Andre Ward
Monsters have always been built in this sport. I just don't believe the hype. You've got to show me.
People who know me know that I'm not going to open my mouth and say something if I don't mean it. I'm very short and sweet. I'm old-school when it comes to it: I say what I mean and mean what I say, and then get off of it. It's simple as that.
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 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.
I spar with Nick and Nate Diaz... those boys know what they're doing; they can throw their hands.
This is called prizefighting for a reason.
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.
Dad couldn't train me. He was too high-strung, like, 'Throw your jab!' and I'd start crying.
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.
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.
When people ask me, 'What do you do for fun?' - it's my family. That's it.
I have showed things in sparring and camp that I don't show in fights.
I still don't think the world has seen the best Andre Ward. Initially, I just wanted to get in there and win.
A lot of boxers have too much on their plate.
My mind-set is my major attribute.
The guys that I beat in the 'Super Six,' every one of those fights was tough, even if I did dominate some.
My personal goals are to fight and beat the best opponent possible.
If people are honest, they'll admit that I do have a fan base.
I want to be a champion for a long time, and I want to take the least amount of punishment possible doing so.
Getting hit is not cool.
I'm not a dirty fighter. Everybody knows that.
I was not intimidated by Kessler's record.
The British fans, they are very festive; they support their people.
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 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.
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.
Whether it's Alexander Brand or Sergey Kovalev, I approach every situation the same way.
For me, it's about trying to be the best in a sport where there's little room for error.
I want to be the light heavyweight champion of the world.
I'm hungry. Always have been, my whole career.
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.
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.
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.
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 only ever give praise to elite fighters.
Sounding bitter is not a good look. Less so if you're retired.
It's not just fleet of foot or speed. It's about who gets caught and gets knocked out.
No disrespect, but I don't make decisions based on opinions.
I don't owe any explanations for anybody I'm fighting.
People are entitled to their opinion. I respect them, but it doesn't mean they're right.
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.
My fans are truly my friends.
I'm a big person when it comes to doing what you believe in.
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.
I wouldn't call myself a brawler.
I get the headlines for being slick and different things like that - which is part of my game - but it's just amazing to me that a lot of times, the people don't see the other things that go on in that ring. But a lot of times, when my opponents figure it out, the fight is over. It's too late.
Anytime you fight a champion, you got to watch the tape closely and study him closely.
There's always great things that champions do. It can be inside fighting, this person uses his range well, this person has a great right hand - anytime you fight a champion, there's multiple things that they do well, and you have to try to take those strengths away.
Every fighter is my toughest challenge to date. After I get done with one fight, the next challenge is the toughest.Collection: Motivation