence Jr. Is Back! July 25 vs. Tim Tszyu
41:48 - Roy’s Coaching Take: What Spence Needs to Rediscover
43:27 - Dre’s Interview with Spence: The Crawford Fight, the Camp & the Comeback
47:51 - Addressing the 10%: YouTube Critics Calling Spence’s Interview “Excuses”
50:32 - Andre & Roy on Biased Media & Fighters Feeding Narratives
58:45 - Katie Taylor Sells Out Croke Park (82,000 Tickets in 30 Min!)
1:01:16 - Outro

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Errol Spence: The Floyd Sparring Standoff, Crawford Camp Issues & The Crash That Changed Everything

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 20:10:55 -0000

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 – Intro
00:00:19 – Relationship Between Andre & Errol
00:02:30 – Training Camp & Working Smarter With Age
00:06:03 – Growing Up in DeSoto, Texas
00:07:16 – How Errol Got Into Boxing
00:09:47 – Amateur Career & Roy Jones Influence
00:13:00 – Competitive Mentality & Sparring Intensity
00:15:30 – Starting Late & Being Preserved
00:18:51 – 2012 Olympics Experience
00:20:01 – Turning Pro & Signing With Al Haymon
00:28:24 – Financial Wisdom & Life After Boxing
00:34:13 – Sparring Floyd Mayweather
00:38:58 – Kell Brook Fight in England
00:42:52 – Relationship With Jerry Jones & AT&T Stadium Fight
00:47:04 – Free Agent on Handshakes Only
00:50:29 – Drinking & The Car Accident
00:54:13 – The Shawn Porter Fight
00:58:51 – Financial Discipline & Living Off Interest
01:01:11 – The Car Accident: What He Remembers
01:07:25 – Life After the Accident
01:10:22 – Reconnecting With God After the Crawford Loss
01:15:26 – Being a Present Father
01:22:58 – Manny Pacquiao Fight Falling Through & Eye Injury
01:29:13 – Making the Crawford Fight Happen
01:31:47 – Crawford Camp Issues & Derrick James
01:38:41 – The Crawford Fight Night
01:44:59 – Life After the Crawford Loss
01:52:32 – Why He’s Still Fighting at 36
01:57:47 – Closing Thoughts & Appreciation

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Shakur Stevenson: ‘I’m Not Easy Work’ & The Truth About the Devin Haney Standoff

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 18:11:17 -0000

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 Fight
5:28 - Sold Out MSG & Handling the Pressure
6:40 - “I Was Born for This” | Performing Under Bright Lights
8:20 - Corner Advice & Almost Stopping Teo
10:29 - The Post-Fight High | A Month to Come Down
11:44 - Appreciating Teofimo for Making the Fight
12:02 - Making Big Fights Happen Directly (Like Bud & Crawford)
12:55 - Why Everyone Wants to Fight Shakur Now
14:09 - Shakur’s Boxing Brain & Future in Broadcasting
15:17 - The Imagination in the Gym | Envisioning Every Opponent
17:15 - Having a Boxing Mind vs. Just Being Talented
17:54 - Watching Film & Learning from Floyd
19:11 - AD BREAK
22:16 - The WBC Stripping Him of His Belt
26:23 - The Devin Haney Fight | Weight Negotiations & Business Talk
29:28 - Could Haney vs. Stevenson Actually Get Made?
31:47 - Taking Callouts Less Personally | It’s Business Now
34:06 - Conor Benn Situation | What Happened?
34:41 - Assessing Conor Benn as a Fighter
36:49 - Would Shakur Do a UFC Crossover Fight? Ilia Topuria
40:39 - Does Shakur Like Being Famous? (Honest Answer)
45:19 - The J. Prince Relationship | A Real Mentor
47:11 - Managing Fighters
50:33 - How Would You Beat Andre Ward?
51:48 - How Would You Fight Bud Crawford?
52:03 - Floyd Mayweather vs. Sugar Ray Robinson GOAT Debate
54:09 - The State of Boxing Today
55:20 - Biggest Lesson from 9 Years as a Pro
55:47 - What Does the Rest of Shakur’s Career Look Like?
56:31 - Thoughts on Adrien Broner’s Current Lifestyle
58:39 - Floyd Mayweather’s Money Situation & Can’t-Let-Go of Boxing
1:02:42 - Errol Spence Is Back | Thoughts on Spence vs. Tszyu
1:03:45 - Shakur’s Message to O’Shaquie Foster
1:06:07 - “I Don’t Run” | On Character & Integrity
1:07:39 - Going Out on Top | Comparing Ward & Crawford’s Retirements
1:11:21 - Outro

