Andre Ward vs. Sullivan Barrera: Fight Time, Date, Live Stream and TV Info
The return of Andre Ward (28-0, 15 KO) headlines an HBO boxing card on Saturday night. The event will take place at the Oracle Arena in the former pound-for-pound contender's hometown of Oakland, California.
Undefeated Cuban slugger Sullivan Barrera (17-0, 12 KO) will provide the opposition. Here's a look at the viewing information for the event:
Date: Saturday, March 26
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Time: 9:45 p.m. ET
Where: The Oracle Arena, Oakland, California
TV: HBO
Live Stream: BoxNation
Full Card Info: BoxRec
Here's a look at the final press conference, per FightHub:
What Have You Done Lately?
Despite the fact that Ward hasn't lost a boxing match of any kind since he was 12 years old, he still has much to prove on Saturday when he steps in the ring with Barrera.
Because of injuries and contract disputes with his former promoter, Ward has fought just once since November 2013. That inactivity and his technical approach to the sweet science has led to the 32-year-old falling out of favor with some boxing fans.
Ward's style is one that is most often appreciated by well-schooled fans who buy into the concept that boxing is about not being hit, more than it is about participating in brawls.
Unfortunately for Ward, the demographic that prefers the knock-down-drag-out affair outnumbers the connoisseurs of defensive boxing.
Because he's also not the flamboyant and braggadocious type, Ward has often been the forgotten superstar in the sport. Translation: his brand can ill afford long layoffs. The pressure might have increased for Ward after his last bout. He stopped Paul Smith in the ninth round back in June 2015, but it wasn't one of his better performances.
That only added fuel to the haters' fire. This tweet from Alex Rodriguez that was retweeted by Tom Craze of Bad Left Hook illustrates how many fans feel about Ward's appeal:
The treatment Ward gets is unfair. There's been no more than five fighters in the last 25 years who are as skilled in the ring. Out of it, he's smart, thoughtful and articulate.
In boxing, those qualities aren't usually appreciated. In this interview with FightHype.com, Ward discusses his perception in the boxing community and other topics:
A potential clash with lineal light heavyweight champion Sergey Kovalev looms, but Ward has to beat Barrera first. Will he look to impress fans who have cooled on his in-ring mastery or stick to the script?
Bringing the Fight
Barrera doesn't appear to be the kind of fighter most big names would pick in what amounts to a tune-up bout.
The 34-year-old Cuban is coming off a fifth-round KO win over Karo Murat in December. The stoppage was a bit premature by referee Wayne Hedgpeth, but the result didn't appear to be in doubt.
Barrera knows he's being looked as a stepping stone, but he's focused on ruining Ward's plans to regain his stature as one of the sport's best.
Barrera is 6'2" and powerfully built. He has large calves, which is normally a sign of a fighter who takes and gives a solid punch. His 12 KOs in 17 pro fights suggest he is a strong puncher.
Without question, he's never faced anyone with even a smidgen of Ward's technical skill and pure speed. His best best chance to win is to make it a brawl in the hope of exposing some ring rust on the part of the former champion.
Barrera's trainer, Abel Sanchez, has said that the gameplan is to pressure Ward, per Phil D Jay of World Boxing News from the first to the final round. Can that work?
Prediction
Barrera's record is a bit deceiving. In watching him against Murat, there are several holes in his game that a skilled veteran like Ward should be able to exploit.
Barrera keeps his hands too low and telegraphs his power shots, but he does do a good job of changing levels with his punches. However, chances are, Ward will have planted a jab, straight and left hook on his grill before the Cuban launches a meaningful attack in most instances.
If Ward is in good form, he'll handle Barrera easily. A fifth- or sixth-round TKO is a likely outcome. If he's not the same guy, things could get interesting. However, it's still hard to see him losing this fight.
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