Undefeated WBA, WBC and RING super middleweight world champion Andre "SOG'' Ward (25-0, 13 KOs) held an open media workout this week from his training camp in Oakland, CA. Media attendees were given the opportunity to watch his training and ask questions about his upcoming September 8 showdown with WBC and RING light hevyweight titleholder Bad" Chad Dawson (31-1, 17 KOs). Check out what he had to say!
Andre Ward Media Day Quotes:
Q & A with Andre "SOG" Ward
What's it like to fight back in Oakland?
"It's always great to be home. A lot of people think it's a given when you fight at home, like it's an easy thing, but it's not. There's a lot of pressure, but good pressure when you fight at home to defend the house. I consider Oracle Arena my house and the Bay Area as a whole my house. I'm doing what I always do and I'm preparing well and I want to put on a great show for the fans.
What motivates you as a champion?
"What motivates me is first and foremost, my understanding that God gave me a something. When God gives you a gift and a talent you can be whatever. I'm a natural competitor that loves to compete and I'm striving for greatness. I don't believe I'm there yet and I got a lot of work to do. God willing I have a few more years left in the game but I want to be great. And if one day I could be considered great, and have a hall of fame career, I want to look back and say it's a job well done."
What are your thoughts on fighting Chad Dawson?
"It's a tough fight for both men. Not just me dealing with Chad Dawson, but Chad Dawson dealing with me and vice versa. That's the beauty of the fight and it sells itself because you got two young guys who are well decorated in terms of our accomplishments, and we're literally putting it all on the line at the peak of our careers. I don't think anyone can ask for anything more than that."
Andre Ward vs. Chad Dawson World Championship showdown, set to take place September 8 at the Oracle Arena in Oakland, California. The co-feature will see WBC Champion Antonio DeMarco battle John "The Gladiator" Molina Jr. in a 12-round fight for the WBC Lightweight title. Both bouts will be televised live on HBO® World Championship Boxing at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT.
The event is promoted by Goossen Tutor Promotions in association with Gary Shaw Promotions in association with Antonio Leonard Productions and SOG Promotions and sponsored by Corona, City of Oakland, Azad Watches and 95.7 The Game.
Tickets priced at $300, $200, $100, $75, $50 and $25 and are available for purchase online at www.oraclearena.com, www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets are also available at the ORACLE Arena box office.