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Andre Ward: ‘I Knew Going Into Kovalev 2 That Was My Last Fight’ | Virgil Hunter Part 2

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 22:16:39 -0000

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 Game
1:40 – The Super Six Tournament & Moving to 168 lbs
3:34 – Facing Mikkel Kessler: Setting the Tone
5:22 – Patterns of Success: The Journey & God’s Plan
6:23 – Financial Wisdom & Having an Exit Strategy
13:45 – Virgil’s Training Philosophy & Locker Room Rules
21:20 – Keeping Fighters Focused & Blocking Distractions
23:00 – Cleaning Out Super Middleweight & Moving to 175
25:20 – Preparing for Sergey Kovalev: The 3-Fight Plan
27:40 – Knee Injury & Doubt Before the Kovalev Fight
29:43 – Walking to the Ring: Confidence Despite the Injury
30:07 – The Knockdown & Corner Adjustments vs. Kovalev
32:06 – Breaking Down the Kovalev Win & Critics
34:04 – The Rematch & Kovalev’s Decline
42:32 – Ward’s Retirement Decision
44:13 – Knowing When It’s Over: The Mindset of Retiring on Top
46:22 – Financial Lessons for Young Fighters
49:18 – The Danger of Eroding Skills & Spending Your Prime
51:38 – Retiring When You’ve Proven Everything
55:06 – Missing the Gym & Staying Away After Retirement

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Virgil Hunter On The Day Andre Almost Lost Everything: “You’re Going To Go Downhill” | Part 1

Wed, 27 May 2026 01:15:55 -0000

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 Ward
02:30 - The First Meeting & Frank Ward’s Request
06:02 - Virgil’s Depression & Why That Day Was Spiritual
06:47 - Building a Foundation Before the Temptations
08:30 - Andre & His Brother Move In With Virgil & His Wife
10:30 - Frank Ward, Andre’s Mom & The Mother Wound
14:00 - Battle Testing With Donaire & The First Fights
16:00 - The Silver Gloves Nationals & Curtis Stevens
20:00 - Sparring Pros at 13 & The Strength Behind It
21:11 - The Difference Between Andre & His Brother
21:57 - Drive, Tenacity & Being a Student of The Game
24:30 - The Junior Olympics & When The Streets Started Calling
27:13 - The Oakland Mystique & Virgil’s Focus Shifts
29:39 - The Psychology: Guilt Trips, Interventions & The Hennessy Bottle
32:06 - Can You Make A Great Without Sacrifice?
33:16 - Structure Is The Foundation of Greatness
35:33 - His Mother’s Relapse & Selling Dope Two Blocks Away
37:00 - The Prayers Working & Virgil’s Street Intelligence
39:41 - Structure Kept Him From Crossing The Line
42:47 - Virgil’s Diary Entry & The Full Prophecy
44:50 - Washington, Tiffney & Marrying Young Against Everyone’s Advice
49:04 - James Prince Enters The Picture
52:17 - “He’ll Win Us A Gold Medal”: The Guarantee To J Prince
53:22 - Exposed To The Life: Floyd, Roy & Dre Losing His Father
58:00 - Surrendering & Locking In For The Olympics
01:00:10 - “You Don’t Think I Can Get You To Athens?“: The Faith Moment
01:02:35 - Front Row Tickets & God Paying For The Whole Trip
01:08:13 - The Last American Male Olympic Gold & USA Boxing’s Problem
01:11:24 - It Takes A Team & No Great Man Stands Alone
01:13:34 - Body Language, Technical Ability & What Wins At The Highest Level
01:16:46 - The Decision That Shook Everything Up

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Carl Froch On Biting Andre Ward, Calzaghe Ghosting Him & Leaving The UK

