Andre Ward has unveiled his highly-anticipated documentary, S.O.G: Book of Ward, via Showtime. In support of the documentary’s release, Ward has made his way through a number of media outlets, including The Porter Way and The Last Stand. Most recently, he spoke with Ariel Helwani of The MMA Hour. As the conversation progressed, Helwani inquired about the possibility of Ward coming out of retirement. While the International Boxing Hall of Fame inductee may not be interested in making another run at a world title, he may be open to the idea of earning a major check against one of the sport’s most divisive figures — Jake Paul.
“I’m not going to make a mockery of my legacy, but if it was something that made sense [I’d consider it]. [It would have to be something that made me say], ‘Man, I like this.’ I might jump on that,” he told Helwani when asked if her return to fight an “influencer” in a boxing match.
Like Jake Paul?” Helwani inquired further.
“Oh, yeah. [I’d do] something like that if it makes sense,” Ward answered.
According to Ward, the idea of a fight with Paul was proposed last June as he was set to be inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame. However, he says that he has yet to hear back from Paul or his representatives. Still, the former two-division champion speaks glowingly about his potential opponent and his work ethic.
“I’m not a Jake Paul basher. I really respect what he’s doing. I really do. People look at me crazy when I say that,” Ward said.
“I know the people that he’s running with in these boxing circles and the dude is really trying to get better. He’s really trying to get better. He’s taken the lumps and gotten the black eyes and the marks on the face. So, I respect that about him.”
