Andre Ward: 'Wouldn't Be Shocked At All' If Nate Diaz Beat Jake Paul | The MMA Hour

Andre Ward talks about judging in boxing, his new book, criticisms that he's "guarded," why he left the sport in his 30s, how he thought about fighting again when Sergey Kovalev fought Canelo Alvarez, whether he'd be open to an exhibition fight, how there was brief interest in a fight with Jake Paul, his thoughts on Nate Diaz's upcoming fight with Paul, his sparring sessions with Nick and Nate Diaz, Francis Ngannou's exit from the UFC and whether Tyson Fury should fight him, his breakdown of Terence Crawford vs. Errol Spencer, Teofimo Lopez's issues outside the ring, and more.
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[@cainslawyer8058]

Boxing's GSP. Every young fighter should look up to Ward

[@kenwahldhlamini8102]

Naaaq

[@cainslawyer8058]

@Steven P I don't know if you're sarcastic but gsp literally won all 5 rounds

[@cainslawyer8058]

@Steven P You mean high kick?

[@LSMG2004]

Andre Wars.. SO badass.

[@frisk151]

I have the utmost respect for this man... Glad he opened up and is sharing his thoughts and experiences.. Great role model...

[@scottadams8598]

Let's go Nate!

[@theguvnor3880]

One of the best fighters of his generation and hugely underrated.

[@yogi2983]

Underrated only because he didn't become a blockbuster fighter. But the true fans know Ward is one of the GOATs.

[@dr.loomis4221]

underrated by who?

[@struBANG]

@@dr.loomis4221casuals

[@Ahrbok]

@@dr.loomis4221 If you don't think Ward is underrated you're probably just being a weirdo who pretends they don't understand any perspective other than the boxing purists'.

[@jamesdewbrey]

He’s respected here in the UK.

[@Imcryptoknight]

Andre Ward one of the 🐐‘s

[@carter1487]

Extremely impressed by Mr. Ward!

[@steventreloar2069]

Andre is a real one. Glad he's came out on top

[@monroethegreat7539]

I can listen to Andre Ward talk all day, Good guy and always professional and articulate no matter what, Ward is definitely one of the greats that never got the credit he deserves.

[@SWAT-Medic1349]

When I was a young kickboxer in the 80s , a program was launched to teach and certify fighters to be judges in an organization called the WKA. The training experience was great! One of the instructors was a retired very popular fighter and former world champion. I wish MMA and Boxing revisits this project!

[@BBD-JITZ]

Ariel always puts in the work when researching and coming up with questions to make these interviews compelling. Well done!

[@martintraphagen3698]

One of the best interviews Ariel has done in recent memory. Ward is the man

[@Eventual-Visitor]

The Snout forgot that Ward lost the first fight with Kovalev and corruption had to intervene. Also never even tried to become undisputed at any weight because he wanted to duck and cherry pick at will.

[@BoogieManSince1977]

literally came to say the same thing in different words, but same effect

[@anthonymartinez4307]

Best? To ufc shields backing an mma fighter fully knowing that Diaz isn’t a real Boxer? Who’s been fighting in Boxing lately? How can someone train one season for a boxing match to go against someone who has been beating other mma fighters? Do you see the uphill battle?

[@willkavanaugh]

Nate was some of Andre Wards best south paw work through the years. I didnt expect that honestly.

[@LynnieFleegleJr]

I'll never forget when Ward fought Eddison Miranda on Friday night fights to earn his spot in the super 6. B4 he was a world champion I watched it with my jack Russell SMOKEY

[@Last_Chance.]

I was actually at that fight. Not ringside unfortunately but I was only 5 or 6 rows away. That was a long time ago

[@LynnieFleegleJr]

@@Last_Chance. yea I started watching boxing in 06 so maybe they fought in 08 because Jerman Taylor was fight Kelly Pavlik for all 4 of the 160 pound belts right before the super six

[@ecobusinesssystemsefrainqu655]

Andre is a great ambassador for the sport

[@JohnZayne]

Respect to Andre, living legend! Respect to Nathan! Let’s get this W dawg. And F*ck anyone who sits in the comments talking smack about people who are far greater than they could ever dream of. RESPECT

[@ryeellz9967]

Legend

[@justme.1st]

Thanks for this interview Ariel, Andre a class act… if you have already mentioned this in another show, I missed it but Teddy Atlas was recently talking about establishing a national boxing commission, could you possibly invite him on to talk about it? He has a petition for anyone interested in signing. I haven’t forgotten nor forgiven the nsac for the way they treated Nick Diaz. They need some accountability for the judging in boxing & mma. Thanks.