Tue, 19 May 2026 20:06:25 -0000

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 show
1:35 How Andre and Froch reconnected through David Haye
5:40 Froch on leaving Sky Sports and going independent
5:59 Growing up in Nottingham
7:23 Family background and his relationship with his father
11:47 His unorthodox style and the four-year break from boxing at 15
13:47 Coming back to boxing at 19 and turning professional
28:00 The Jean Pascal fight — his first world title
35:00 The Jermain Taylor fight — torn ankle, scratched cornea, three weeks out
44:00 The Super Six World Boxing Classic — entering the tournament
51:53 First meeting with Andre Ward at the Super Six press conference
55:21 Froch’s honest scouting report on Ward going into their fight
58:27 The 2011 Super Six Final — what really happened that night
1:01:15 Froch admits he bit Andre’s shoulder during the fight
1:24:11 Froch’s honest self-assessment
1:26:01 The body shots that left Andre unable to move for a week
1:27:45 Lucian Bute — the destruction in Nottingham
1:31:58 George Groves — the controversial first fight
1:32:32 Wembley Stadium — 80,000 fans and the KO that ended his career
1:38:01 Would Froch and Ward do an exhibition today?
1:40:58 The Joe Calzaghe exhibition that never happened
1:41:27 Life after boxing
1:45:29 Why Froch is moving his family out of England to Dubai
1:50:11 Wrap-up

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Lady Ward: Teenage Pregnancy, Virg Saved Us & The 'I'm Done' Retirement Moment

Thu, 14 May 2026 15:34:28 -0000

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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Benavidez Should Fight Usyk Next, Errol Spence Returns vs Tszyu & Inoue Breaks Tyson’s Record

Tue, 05 May 2026 21:23:49 -0000

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 - Intro
0:26 - Recap of Fight Weekend / Cinco de Mayo Boxing
1:32 - Undercard Review: Sanchez vs. Chavez
4:38 - Co-Main Event: Jaime Munguia vs. Armando Resendiz
5:53 - Controversial Decision? Duarte vs. Fierro Breakdown
7:41 - How to Score a Close Fight (Judging Discussion)
10:55 - Main Event: David Benavidez vs. Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez
15:57 - 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 Fights
24:24 - Ad Break
27:12 - Naoya Inoue vs. Nakatani at Tokyo Dome (55,000 Fans!)
31:16 - Breaking News: Errol Spence Returns vs. Tim Tszyu
35:22 - Knicks vs. Hawks Braw
39:10 - Closing Thoughts on the State of Boxing

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David Benavidez: The $3K Zurdo Sparring Story, Cinco de Mayo Takeover & Stoppage Promise

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 21:19:43 -0000

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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Zurdo Ramirez: Benavidez’s Weaknesses, Their Sparring War & Mexico vs Mexico on May 2

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 22:23:56 -0000

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 - Intro
0:26 - Welcoming Zurdo Ramirez — Mexico’s First Cruiserweight Champion
1:06 - Zurdo on Fighting for Cinco de Mayo (After Mayweather & Canelo)
1:49 - How the Benavidez Fight Got Made
2:11 - The PPV Sparring Sessions with Benavidez
3:33 - Benavidez’s Strengths: Pressure, Volume & Power
3:59 - 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 Plan
9:46 - Zurdo’s Message to Benavidez & the Boxing World
10:10 - Ad Break
11:28 - Ward & RJJ Debate: Will Benavidez Carry His Weight at Cruiser?
13:36 - The Riddle Nobody Has Solved: Benavidez’s Unbeaten Blueprint
14:06 - RJJ’s Untold Story: Why He Refused to Spar Reggie Johnson in 1991
17:35 - Ward: Why He Kept His Distance from Fighters He Might Face
22:12 - Ward’s Full Breakdown of Benavidez vs. Zurdo
25:22 - Shoutout: Ayahna Gonzales & Combat U at Sacramento State
27:00 - Outro

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Xander Zayas: Super Bowl with Bad Bunny, Boots Ennis Showdown & Untold Stories

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 22:06:48 -0000

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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mike Bibby, Andre Ward & Urijah Faber Reveal What Sacramento State Is Really Building | COMBAT U

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 18:32:30 -0000

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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The VIRAL Roy Jones Corner Moment Explained, Boots vs Zayas & Tyson Fury Returns

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 19:55:44 -0000

The VIRAL Roy Jones Corner Moment Explained, Boots vs Zayas & Tyson Fury Returns
Fury’s Comeback, Benn & Prograis’ ‘Crossroads Fight’ and The Corner Moment That Broke Boxing
Boots vs Zayas Is OFFICIAL, Fury Returns + Inside Roy Jones & Kevin Newman’s Viral Corner Moment

Andre 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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Matt Barnes: The Racist Hit on His Life, Kobe’s Last Promise & the Road Back to God

