Andre Ward Withdraws from Alexander Brand Fight Due to Knee Injury

Boxer Andre Ward (28-0, 15 KOs) recently signed a three-fight contract with HBO and was set to square off against Alexander Brand (24-1, 19 KOs) on Nov. 21 as a co-feature on a card headlined by Miguel Cotto and Canelo Alvarez in Las Vegas. However, Ward has withdrawn from the bout with knee concerns.

According to Dan Rafael of ESPN.com, the super middleweight world champion has "swelling in his right knee that has limited his recent training."

Lance Pugmire of the Los Angeles Times passed along word that Roc Nation Sports, which represents the boxer, confirmed Ward will pull out because of right knee inflammation.

Ward commented on the setback in a statement released by Roc Nation Sports, per the Associated Press (via the Las Vegas Sun): 

"

I'm extremely disappointed that I'm missing this opportunity on Nov. 21, but at the same time, I'm encouraged. Anytime I have had a minor or major setback in my career, by the grace of God, I've come back stronger, and this will be no different. I'm looking forward to a big 2016. Thank you to all my fans for your support and patience.

"

Rafael noted there is a plan to find a replacement fight on the Nov. 21 card so there will still be four bouts for the pay-per-view telecast.

David Itskowitch, COO Boxing of Roc Nation Sports, also discussed the injury, per Rafael: "Andre's injury is a huge disappointment, not only to him, but all of us involved with this promotion. We have no doubt that Andre will come back stronger than ever once his knee heals and that he will be a force in the light heavyweight division."

Ward was scheduled to fight a second bout in April and then a third in the fall of 2016 with Sergey Kovalev (28-0-1, 25 KOs). The potential bout with Kovalev is one of the most highly anticipated clashes between two of the best undefeated fighters in the world.

The biggest concern from Ward's side at this point with that potential matchup looming has to be rust once he finally does step back in the ring. According to BoxRec, the fighter's bout against Paul Smith on June 20 was his only fight since November of 2013.

This injury will only delay a return to a regular boxing schedule, and Ward will not be accustomed to up to three fights within a year's period. That could ultimately cost him his undefeated record.