NEW YORK, NY (October 29, 2015) – Roc Nation Sports is pleased to announce that Two-Time World Champion and top-rated pound-for-pound fighter Andre Ward (28-0, 15 KOs) will return to the ring on Saturday, Nov. 21 in the co- feature to the Miguel Cotto vs. Canelo Alvarez middleweight world championship showdown that will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View. Ward has signed an exclusive multi-fight agreement with HBO that will commence with Ward’s Nov. 21 fight at The Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Having cleaned out the super middleweight division, Ward, 31, will be making his debut in the 175-pound light heavyweight division against an opponent to be announced.
Ward-Brand
Why does Andre Ward need another tune-up?
By Allan Fox: HBO is going to let Andre Ward (28-0, 15 KOs) take a tune-up fight for his first fight of his three-fight contract with them against 38-year-old #5 WBC 168lb contender Alexandre Brand (24-1, 19 KOs) in a fight that will be taking place in the light heavyweight division.
Why does Ward need another tune-up fight when he recently had one against Paul Smith last June? It doesn’t make much sense for HBO Boxing to be accommodating Ward by letting him have another tune-up fight by him facing a super middleweight at light heavyweight.
Andre Ward vs. Alexander Brand on Cotto-Canelo card on 11/21
(Photo credit: Tom Hogan – Hoganphotos/Roc Nation Sports) By Jim Dower: It’s now official. WBA super middleweight champion Andre Ward (28-0, 15 KOs) will be facing #5 WBC Alexander Brandon (24-1, 19 KOs) on November 21st, according to Dan Rafael of ESPN.
The Ward-Brand right will be the co-feature bout on the Miguel Cotto vs. Saul “Canelo” Alvarez fight card on HBO pay-per-view from the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Andre Ward vs. Alexander Brand possible for November 21
By Scott Gilfoid: With the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) reportedly choosing not to sanction an Andre Ward (28-0, 15 KOs) vs. #6 WBO Rohan Murdock fight for November 21st on the undercard of the Saul “Canelo” Alvarez vs. Miguel Cotto fight in Las Vegas, Ward now could be facing #5 WBO Alexander Brandon (24-1. 19 KOs).
According to Dan Rafael, the 38-year-old Brand is now someone whose name is being mentioned as a possibility for Ward. This is arguably a step down from the 23-year-old Murdock. Brand was beaten three years ago by Badou Jack by an 8 round decision.