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 18:00:00 -0000

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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Fundora vs Thurman: The Psychology, The Power & Why BOTH Say It Won't Go The Distance

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 01:33:54 -0000

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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Katie Taylor: The Olympic Gold That Stopped Ireland, A Hall of Fame Career & The Serrano Trilogy

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 19:18:30 -0000

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 Awards
2:57 - Growing Up in Bray, Ireland & Falling in Love with Boxing
9:02 - Disguising as a Boy & The Impossible Olympic Dream
12:48 - Discipline, Sacrifice & Dominating the Amateur Scene
16:39 - Can Katie Taylor Turn Off the Intensity?
19:35 - Humility, Work Ethic & Staying Grounded
21:52 - 2012 Olympic Gold: The Day Ireland Stood Still
25:38 - Rio 2016 Heartbreak & Stepping Away from Dad
29:40 - Cold Calling Her Way to the Pros & Eddie Hearn
34:45 - Becoming Undisputed & The Sanction Fee Pain
37:17 - Taylor vs Serrano I: The Instant Classic at MSG
47:15 - First Pro Loss, Torn Calf & The Comeback
49:08 - Serrano II on Netflix: 74 Million Viewers & Mike Tyson
57:53 - “Dirty Fighter” Accusations & 2-Min vs 3-Min Rounds
1:05:01 - Serrano III: The Art of Adjustment
1:08:31 - Retirement, Legacy & Walking Away on Top
1:12:33 - Faith & Identity

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Simms Tells Barboza ‘You’re NOT a Big Name, Bro’ & Reveals His Plan to End It March 14th

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 20:18:58 -0000

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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Untold Story About Gerald McClellan: "It Just Seemed Like Nobody Cared"

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 20:34:19 -0000

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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mayweather–Pacquiao 2 Is Official, Claressa Wins Big & Shakur Joins To Talk Ryan Garcia Fight

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 22:05:49 -0000

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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bill Haney: Floyd Not Calling Back, The 10-Man Hit List, Federal Prison & The One That Got Away

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 00:32:43 -0000

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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Truth Behind WBC Stripping Shakur: His Lawyer Josh Dubin Tells All

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 22:44:13 -0000

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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

ATSF_HoG_AudShakur Stevenson Shines, Keyshawn Davis Returns, & Jarrell Miller Goes Viral | RING VI RECAPio

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 22:53:13 -0000

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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Why Xander Zayas Is Fighting His Former Sparring Partner & Bruce Carrington’s MSG Dream

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 20:20:12 -0000

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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Why The First Kovalev Fight Changed Everything: Andre Ward’s Never Before Told Stories

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 20:30:00 -0000

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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Keyshawn Davis Reveals He Was Drinking Every Day Last Camp + Jamaine Ortiz: “He Didn’t Pick Me”

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 19:03:45 -0000

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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Was Jake vs. Joshua Real? AJ’s Devastating Loss & Shakur’s WARNING to Teofimo Lopez

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 19:09:49 -0000

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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hall of Game Year-End Special: Jake Paul v Joshua Breakdown & Shedeur Sanders’ Hall of Fame Response

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 20:43:11 -0000

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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tim Bradley Challenges Jake Paul to TWO FOR ONE Fight, Reveals Crawford Sparring Story

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 19:30:00 -0000

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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Andre Ward’s PBC Verdict: Cruz vs Roach QUESTIONABLE DRAW & Fulton’s Tough Night

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 16:51:25 -0000

Andre Ward’s PBC Verdict: Cruz vs Roach QUESTIONABLE DRAW & Fulton’s Tough Night

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Lamont Roach: Tank’s Knee Cost Me The Win, Pitbull Cruz Game Plan & Unfinished Business At 135

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 21:22:54 -0000

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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

RING IV Recap: Devin Haney PROVED Everyone Wrong + Andre Ward Reveals The Truth Behind Kovalev I

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 16:55:07 -0000

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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

RING IV: Boxing’s Most Stacked Lineup of the Year + Mayweather–Pacquiao II On The Way?

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 22:45:42 -0000

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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ortiz's Statement Win, Boots Buzz Builds & Roy’s Hopping in the Gym with Errol Spence?!

