By Rob Blakeman: Last night’s light heavyweight debut of Andre Ward spelt trouble for recognized World Champion of that weight class, Sergey Kovalev. Ward gave a textbook clinic in the art of boxing while schooling previously unbeaten Cuban Sullivan Barrera. It was a complete master class by Ward carried out in front of fans in his own back yard fighting at the Oracle Arena in Oakland, California.
The icing on the cake for Ward enthusiasts was highlighted when he decked the bigger, more natural light heavyweight in the third round and dominated him throughout the remainder despite a reach disadvantage.