[@JoseCastro-xq6gw]

Ass breeze

[@streetspartanpr]

The most unappreciated fighter all time or at least of our generation.

[@MikeFromMichigan]

#AndreWard #Respect 💪✊️💯

[@GLOBAL-INTIFADA]

Love Andre man

[@lagranllajta]

tks Ariel this guy is a legend in boxing his boxing was crisp joy to see him fight and spar.

[@TJ-ut8qg]

So intelligent, Town bizness. You see it!

[@jahzicarino992]

Great interview! Love the mind behind this man ! God got big things for this dude 🔥🌴

[@kevincarmona8438]

Let’s go!!! The legendary sog

[@devonf542]

Oakland legend!

[@DiamondKingsMusic]

Legend!! SOG

[@Artikulit]

incredibly well spoken gentleman

[@TFitz1]

I have so much respect for Ward not only as a boxer but as a man

[@michaelyoung9967]

Ariel love the show man. You have been one of the best for a long time. Great episode with Andre Ward. The man is all class and I'd have to say one of the top 10 of all time. Thanks for the work you do! Nottingham sucks! Hahaha! I'm from Newcastle on Tyne so it's the Maggie's for life!

[@Anthony-rx9wd]

Awesome context about the fighters union.

[@alexhudson-]

That's the Stuntman

[@rayzrealm]

*He’s coming back people! This is the Andre Ward interview I’ve been waiting for.*

[@Gematrinator]

No he isn’t coming back. Not once did he say that

[@rrogers2370]

Buddy long gone

[@nowolfticketspodcast9123]

Commissions will never change the judging because it's set up to assist the sports books across the globe (esp Vegas). Things MUST be left open for judge/referee interpretation in order to swing things in favor of the sports books because even with that edge, their edge is fairly minimal. They cannot afford to make judges more accountable, otherwise odds would swing in favor of the sports betters and therefore kill the sports books. It's been that way for years, it'll continue being that way as long as sports betting is alive. For those who think this can't be true, you're naive and should study the history of sports betting and how controlled it really is.

[@DeathByPelican]

Makes sense

[@michaelyoung9967]

Fact! Las Vegas doesn't lose

[@nick-nj2gt]

legend

[@BDtheZero]

Top 5 interview

[@King_JappyJoe]

This man is the reason Nate Diaz believes hes Muhammed Ali lol. Andre Ward is an Elite Fighter I was always a fan of, just wish he had taken some Bigger Matchups at the end instead of retiring young but good for him.

[@track-lash3337]

Everyone close to boxing landscape in those days knows the real reason Dre retired is because his fights weren’t selling

[@user-yq7xf2ss6e]

I grew up the same way what is in the home stays in the home im a 80s baby to ward is my favorite fighter in and outside the ring

[@J.Lee-xv6wb]

Ward, one of the GREATS

[@GLOBAL-INTIFADA]

Man imagine him boxing either of the Paul's 😂😂 they don't want that smoke for sure !

[@michaelyoung9967]

He could fight them back to back and probably only take a glancing blow

[@rethinkyourself1]

This guy is very nice 👌

[@JoeHarnden1991]

[@yaakw]

The Art of Ward By André Ward

[@1991maz]

Elite Boxer right here!!

[@sychophantt]

When talking about the greats, Andre Ward's name NEVER come up

[@2869may]

Ward is well spoken and intelligent.... WarDiaz...!

[@danerwinde7717]

I was convinced canelo would call out Andre after the Kovalev fight. Convinced.

[@brandonpanozzo86]

One of the best champions of all time big fan

[@Sam-bz4hf]

Quality

[@christophermhudson09]

One thing I just thought of...... Although I had been a proponent of referees and judges having to explain...... I wonder if the prospect of them having to explain or face backlash puts undue extra pressure on the mind to make the correct decision and what will the people say after causing you to potentially freeze up in a moment or not want to go against the favorite etc..... Knowing you don't have to publicly explain the decision allows immeasurable mental freedom to focus on what's happening

[@lowlowseesee]

damn this just reminds me of how great of a human this man is. looking just like both his parents too lol

[@oak8891]

the documentary will remind you even more, it's amazing anyone has bad things to say about the guy, he's a stand up dude

[@michaelyoung9967]

The man is pure class.

