Andre Ward on layoff: It was devastating

Roc Nation Sports hosted an international media conference call on Monday, June 15 with Olympic Gold Medalist and reigning WBA Super Middleweight World Champion Andre Ward (27-0, 14 KO's) and former World Title Challenger Paul Smith (35-5, 20 KO's) of England. On the call Ward talked about his long layoff, fighting at 172, and his next options.

WHEN ASKED ABOUT BEING OUT OF THE SPORT AND RESTARTING HIS CAREER

Oh, yes. I mean, obviously it was devastating, you know. And in my profession and in my job, I've learned to plant a poker face, you know, pain and discomfort and different things like that. So, I didn't really let on to a lot or talk about a lot because I just didn't think it would be appropriate. We have the legal battle going on and, you know, every word is being taken literally and I just have to be very careful about what I say publicly. But it was very devastating to the point where, like I said before, and this is just not a line, you know, for you guys but I really wanted to walk away. I didn't want to walk away but was on the verge of walking away because I didn't see any light at the end of any tunnel. I noted behind the scenes regardless of what was written. I did all that I could do to sort of rectify the situation after it was underway and try to settle something that was reasonable that everybody could live with and it's just one thing after the next. I literally wrote two retirement speeches because I didn't want it to end on anyone else's turn but myself. So if that's what it was going to take, then that's the route we're going to take. And fortunately, you know, every time I got to that point, someone in my life, my past would tell me "it's not time...I understand your frustration but, you know, just wait this out, it's going to end at some point" and it finally did.

And as far as just, you know, missing, the positive that I was able to broadcast and be around the fans and when something like that happens human nature is to stay away from people not be seen and not want to be around it. But, I had to be there because I have a job to do and obligation to HBO, but I wanted my fans to see me and talk to me. Professionally this was one of the most uncomfortable situations I've ever been in because that's what it's really all about. And now that I'm back, that made me stronger. I have a greater appreciation for the sport. I didn't think I could have a good appreciation but I do. And I prepared for this fight and I'm excited.

WHEN ASKED IF 172 IS A STEP UP TO MOVING TO 175

I just think selectively everybody decided that this is the best move to make. You know, why go to 68 right now? Just see what you feel and for two reasons. Yes I can make 68. I haven't had any issues making - and I think to my credit until I show that I have some issues I've never missed weight. I've never come close to missing weight. Until I show that I have some issues, I think it's safe to say that I can make 68 with no problems. But then it's also just a gauge in a barometer to see how I feel. Is it time to move up or do we go down to 68? So you have that - your question is accurate. Plus, it's just to ultimately see how I feel overall.

WHEN ASKED ABOUT GENNADY GOLOVKIN, ADONIS STEVENSON, AND SERGEY KOVALEV

They are very motivating. It's what we're in this sport for. I mean, there's definitely a place for tune-up sites to get into groove and get your body back. But ultimately, I think I've shown this throughout my career, ultimately, you want the biggest fight and that's, only citing the best in the division. And I don't think it's realistic to do that fight in and fight out. I don't think that's smart either. But, you know, at some point in time, you have to go with those guys and, like I said, throughout my whole career, I've done that. And me fighting those eight-level, other champions, former champions, top contenders, they came back for me because of the Super Six and then obviously the Chad Dawson fight and even Edwin Rodriguez. So I just want to see where my body is after this fight and continue to get my body fat measured, continue to see what my body is as a whole and how I feel. And then when we go up to 75, we'll make that decision if we stay at 68. It's always about ultimately getting the best fight. But the reality is I can't make these guys fight me. And all I can do is be in a position to be ready. And the only thing I believe stopping me from pay-per-view is just having the right dancing partner.

And right now, I don't have a slew of components that can make for pay-per-view fight but I just have to continue taking a fight at a time and I think at the right time, those things are going to happen.