![]() "I've replaced my boxing boots with a pair of runners," says Ward. The Belfast man will back himself with some degree of confidence to dodge any punches but acknowledges that walking onto one shot from the 156kg frame of Bjornsson would present all manner of problems. Ward's skill-set is of such a higher level that the contest would not get off the ground were he not facing a man who can make a claim to being the single strongest man on earth. Instead both men seem genuinely intrigued by what is a potentially interesting equation. The pre-fight bravado has been non-existent, and the pretence of a personal rivalry between the pair has not even been attempted. In the case of Bjornsson versus Ward however, neither participant appears interested in building their meeting into something that it is not. "You don't play boxing" is often the warning. A bit of a mad one like, but sure why not?" 'I've replaced my boxing shoes with a pair of runners'Įxhibition fights are not a new phenomenon in boxing, although recent years have seen a rise in the number of heavily-publicised contests involving celebrities drawn to a sport where there is exposure and money to be made from driving their sizeable audiences to pay-per-view platforms.įor die-hard fight fans such events do not sit easily. "This is an opportunity that was handed to me. "Life's about taking risks and taking opportunities, this is one that was handed to me," says Ward, who like all boxers had his career and earning potential thrown off course by the Covid-19 pandemic. What's in it for the Northern Irishman know as the 'Quiet Man'? It is still a hugely unusual proposition, but it makes sense for the Icelander. ![]() "We thought it was a great fit even though there's a huge size difference there, but there's also a huge difference in skill as well," explains Bjornsson. The backstory to the fight is perhaps not peculiar as the match-up on paper might suggest.ījornsson has signed up to face long-time strongman rival and 2017 world champion Eddie Hall in what is being dubbed 'the heaviest fight in history' in September.Īlthough considerably lighter, Ward's similar height to Hall and availability was deemed good enough to set up a three-round exhibition as Bjornsson steps up his training. "He's tall, but it's the width from his chest to his back and shoulder to shoulder." "The first time I met him, the lift doors open, he dips down and comes out sideways because he's so wide," laughs Ward. Bjornsson won the 2018 World's Strongest Man and set a new deadlift world record last year He is 2.05m (6ft 9in) tall and weighs in at around 156kg (24.5 stone).įor comparison, Ward's cruiserweight opponents weigh roughly 91kg - and having spent most of his professional career at light-heavyweight he is most used to fighting those around the 79kg mark. Or simply as 'The Mountain'.ījornsson's sheer size and presence saw him gain worldwide notoriety in the role of Ser Gregor Clegane in HBO's Game of Thrones. Standing in the opposite corner from Ward this weekend in Dubai will be Iceland's Hafthor Bjornsson as they battle in an exhibition bout.īetter known perhaps as the 2018 World's Strongest Man. © 2023 NYP Holdings, Inc.That said, even for 30-year-old Belfast cruiserweight Ward, his upcoming venture inside the ring marks a peculiar leap. Max Kellerman, Keyshawn Johnson, Matt Hasselbeck, Todd McShay and David Pollack were also amongst the group of front-facing employees laid off Friday as ESPN aimed to save millions of dollars.ĭisney, ESPN’s parent company, previously had three rounds of layoffs with the goal of eliminating 7,000 jobs. If Ward’s contract is not being renewed, that technically puts him in a different category than others who were laid off. ![]() Getty Images Andre Ward’s ESPN departure is slightly different than other talents than were laid off from the network. Great things are ahead.” Andre Ward’s contract was not renewed by ESPN. I’m excited about my future and the chance to work on new projects and endeavors. “It’s been a great ride and I’m going to miss the whole ESPN crew that I’ve worked with for the last six years. ![]() “Tonight’s show was the last fight under my ESPN contract,” Ward wrote. Boxing commentator Andre Ward joined a group that includes Jeff van Gundy, Jalen Rose, Suzy Kolber and Steve Young, posting to Twitter after an ESPN/Top Rank show on Saturday night that he was no longer with the Worldwide Leader. ![]()
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