[@tomknibbs2273]

Andre ward is pretty high on Nates boxing ability as thye used to spar together, i think people will be suprised.

[@issacojeda5056]

ANDRE WARD

[@steventreloar2069]

Another HUGE name for Ariel!

[@KFBALL247]

I would not be the least bit surprised if a story comes out where a judge in MMA or boxing is fixing fights. With the amount of money being gambled these days, it’s going to happen. The judging has been bizarre lately in both sports.

[@michaelyoung9967]

I agree with you 100%. The judges have always been suspect and they have been fixing fights forever. Whether it be paying a fighter to take a dive or buying off the judges.

[@Last_Chance.]

It's been that way for forever. Not just recently

[@oldmanstillcan]

Yes, love to hear this. Always rooting for the Diaz brothers but this time I'm gonna root and lay down a bet on DeFiBooki with some crypto! LFG Nate!

[@spikelace8268]

Is it me or is Dre's shirt matching the wall 😅😅

[@AP-ur1cd]

Andre ward best boxer of our generation never ducked anyone holding down the BAY

[@hayleysowards9431]

Diaz, Nathan alllll day.

[@joclutterbuck6458]

The betting fix is in refs and judges for all major sports...

[@koukimonster6957]

Very smart guy! I have a feeling he’ll make more money in his business moves than he ever did in his boxing career.

[@JayRRR-gb1lo]

I like how he points out that he's an 80s baby and that people born in that era weren't really encouraged to self-promote.

[@meepie9819]

Maybe we can do the double header: Jake Paul vs. Nate Diaz and Logan Paul vs. Andre Ward. Oh wait. These fights, at the same night, would be on the same PPV ticket and vultures like that ain’t leaving money on the table.

[@GerardoIantosca]

Andre Ward what a boxer. Class act. Top notch.

[@2stroketyson79]

Now that Jake already took a loss he can take dives now too like they did for Jake!

[@906AKORN]

Cope all you want but nobody took a dive. You just saying it def doesn’t make it true. You have no evidence but you’re ignorant feelings. I can’t stand the comment section conspiracy lovers that make giant claims with zero evidence. If u watched fighting an saw the fights then it’s very clear they weren’t set up. Jake is a big strong motivated guy who has been taking training n the life style very seriousfor years now. It’s not surprising he smoked Ben askren in boxing an beat tyron An won a decision Against An old Anderson who never throws more than 4 punches a round. They weren’t even real boxers. They were retired mma fighters. Get over it. N he lost to the first real pro boxer he fought. Also not surprising.

[@dominicmesh7212]

This is who I'd like to see slap Jake around like a step child. He loves himself an old retired guy...well here ya go. Try ward

[@BW9239]

@ 21:12 he says he respects Jon Jones... fight game. Interesting he felt the need to add that caveat at the end lol

[@BruteStrength99]

Real recognizes real. Andre knows a fighter when he see's one

[@gattivsward1]

10/10's if you can't decide

[@willneafcy5978]

Come on they don’t want any smoke with big dog andre ward

[@pedroavila1435]

real SOG!

[@rayu9311]

Should have asked if he bear Kovalev the first time and how the judges scored it for him?

[@thefranchize3445]

I’m betting jake wins via doctors stoppage due to cuts. I don’t see Nate having much power with boxing gloves and is hittable so jake can trade punches with him. When trading punches evenly, power becomes a big advantage. Hope I’m wrong.

[@jman5866]

In my opinion, Ward was a greater fighter than Mayweather and took on bigger challenges and bigger fighters in weight.

[@johnross4001]

Andre wants a fight for fun Andre Ward vs Mike Perry would be awesome Mike wants a boxing match forget the Paul brothers fight Mike Perry it would be awesome fight

[@kenwahldhlamini8102]

Never this guy is a clown 🤡

[@michaelyoung9967]

I like Perry but he couldn't even come close to landing on ward

[@BruteStrength99]

Perry is a Bare Knuckle Fighter

[@NameLess-tg2qu]

why doesn't anyone talk about a rematch after the Kai Kara-France "loss"

[@murdersaab8999]

Good s**t

[@forever1909]

Just like Barry Sanders he left before father time. Andre

[@jasonroyyoung]

Eye test... Judgement where's confusion. 🤔

[@fastmamajama]

tyson fury small gloves vs francis would be nice

[@michaelyoung9967]

Nice for Francis fans lol. I really hope fury stays out of all that mess

[@dereckmejia7981]

Can u have one pod cast without saying Dana's name. Damn

[@ShowseeTravels]

Andre vs Canello is the fight of all fights! I was getting hyped about the possibility of that when Canello fought Caleb Plant. I had Caleb winning that fight up to the knockout. Canello couldn’t handle Andre… No Way.

