I just want my career to be ran a certain way. When you get the sense it's not, that your voice is not being heard, then, unfortunately, you have to do certain things to make a stand to fight what you believe in, even if you do have to sacrifice time.
— Andre Ward
I do feel at times like I'm always proving myself. But I also feel that I'm proven. I've proven I can get to the mountaintop.
No disrespect, but I don't make decisions based on opinions.
Sounding bitter is not a good look. Less so if you're retired.
This has nothing to do with ego. It is solely about my religion and me being a devout Christian. I chose my ring name because I regard myself as A Son Of God.
I'm hungry. Always have been, my whole career.
I want to be the light heavyweight champion of the world.
My mom had struggles. My dad had struggles. He raised me as a single parent. I rebelled and almost quit amateur boxing, but my faith in God had a lot to do with me slowly getting my life together.
I went to a nutritionist; my diet is pretty clean, but I wanted to get some more knowledge and understanding in some areas. My two favorite things, Clif Bars and lattes, she just destroyed in our first meeting. Coffee is fine, but soy is the most genetically modified food that we eat.
I'm not a dirty fighter. Everybody knows that.
I want to be a champion for a long time, and I want to take the least amount of punishment possible doing so.
The guys that I beat in the 'Super Six,' every one of those fights was tough, even if I did dominate some.
I still don't think the world has seen the best Andre Ward. Initially, I just wanted to get in there and win.
I see sometimes how guys may make a buffoon of themselves to sell a few more tickets. They create this image, and when it's all said and done, it's like everything falls out from under them. They have no stability. I never wanted to be one of those guys.
I spar in the gym, and I take pride in my sparring. But I'm a better fighter when the lights come on because it's right now - there is no tomorrow.
This is called prizefighting for a reason.
A lot of times in America, we work on bully muscles. We want the big muscles and the stuff that looks good. But we don't focus on the little things. But that's the stuff that sustains you and keeps you strong.
I'm a big person when it comes to doing what you believe in.
People are entitled to their opinion. I respect them, but it doesn't mean they're right.
It's not just fleet of foot or speed. It's about who gets caught and gets knocked out.
I only ever give praise to elite fighters.
I'm not going to throw chairs; I'm not going to cuss. I'm not going to do that kind of stuff, because you don't have to do that. You don't have to act like that, and you don't have to live like that in order to be successful.
Not fighting, avoiding talking to fans... that's when the thoughts creep in about retiring and moving on to something else.
For me, it's about trying to be the best in a sport where there's little room for error.
I don't come from a position that I am better than everybody; I come from a position that I had a tough upbringing. And I don't always highlight it, because I just never wanted to be that person with another rags to riches story.
The British fans, they are very festive; they support their people.
It takes time for people to respect you.
If people are honest, they'll admit that I do have a fan base.
My mind-set is my major attribute.
I have showed things in sparring and camp that I don't show in fights.
I'm a Christian who happens to be an athlete, not the other way around.
Dad couldn't train me. He was too high-strung, like, 'Throw your jab!' and I'd start crying.
I spar with Nick and Nate Diaz... those boys know what they're doing; they can throw their hands.
Pilates is phenomenal.
My fans are truly my friends.
I don't owe any explanations for anybody I'm fighting.
Monsters have always been built in this sport. I just don't believe the hype. You've got to show me.
Anyone can be a Son Of God if they wish to be and have the faith. I need to articulate this so everyone understands.
I'm a very respectful fighter, I don't get out of character and start talking crazy, but if you don't want to fight a fighter, or you don't think it's a good style, or it's just not time, then say that.
Going through a long legal battle is not what you sign up for as a fighter.
Whether it's Alexander Brand or Sergey Kovalev, I approach every situation the same way.
It's not all the time, but you get a sense when you're reading something that it's no longer about boxing or the performance. It's personal.
I was not intimidated by Kessler's record.
Getting hit is not cool.
My personal goals are to fight and beat the best opponent possible.
A lot of boxers have too much on their plate.
When people ask me, 'What do you do for fun?' - it's my family. That's it.
Boxing is a lonely sport.
More time than not, athletes, specifically fighters, have a 15 or 20-year career, and unfortunately, we end up right where we started when it's over. All we have is maybe a round of applause when we walk in a room - Hey, there's the champ! That's great; I want that, but I've got to have something tangible to show for it, too.
I don't like to lay down on my food - it's not good for you. I like to take a walk, then meditate and read the Bible.
