Hopefully Ward got that HBO money up front.
Ward (28-0, 15 KOs) recently signed a three-fight contract with HBO and was set to face Alexander Brand (24-1, 19 KOs) on Nov. 21 as a co-feature on the Miguel Cotto and Canelo Alvarez card in Las Vegas.
According to Dan Rafael of ESPN.com, the super middleweight world champion has “swelling in his right knee that has limited his recent training,” and that bout will not take place.
Lance Pugmire of the Los Angeles Times via Roc Nation Sports, confirmed Ward will pull out because of right knee inflammation.
ROC Nation confirms report that @andreward is out of Nov. 21 fight with right knee inflammation.
— Lance Pugmire (@latimespugmire) November 5, 2015
Ward released this comment via the Associated Press:
“I’m extremely disappointed that I’m missing this opportunity on Nov. 21, but at the same time, I’m encouraged,” Ward said in a statement released by Roc Nation Sports. “Anytime I have had a minor or major setback in my career, by the grace of God, I’ve come back stronger and this will be no different. I’m looking forward to a big 2016. Thank you to all my fans for your support and patience.”
We have no doubt that Andre will come back stronger than ever once his knee heals and that he will be a force in the light heavyweight division,” Roc Nation executive David Itskowitch said. “We are working diligently to make an intriguing fight that will deliver a level of excitement commensurate with this great event.”
How that effects a looming showdown is anybody’s guess.
Ward is expected to take on three-belt light heavyweight champion Sergey Kovalev next year as part of his deal with HBO, where he also has worked as a commentator.