JRE MMA Show #78 with Andre Ward

This podcast features a conversation between Joe Rogan and former boxer Andre Ward, who retired undefeated from professional boxing with a 32-0 record. Ward shares insights into his career, retirement, and the mental toughness required for success in boxing. The podcast also delves into provocative topics like the pressures of being a champion, the importance of mental strength, and the dark side of the boxing industry.

1. Andre Ward’s Unorthodox Retirement:

• Ward retired at the age of 33, at the peak of his athletic abilities.
• He was driven by a desire to avoid the common downfall of many fighters, who often end up losing and struggling after their careers.
• Ward’s decision was influenced by his admiration for Roy Jones Jr., who also retired early, although his later career was marked by struggles.
• He consciously chose to leave the sport on top, emphasizing the importance of leaving on a high note.

2. The Mental Rep Game in Boxing:

• Ward emphasizes the importance of mental toughness and discipline in boxing, contrasting it with the more flashy and athletic approach of Roy Jones Jr.
• He credits his father and trainer, Virgil Hunter, for instilling these mental skills through constant mental preparation, even outside the ring.
• This mental preparation extended to sparring and training, where Ward was taught to handle low blows and disrespect in the ring, preparing him for the unpredictable nature of the sport.
• Ward’s composure and ability to remain calm under pressure are attributed to this mental training, which was further shaped by life experiences and his innate personality.

3. The Strength of Silence:

• Ward believes that the most dangerous opponents are those who are quiet and unpredictable, as they are harder to read and strategize against.
• He contrasts this with fighters who are loud and talkative, often revealing their vulnerabilities through their words.
• Ward’s approach was to use silence to his advantage, analyzing his opponents’ talkativeness and using their words to identify their weaknesses.
• He highlights the importance of avoiding excessive self-disclosure and using silence as a tool to study and outsmart opponents.

4. The Challenges of Being a Champion:

• Ward discusses the immense pressure and scrutiny that come with being a champion, particularly for Olympic gold medalists.
• He describes the constant expectation of success and the fear of failing, which can be overwhelming.
• Ward’s experience with haters and criticism fueled his determination to succeed and prove his doubters wrong.
• He emphasizes the importance of having a strong support system and a deep sense of self-belief to navigate these challenges.

5. The Importance of a Strong Trainer-Fighter Relationship:

• Ward speaks highly of his relationship with his trainer, Virgil Hunter, emphasizing its importance for his success.
• He credits Hunter for his commitment to his fighter’s safety and well-being, focusing on longevity and protecting his fighter’s health.
• The relationship transcends boxing, with Hunter serving as a mentor and confidante, providing guidance and support both in and out of the ring.
• Ward highlights the value of a harmonious relationship between a fighter and a trainer, emphasizing the importance of a master trainer who can guide the fighter to success.

6. Boxing’s Dark Side:

• Ward acknowledges the dark side of boxing, with stories of corruption, financial exploitation, and violence.
• He discusses the toll that boxing can take on fighters, both physically and mentally, including injuries, brain damage, and the potential for long-term health issues.
• He suggests that some fighters are pressured to return to the ring despite injuries and limitations, often driven by financial desperation or a desire to stay relevant.
• The podcast highlights the need for fighters to be aware of these dangers and to prioritize their health and well-being, especially when making decisions about retirement.

7. The Super Six Tournament:

• Ward recounts his journey to the Super Six tournament, a prestigious event that helped catapult his career to new heights.
• He describes the tournament as a proving ground for him, as he was initially seen as an underdog against more established fighters.
• Ward’s victory over Mikkel Kessler in his hometown marked a pivotal moment in his career, confirming his status as a top fighter.
• The tournament showcased Ward’s skills, toughness, and mental strength, solidifying his legacy in the boxing world.

8. The Kovalev Fights:

• Ward’s rivalry with Sergey Kovalev, a devastating puncher known as “The Krusher,” is a major focus of the podcast.
• The two fought three times, with Ward emerging victorious in the second and third fights.
• Ward highlights Kovalev’s mental and physical fragility, suggesting that Kovalev crumbled under pressure and lacked the mental toughness to withstand Ward’s relentless attack.
• The rivalry showcases Ward’s ability to break down opponents mentally and physically, demonstrating his mastery of the boxing game.

