To the sport of boxing – I love you. You’ve been by my side since I was 10-years-old. You’ve taught me so much. You’ve humbled me. You’ve promoted me. I’ve sacrificed a lot for you, but you’ve given me more than I ever thought possible. You gave me a platform, made me a champion and helped me provide for my family. I am forever grateful to you. You and I will always be synonymous, connected at the hip. Thank you for all the wonderful people I’ve come in contact with because of you. I’ve made friends for life. As I walk away from the sport of boxing today, I leave at the top of your glorious mountain, which was always my vision and my dream. I did it. We did it.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you to everyone who has played a part in my journey. You know who you are. I could not have done this without you. I want to be clear – I am leaving because my body can no longer put up with the rigors of the sport and therefore my desire to fight is no longer there. If I cannot give my family, my team, and the fans everything that I have, then I should no longer be fighting. Above all, I give God the Glory, for allowing me to do what I’ve done, for as long as I have.
Andre “S.O.G” Ward
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"You can't beat white people. You can only knock them out."
of his time. My friends that boxed always sung his praises based on his dominance during the amateurs. I was not crazy about his style per say but could always appreciate his dedication to his craft. I guess he reminded me too much of Hopkins. In terms of his accomplishments, he is one of the greatest fighters of his era.
Now, Hagler is about the only fighter that truly retired. Maybe he just wants a break and will possibly come back later as a Heavyweight. I've heard him mention it before in the past. But if this is not the case, one of the best to ever do it.
10. "I think so... but only since beating Kovalev twice..." In response to Reply # 9
and personally only after the 2nd fight.. but as I indicate above I've always underestimated him so my opinion on him has been unduly biased... that 2nd Kovalev fight changed my mind (even though I really should've learned after the super 6).
the retirement is somewhat abrupt because in my book he only just claimed p4p and that's something someone should hold for a while to really own it... but I can accept the arguments because I admit to sleeping on him.
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