Andre Ward Responds To Rumors Of Grudge With Canelo Alvarez

Andre Ward has spoken out on the rumors about having a rivalry with Canelo Alvarez.

Ward vs. Canelo is one of those “what if” scenarios in boxing. Ward retired back in 2017 as the undefeated and undisputed light-heavyweight champion. Canelo has emerged as the sport’s pound-for-pound best boxer and he even dabbled into the light-heavyweight division, capturing the WBO gold by knocking out Sergey Kovalev.

Speculation has run rampant ever since IBF Super-Middleweight Champion Caleb Plant sought out some pointers from Ward in the gym. Plant is due to face Canelo on Nov. 6. Many believe Ward is assisting Plant due to some grudge with Canelo.

Ward spoke to Fight Hype and made it clear that those rumors simply aren’t true (h/t BoxingScene.com).

“I don’t have no history with that guy. The internet, since I retired, came up with this rivalry that’s not real. This man has never said my name pertaining to a fight when I was active, when I was retired. I’ve never said his name.

“This all came because I’m retired and he fought a common opponent. Even after that fight he never said my name. I don’t think he will ever say my name like that. In terms of wanting to fight. So, no, we don’t have history.”

Speaking to reporters, Canelo responded to Plant working with Ward (via Boxing News 24/7).

“They both can get it in the ring, no problem. It’s only going to be me and him [Plant] in the ring, but if they both get in there, I still don’t have a problem.”

Many are wondering what will be next for Canelo if he defeats Plant to unify the super-middleweight gold. Some believe that he will make a run at all of the major light-heavyweight titles. There’s also a potential trilogy fight with Gennady Golovkin.