9. The Value of Toughness:

• Ward emphasizes that toughness goes beyond taking punches and being able to withstand punishment.
• He argues that fighters who can hit and not get hit are just as tough, if not tougher, as those who engage in more brawling styles.
• He believes that being able to execute a game plan, maintain discipline, and avoid unnecessary risk is a sign of true toughness.
• Ward’s own career exemplifies this, as he faced numerous power punchers and emerged victorious, highlighting his ability to stay in the pocket and withstand heavy shots.

10. The Rise of Streaming Services:

• Ward discusses the impact of streaming services like ESPN+ on boxing, offering more accessibility and convenience for fans.
• He recognizes the potential for these services to revitalize boxing by providing a wider platform for fights and making them more readily available.
• The podcast explores the potential for streaming services to attract a new generation of boxing fans and to expand the sport’s reach globally.
• He acknowledges the challenges associated with these services, such as the potential for boxing to be overshadowed by other sports and the need for greater promotion and marketing.

11. The Need for Education in Boxing:

• Ward discusses the importance of educating boxing fans about the nuances of the sport and the value of masterful performances.
• He believes that casual fans often fail to appreciate the complexities of boxing and the skills involved in hitting and not getting hit.
• Ward emphasizes the responsibility of broadcasters and writers to provide context and analysis to help fans understand the sport more deeply.
• He recognizes that it’s challenging to change the perception of boxing, but he encourages broadcasters to celebrate fighters and to promote a more nuanced understanding of the sport.

12. Floyd Mayweather’s Legacy:

• Ward discusses Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s dominance and legacy in boxing, acknowledging his skill and ability to generate excitement and revenue.
• He highlights Mayweather’s transformation from a more aggressive fighter to a more calculated and defensive boxer, showcasing his adaptability and longevity.
• The podcast explores the controversy surrounding Mayweather’s flashy lifestyle and his tendency to avoid certain fights, acknowledging the potential for these factors to tarnish his legacy.
• Ward acknowledges Mayweather’s undeniable skill and his impact on the sport, while also expressing reservations about his approach to the game and the business of boxing.

13. The Importance of Facing the Best:

• Ward emphasizes the importance for fighters to test themselves against the best in the sport, regardless of their current rankings or levels of experience.
• He criticizes the tendency for some fighters to avoid tough opponents, particularly in MMA, where the UFC’s matchmaking system can lead to quick matchups against top contenders.
• Ward believes that facing the best allows fighters to truly assess their skills, to learn from their mistakes, and to grow as athletes.
• He argues that the lack of this approach can lead to fighters being overhyped and to a decline in the overall quality of fights.

14. The Legacy of Roy Jones Jr.:

• Ward discusses Roy Jones Jr.’s extraordinary talent and his impact on boxing, highlighting his unorthodox style, his incredible speed and athleticism, and his ability to captivate audiences.
• He acknowledges Jones’s struggles later in his career, which were partly due to his decision to fight at heavyweight and his declining physical abilities.
• Ward’s admiration for Jones is evident throughout the podcast, as he shares personal anecdotes about meeting Jones and watching his fights.
• He believes that Jones’s legacy is complex, with both achievements and setbacks, but ultimately, he remains a true icon in boxing.

15. The Evolution of Boxing:

• Ward reflects on the changing landscape of boxing, from the era of HBO’s dominance to the rise of streaming services and social media.
• He acknowledges that boxing has faced challenges, but he believes that the sport is still thriving, with a new generation of talented fighters and a growing fan base.
• The podcast highlights the importance of adaptation and innovation for boxing to remain relevant in a rapidly evolving media landscape.
• Ward expresses optimism for the future of boxing, emphasizing the importance of promoting the sport and showcasing the best fights to attract new fans.

5 Memorable Quotes:

“I didn’t want to be one of them, simply put.”

“It’s so difficult to make that decision though, for some. Roy Jones Jr. didn’t even make that decision.”

“I was taught to be a warrior at a young age. Oftentimes, trainers will train the body, but they don’t train the mind.”

“I never had to be the loudest talker in the room because I knew that all the real stuff is in me. It’s not on me.”

“I’m thankful that when I walked into the gym for the first time, my dad was scouring for a trainer who could teach his son how to hit and not get hit.”