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 22:29:56 -0000

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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Danny Garcia Reflects on His Boxing Journey with Andre Ward & Roy Jones Jr. | EXCLUSIVE

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 22:33:47 -0000

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 Show
0:47 - Danny’s Farewell Fight?
4:33 - Father-Son Dynamics in Boxing: Danny & Angel
7:25 - Lara Fight Fallout: Danny’s Honest Reflection
9:23 - Angel Garcia’s Advice: Health Over Everything
12:12 - Ad Break
13:27 - Mental Health Matters: Danny Opens Up
21:12 - Danny the Businessman: Real Estate & Wealth Wisdom
25:28 - Staying Out of Headlines: Danny’s Positivity Code
26:45 - What’s Next for Danny Garcia? Family First
30:16 - Fight Preview: Vergil Ortiz vs. Erickson Lubin
33:05 - Dre on Lubin’s Journey & Amateur vs. Pro Reality
38:49 - Boots Ennis: Where to Next?
45:35 - Boots Chasing Belts at 154: Dre Wants Proof
47:15 - Wrap

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Andre Ward & Roy Jones Jr. Bring out Stephen Fulton: Going up in Weight & Training Camp Stories

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 15:39:33 -0000

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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mark Kriegel & Andre Ward get HEATED over Terence Crawford & Mike Tyson’s Secret Ability

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 21:56:41 -0000

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 - Intro
00:01:55 - Mark Kreigel growing up in New York City
00:10:07 - New York City Rituals
00:11:20 - Mike Tyson & New York Boxers
00:23:34 - How Mike Tyson controlled the Audience
00:26:49 - Mike Tyson’s “Eat Your Children” Speech
00:27:46 - Mark on the impact of his Father
00:40:43 - Mark’s fascination with Father Son relationships
00:45:16 - The toughest fighters... are mama’s boys
00:47:44 - Comparisons to Ray Mancini
00:55:55 - Mark Kreigel hates writing...
01:02:10 - How do writers respect those they write about
01:09:04 - Dre’s problem with Journalists
01:13:30 - Everyone who was wrong about Crawford
01:27:14 -
01:35:18 - Outro

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Terence Crawford EXCLUSIVE: Upsetting Canelo, The Round I Knew I Won & What’s Next

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 23:55:35 -0000

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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Andre Ward & Roy Jones Jr. Breakdown Jake vs Tank, Exhibition Fight Worries & Sanctioning Bodies

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 14:55:47 -0000

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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Andre Ward & Roy Jones Jr. Breakdown the Canelo vs Crawford Fight

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 23:27:39 -0000

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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Andre Ward & Roy Jones Jr. Preview Canelo Vs. Crawford SUPERFIGHT

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 17:44:32 -0000

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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Andre Berto: Olympic Trials Controversy, Floyd Mayweather Fight Breakdown & Sparring Andre Ward

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 20:00:00 -0000

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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Stephen A. Smith: Laid Off, Rehired & Now Running The Show, Canelo vs. Crawford & His #1 Interview

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 20:50:42 -0000

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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Manny Pacquiao’s Comeback: From $1 Fights to Challenging Floyd Mayweather… The Whole Story

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 20:17:44 -0000

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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ward & Roy Debate: Floyd Can't Beat Sugar Ray, Dream Matchups & Controversial Takes

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 20:23:37 -0000

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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Keyshawn Davis Reveals Truth On Teofimo Lopez Beef, Failed Drug Test & Olympic Heartbreak

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 18:24:07 -0000

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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bernard Hopkins: I Threw the Puerto Rican Flag… Then All Hell Broke Loose

Tue, 20 May 2025 18:00:00 -0000

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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

J Prince: Discovering Floyd Mayweather, Taking Dre from Trap House to Gold Medal & Dodging Hitmen?!

Tue, 06 May 2025 20:52:53 -0000

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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Stephen Fulton: I’m Going UP in weight, Aftermath of Figueroa & Inoue, Plans Beyond Boxing

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 20:00:00 -0000

Stephen Fulton joins The Art of Ward to talk about his decision to move up in weight and what’s next in his career. He breaks down the aftermath of the Figueroa and Inoue fights, sharing what he learned and how he’s grown. Fulton also opens up about life outside the ring and what his future holds beyond boxing.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Lamont Roach: Rematch With Tank? The Drama Behind The “Draw” & Did He Try To Bite You??