[@track-lash3337]

No way in hell would any influencer boxer pick Dre for a boxing match. Especially considering the top influencers are selling much more $$$ as novices than Dre ever did at the prime of his pro career. It’d be a massive risk with no upside

[@begreatbeu]

Jake came along way when the title asks if someone would be shock if Nate Diaz beats Jake Paul. LMBO - i guess Jake has behind the scene business with Helwani.

[@IratePirate28]

Should take 10% of every sanctioned bout and put it towards the union but nope cause now it hits the pockets.

[@jimmyv1753]

Jake pushing for this mma rematch. 10 million dollar rematch in mma can NOT happen if Nate wins the boxing match. Nate doesn’t have a record to worry about in boxing so a loss in boxing means nothing officially to him. Ego wise I don’t know if he has it in him to give one away. So for those reasons I expect Jake to win. But take away the rematch in mma and the value of that. I believe Nate would simply outwork him and get an easy decision against Jake. But with the potential for a multi million dollar payday for Nate in a rematch in mma. Only if he loses the boxing match throws shade over the whole thing

[@JenniferCox1111]

Nate would rather die than to take a dive. It’s not in him!

[@mcallstar7]

Dont feel guilty just charge it to the game

[@MMAsFather]

Of course he train with nate

[@user-ey6gx6wu2o]

Jake needs to get his guys on this !!!

[@ShowseeTravels]

Tyson is mentioning Jon, not the other way around. The UFC title matters, and Francis doesn’t hold it, nor does he have a title from the PFL. The F’n guy needs to get busy and do something.

[@DavidBeckett-xz4lh]

Technology will solve the judging of a fight. Like the soccer.

[@larryfinch8339]

Maybe Nick could fight Logan Paul on the same card as his brother

[@anthonymartinez4307]

Show the foot work and training you won’t have to explain anything. We love the Diaz and understand the big name brand however we also have a fetish for boxing and we understand mma is not anything close to Boxing. Let’s be honest a boxer can train to hold and defend take downs and dirty fight ( Holly Holm Rocking Ronda’s World) but you can’t jump into boxing from mma and swing like a real boxer. The work outs are harder and what did mcgregor prove when he was holding his gloves down low? It meant he couldn’t even hold his hands in place do you see the big picture? Never seen Either Diaz in a real Boxing match? Jake has been boxing this hole time he looks like a real Boxer that is not a joke!

[@sonofapollo5892]

I agree.

[@AdamKing-xv1iu]

Ward.. it's not about the money. Also ward... If Canelo calls $$$

[@tayloryoung4848]

When’s the last time Spence KO’d somebody ??

[@track-lash3337]

Hope ya realize Beating guys face to a pulp to point they can’t see well enough to finish the fight counts as a stoppage. Because it could happen to Bud with his beady eyes and high ass cheek bones

[@bigmodontfail6229]

Did you not see what he did to Ugas?😂😂😭

[@michaelyoung9967]

Crawford is going to punish him

[@dr.loomis4221]

I know they're not always accurate...but it's shocking his new worth is listed at only $8 million dollars

[@Luke-zd4dp]

Poor guy 😂

[@BruteStrength99]

Because good guys are boring. That's what our society has become.

[@spinespindle9872]

How to win on Andre wards fight scorecards: 1.display extreme confidence and mentorship. 2. Run. 3. Bob, weave, tie up with the opponent. 4. Pepper your opponent with jabs. 5. Say you won at the end of the fight.

[@michaelyoung9967]

I think you are thinking of Ray Leonard...run and throw 5 punches that don't land in the last 10.seconds of the round

[@spinespindle9872]

@@michaelyoung9967 I disagree, judging by the fights with Tommy hearns , Davie boy green, and wildfred Benitez

[@BruteStrength99]

I had Benetiz and Hearns up in those fights

[@rhythm6503]

Jake paul would earn so much respect by taking a beating from this man

[@thrill_hill]

Ariel is the goat.

[@DankDaHerbalist]

Are judges allowed to bet? What about their family?? 🤔

[@MOBSquadGaming]

Bro Andre will wreck Jake. Why would Jake even want that smoke 😂