Andre Ward will open his Super Six World Boxing Classic account with a world title challenge against Denmark’s WBA super middleweight champion Mikkel Kessler in his home town of Oakland, California on Saturday and has received the backing of his former high school.
The undefeated American, 20-0 (13 KOs), was met at the recent press conference in the town’s City Hall with a performance from the high school cheerleaders before being presented with a Hayward High t-shirt and an Honorary Diploma by the vice principle Andrea Hayes for his outstanding work in and out of the ring.
Ward was clearly moved by the event and hopes he can inspire the next generation of kids from his home town by capturing the world title.
“To see this kind of turnout today and the tremendous support I am getting only confirms what I know, and that Saturday will be a special night for me and the city of Oakland. There was a lot of buzz before my last fight here [in May against Edison Miranda], but there is a lot more excitement going around for this one.
“To have my alma mater come out today is extremely invigorating and I thank them very much. I go to the school and talk on occasion but I plan to go more often from now on.
“The feeling I get looking in the kids’ eyes, the feeling I get from them maybe thinking that, ‘hey, if he can make it, I can make it, too’ is inspiring. It is more than just about boxing; it is about life and doing the right things to inspire kids, or fire them up, to make oneself want to be successful.
“If I can make a few change, it has been worthwhile. But it is also a two-way street. I thank God every day. That is who I am.
“No one expected me to win the Olympics. No one expected to me to get this far as a pro. But, now if I win, it is because I’m supposed to, and if I ever lose, it’s a huge thing.
“I’m thrilled for everybody for Saturday night and really anxious for the fight to be here.”