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 20:09:36 -0000

Lamont Roach joins The Art of Ward to break down his intense fight with Gervonta "Tank" Davis, including the controversial draw and shocking in-ring moments. From his early boxing days in the DMV to winning his first world title, Lamont opens up about his journey, his father’s role in his training, and the drama behind the scenes. Plus — did Tank really try to bite him, and is a rematch already in the works?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Joe Calzaghe: Called out by Bernard Hopkins, 8 Rounds with a Broken Hand & the Last Fight with Roy

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 20:00:00 -0000

Dive into Joe Calzaghe's storied boxing career as he shares personal insights, from his early challenges and first loss to the defining moments that shaped his legendary status. This video covers it all—from the grueling eight-round fight with a broken hand and being called out by Bernard Hopkins to the emotional farewell fight with Roy Jones at MSG. Explore exclusive behind-the-scenes stories, career-defining quotes, and the sacrifices that fueled Joe's journey to greatness.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Anderson Silva Reflects on His Historic UFC Run & Life After MMA | THE ART OF WARD

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 21:16:03 -0000

On the newest episode of THE ART OF WARD, Andre Ward is joined by one of the greatest fighters in history, Anderson Silva. The Spider takes us through his incredible MMA journey, sharing the story of how he went from missing a soccer tryout to going on one of the most legendary runs in UFC history. Silva opens up about his relentless drive to be great, his deep love for fighting, and what has kept him motivated throughout his career. He also talks about his transition into boxing after leaving the UFC, his ongoing desire to keep fighting as he gets older, and the story behind his iconic nickname. Plus, Anderson reflects on how he coped with loss as his UFC career came to a close.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Shakur Stevenson Unpacks Loma Beef, Riyadh Season Card & Canelo-Crawford | THE ART OF WARD

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 21:00:00 -0000

Friend of the show, Shakur Stevenson is back for round 2 on THE ART OF WARD! In this exclusive interview, the boxing superstar checks in with Andre while in camp for his February 22nd fight against Floyd Schofield on the undercard of Beterbiev vs Bivol 2. Shakur opens up about his training, previews the matchup, and explains why he chose Schofield. Plus, Shakur spills the tea on his heated encounter with Vasyl Lomachenko at Bud Crawford's last fight—and how Loma ducked his fight offer afterward. And he takes shots at Teofimo Lopez and Ryan Garcia, keeping the trash talk real. Shakur also dives into his relationship with rising star Keyshawn Davis, Turki Alalshikh, and explains what it’s been like working with Eddie Hearn, and even shares his thoughts on the massive Canelo vs. Crawford mega-fight.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David Benavidez: The Emotional Road to Facing Morell & Will He Get Canelo? | THE ART OF WARD

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 21:27:36 -0000

This week, Andre sits down with the one and only David Benavidez, the Mexican Monster, ahead of his highly anticipated mega-fight with David Morell. In this candid conversation, Benavidez opens up about his intense preparation for what could be the biggest fight of his career, revealing how he plans to take on the rising Cuban star. He also explains why he never considered ducking the challenge. The champ also takes us back to his roots, reflecting on his early boxing journey, the profound impact of his father, and the struggles he overcame in the early days of his career. It's an inside look at what makes Benavidez the fighter and man he is today. And, of course, no interview with the Mexican Monster would be complete without a bold callout to Canelo Alvarez. Will we finally see the long-awaited showdown between the two? Benavidez also shares his thoughts on retirement and what the future holds for him.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Laila Ali Opens Up: Boxing Rivalries, Life Lessons, and Family Drama

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 21:00:00 -0000

In this powerful episode of THE ART OF WARD, boxing legend Laila Ali opens up like never before, sharing her incredible story with Andre. From being the daughter of the greatest of all time, Muhammad Ali, to becoming a dominant force in the ring herself, Laila takes us through the defining moments of her life and career.

Laila reflects on the challenges of growing up with a famous father, the emotional and physical battles she faced, and how those experiences shaped her into the undefeated champion she became. She reveals what her father thought when she first told him she wanted to box, and the lasting impact of his passing in 2016 on her life and career. Laila dives into her legendary pro boxing career, revisiting key fights like her rivalry with Christy Martin and explaining why she never fought Anne Wolfe.

And for the first time, Laila discusses her ongoing beef with Claressa Shields—what caused the tension, where things went wrong, and whether there’s hope for reconciliation between the two titans of women’s boxing.

