Paul Smith to fight Andre Ward? (Not for a title)

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Negotiations to make a fight between Paul Smith and Andre Ward are set to be concluded this week, with the Liverpool super-middleweight set to meet one of boxing's biggest talents on June 20.

Sportsmail understands discussions are virtually finalised for the summer showdown, with a formal announcement of the fight expected imminently.

Elements of the deal are still being rubber-stamped and Ward’s WBA world title is unlikely to be on the line. However, the fight, which will be staged in Oakland, California, will run over the 12-round distance.

It is a huge opportunity for Smith but an even bigger task against a fighter who outclassed Carl Froch in 2011.

Smith, 32, has lost back-to-back world title challenges in Germany against Arthur Abraham, albeit in controversial circumstances in the first of those fights when a wide decision was handed to Abraham from a close bout.

Smith's hope this time round will be that Ward, usually so slick and brilliantly accurate, has diminished through inactivity. The 31-year-old, an Olympic champion and winner of all 27 of his professional fights, has not fought since November 2013.
That period of absence will add a fascinating dimension to a fight that will catch the attention of Froch, who w
ould postpone retirement for a home rematch against Ward.

88Chris05 wrote:Did Eubank take any warm-up / keep busy fights between losing to Calzaghe and the two Thompson fights? If not, that's three consecutive losses on the bounce in title fights.

He also lost that Gladiator style fight he had with Nigel Benn that for some unknown reason I sat through

So 3 WBO title fights and a WTF gladiator belt. Eubank is the winner then. Bit disappointing. We need to tighten the criteria....

Any none ex world champions coming out of retirement (who might therefore be granted some latitude based on former glories), had three consecutive losing title challenges?

a WTF gladiator belt

Never heard of the WTF organisation before... hang on, wasn't that the "version" of the HW title that Audley won?

Surprise surprise with Ward yet again.

Lost all interest for this guy the sooner he retires the better.

Has there been 'official' confirmation that this is not for the WBA 'Super' title?

Id imagine the WBA will sanction it afterall they are going to want some fees after froch and ward have been sitting around for so long

They get enough if you ask me, probs got more belts then the other 3 bodies put together.

Ward better KO him or it will be labelled a robbery by the sky team

Lance wrote:Ward better KO him or it will be labelled a robbery by the sky team

I watch boxing with my earphones in now.............

Bit of the Clash or Pink Floyd.................or maybe a bit of Will Young or Boy George..