Andre Ward has signed a new multiyear deal to remain with ESPN as one of its boxing analysts, the network announced on Friday.
Under the agreement, Ward, who unified super middleweight and lightweight world titles and became one of boxing’s pound-for-pound best fighters in the world during his 2004 to 2017 ring career, will be on site for the Top Rank Boxing on ESPN cards.
“We are thrilled to have reached this agreement with Andre,” said Mark Gross, ESPN’s senior vice president for production and remote events. “Andre’s experience in the ring, wealth of knowledge and passion for boxing will further enrich our live boxing coverage and provide fans a unique perspective of the sport.”
Ward, 34, of Oakland, California, who won a 2004 Olympic gold medal, retired in late 2017 after his second win in a row over Sergey Kovalev. Although rumors have swirled about an eventual comeback Ward said he is focused on his broadcasting career. He also does broadcast work for some of HBO’s boxing events.
“I’m excited to officially become a part of ESPN’s broadcast team,” Ward said. “ESPN’s new boxing platform is an opportunity for today’s talent to be exposed to a wider audience and it pushes the sport forward. My desire is to be an asset to those watching all over the world by giving viewers an unbiased, educated opinion that is clear and concise.”
Ward’s next appearance will come at the Aug. 18 Top Rank Boxing on ESPN card, which will take place at the new Ocean Resort Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey, where heavyweight contender Bryant Jennings (23-2, 13 KOs) will face Alexander Dimitrenko (41-3, 26 KOs).
After that Ward will be on site at the Gila River Arena in Glendale, Arizona, on Aug. 25 for the card headlined by lightweight world titleholder Raymundo Beltran (35-7-1, 21 KOs) making his first defense against former junior lightweight world champion Jose “Sniper” Pedraza (24 (24-1, 12 KOs).