Beyond her athletic achievements, Laila is also a successful entrepreneur. She shares what life after boxing has been like, how she’s channeled her energy into new ventures, and what’s next for her beyond the sport.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Roy Jones Jr. Breaks Down His Legendary Boxing Journey | THE ART OF WARD

Fri, 13 Dec 2024 15:08:47 -0000

THE ART OF WARD is back with another boxing legend! This week, Andre Ward sits down with fellow hall-of-famer and ATS Fight teammate, Roy Jones Jr, for an expansive interview that looks back on his life and career. From growing up in Pensacola to making his mark on the international stage with Team USA at the Olympics, Roy opens up about his journey into boxing and the milestones that shaped his legendary run. Roy takes us through his most defining moments, including his unforgettable first world title win against Bernard Hopkins, and reflects on the key victories and defeats that contributed to his success. He also shares the challenges and triumphs that led to him becoming a world champion in four different weight classes. As the conversation evolves, the two legends have an honest conversation about one of the most the difficult decisions every fighter faces: knowing when it's time to retire.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Inside the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson Showdown | ART OF SMOKE

Fri, 15 Nov 2024 17:22:00 -0000

The biggest fight of the year is almost here, and we're bringing you the ultimate preview! Live from Dallas, ALL THE SMOKE Productions assembled an all-star crew (formally dubbed as ART OF SMOKE) to break down the historic Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson showdown, airing live on Netflix this Saturday. Join boxing hall-of-famers Andre Ward and Roy Jones Jr., alongside NBA champs and boxing enthusiasts Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson for as they dive deep into the fight card that has everyone talking. With their insider knowledge and unparalleled expertise, this crew delivers an in-depth analysis of what to expect from the most anticipated event in combat sports this year. From Jake Paul’s unconventional rise in boxing to Mike Tyson’s highly anticipated return to the ring, the panel covers every angle, including the fight’s implications for both fighters and the sport itself. Plus, they break down the historic rematch between two of the best women’s fighters in the world, Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano, in what promises to be a legacy-defining battle. This isn’t just a preview – it’s a front-row seat to the most talked-about event of the year. Don’t miss it!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mike Tyson on Jake Paul, Fight Psychology, Career Retrospective | THE ART OF WARD

Fri, 01 Nov 2024 16:44:29 -0000

In this captivating episode of THE ART OF WARD, boxing legend Mike Tyson opens up about his highly anticipated fight against Jake Paul. Join us as Tyson dives deep into the psychology of fighting, sharing his insights on what it takes to compete at the highest level. He also reflects on his legendary career, offering a rare glimpse into the mindset that made him one of the greatest boxers of all time and sharing unrivaled stories about Muhammad Ali, his loss to Buster Douglas, and Don King. Don’t miss this exclusive look into Tyson’s thoughts on the evolution of the sport, his own journey and the new generation of fighters!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Caleb Plant On Life’s Highs & Lows, Beefing w/ Other Boxers, Canelo vs. Benavidez | THE ART OF WARD

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 21:22:11 -0000

'THE ART OF WARD' continues to bring the most in-depth and honest conversations with the biggest players in the world of boxing. On this week's episode, Andre sits down for an exclusive interview with the one and only Caleb Plant, who opens up about his journey both inside and outside the ring. From his impressive win over Trevor McCumby to the emotional toll of his loss to Canelo, Caleb shares the highs and lows of his boxing career, as well as personal stories that shaped him. Watch as Caleb dives deep into the challenges he's faced, both in the ring and in his personal life, including the heartbreak of losing his daughter and his complicated relationship with his mom. Also, Caleb explains why he keeps getting into verbal or physical altercations outside the ring and beefing with so many boxetrs.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dre Day ft. Roy Jones Jr: The Risks Of Boxing | All The Smoke FIGHT

Thu, 03 Oct 2024 16:00:00 -0000

The Dre's are BACK and this time are joined by a legend of the game, Roy Jones Jr for a powerful and honest conversation about the dangers of the sport of boxing. The 4 guys look back on their career and discuss the huge health risks that come with fighting. They reflect on the moment they realized 'they might go into the ring and not come out the same' and explain how they dealt with that reality. Plus, Roy Jones Jr. talks about the moment a fighter should know its time to hang it up, and Andre Dirrell & Andre Berto speak on their own 'retirement'.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Terence Crawford Reveals Truth on Spence Negotiations, Shakur Stevenson, Top Rank Split

