Andre Ward fired by ESPN
Boxing commentator Andre Ward is out at ESPN after the company opted not to renew his contract. Ward announced that he was finished at ESPN after Top Rank on ESPN: Anderson vs. Martin.
“Tonight’s show was the last fight under my ESPN contract,” Ward wrote on Twitter. “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. I’m excited about my future and the chance to work on new projects and endeavors. Great things are ahead.”
SOG ✌ pic.twitter.com/cEso7BwuZF
— Andre S.O.G. Ward (@andreward) July 2, 2023
Ward, 39, was one of the top members of ESPN’s boxing coverage. The former light heavyweight champion was a commentator for Top Rank Boxing and appeared on ESPN shows to discuss boxing.
The boxing division has taken a massive hit amidst the ESPN firings. In addition to Ward, Max Kellerman was also let go. Those two are undoubtedly ESPN’s most prominent names in the boxing division.
The boxing coverage was already underwhelming at ESPN, which, in part, resembled the decline in the sport. In fairness, 2023 has been the best year for boxing in a long period; however, ESPN may struggle to cover the sport after letting Ward and Kellerman walk.
Ward finished his professional boxing career with a 32-0 record. In his career, he won championships at super middleweight and light heavyweight. In 2004, Ward was the last American to win gold at the Olympics in one of the men’s divisions.
Ward has worked for ESPN since he retired from competition in 2017.
Ward should not have an issue finding another job in the media since few boxing commentators possess the credentials that he holds. It would not be a surprise to see Ward find a role with another broadcast team.
Ward may also explore the world of acting. This would not be a completely new adventure as he played Danny Wheeler in the Creed trilogy. His documentary, S.O.G.: The Book of Ward, was also released this year.
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