Fri, 27 Sep 2024 11:00:00 -0000

Nothing is better than two legends of the game chopping it up! On one of our very first sit downs, Andre Ward journeyed to Colorado Springs to chop it up with arguably the best fighter in the world, Terence Crawford, as he was in camp preparing for his fight vs. Israil Madrimov. Bud opens up about his split with Top Rank and shares behind-the-scenes insights into his negotiations with Errol Spence Jr. Plus, he discusses Turki Alalshikh changing the sport of boxing, criticisms of Shakur Stevenson, how he keeps the same drive, and reveals if he has any retirement plans.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bomac Explains Spence Fight Game Plan, Why Jaron Ennis ISN'T Ready For Bud

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 11:00:00 -0000

Boxing world champions don't get to the top of the mountain alone. On the latest interview, Andre Ward sits down with 2023 trainer of the year, Brian ‘BoMac’ McIntyre, who helps lead arguably the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world, Terence Crawford. Bomac opens up about his arrest in the UK, discusses how he and Terence game-planned for Errol Spence Jr, and explains why Jaron Ennis ISN'T ready to face Bud. Plus, why he is a fan of Tank Davis, how much winning 2023 Trainer of the Year meant to him and more!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Eddie Hearn Tells All On Haney vs. Garcia, Ryan's Positive Test, State of Boxing

Wed, 25 Sep 2024 11:00:00 -0000

Earlier in August, Andre Ward sat down with boxing promoter Eddie Hearn for an exclusive conversation. Hearn tells all about the Devin Haney vs. Ryan Garcia fight, including how the negotiations unfolded, the craziness of fight night, the upset in the ring, and finding out about Ryan Garcia's positive PED test. Plus, he shares his thoughts on the state of boxing, his relationship with other promoters, and his upbringing. Also, he explains his back and forth with Terence Crawford on his fight night with Madrimov, why he gets into exchanges like that, and the importance of building boxing stars.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Shakur Stevenson Opens Up About Public Criticism, Tank Davis Fight, Protecting Your 0

Tue, 24 Sep 2024 15:19:46 -0000

The next level link ups don't stop! A few weeks ago, Andre Ward was joined by one of the young '4 kings' of boxing, Shakur Stevenson to discuss his growing career. Shakur opens up about the public criticism he faced after his win over Harutyunyan and how he dealt with it, his beef with Tank Davis and why he thinks they will fight, and his 2016 Olympics silver medal. Plus, he explains his relationships with Bud Crawford and Floyd Mayweather, why the idea of losing your perfect record is hurting boxing, and being a promotional free agent. Also, his feud with Andre Berto, Devin Haney, and more!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Devin Haney Speaks Out On Ryan Garcia Fight, Floyd Mayweather, Career Journey | THE ART OF WARD

Thu, 19 Sep 2024 16:00:00 -0000

THE ART OF WARD is BACK! On the latest episode, boxing superstar Devin Haney speaks out in an exclusive interview with Andre Ward—Haney’s first since his controversial no decision against Ryan Garcia in April. Haney reflects on the negotiating process, the red flags leading up to fight night, what happened in the ring and finding our Ryan tested positive for PEDs after. Plus, Haney looks back on his career journey to this point, including leaving Top Rank, fights vs. George Kambosos Jr., and controversial decision victory over Vasiliy Lomachenko. He also discusses his relationship with his father, dealing with pressure, and Floyd's impact on him.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Edgar Berlanga Unpacks Canelo Fight, Caleb Plant Beef, KO Streak | THE ART OF WARD

Mon, 09 Sep 2024 18:24:41 -0000

Introducing the OFFICIAL first episode of 'THE ART OF WARD'. ATS fights new weekly digital series from Boxing Hall of Famer and Chief Content Officer for ALL THE SMOKE FIGHT, Andre Ward, exploring the fight game from the inside out. On episode 1, Andre Ward sits down with Edgar Berlanga from Boulder, Colorado, where Berlanga is preparing to face unified Super Middleweight World Champion Canelo Alvarez in one of boxing’s biggest events of the year. Berlanga opens up about his fight with arguably boxing's biggest star and why people should not sleep on him. Plus, he unpacks his beef with Caleb Plant, how tough it is to balance the cameras and bright lights, and his love for fashion. Also, why he cut ties with Top Rank, his early career KO streak, and much more! Episode 2 is a candid interview with former Undisputed Lightweight World Champion Devin Haney, premiering Thursday, Sept. 19.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices