The boxing world loves a surprise, and this week, Andre Ward delivered a big one. The former pound-for-pound star retired since 2017 shocked fans by publicly calling out Anthony Joshua for a huge comeback fight at Wembley Stadium. The twist? Joshua’s response was more about sarcasm than serious negotiations.
Ward’s Surprising Challenge
Andre Ward, now 41, hasn’t laced up the gloves for eight years. But in a recent Instagram post, the former super middleweight and light heavyweight champion revealed there’s one fight that could tempt him out of retirement: Anthony Joshua at Wembley.
Ward declared on Instagram:
There’s a lot of names out there but not many that make sense. […] If the business was right, me and Anthony Joshua… Wembley Stadium. It’s a dangerous fight for my legacy, but it would get me in the mindset to go to war.
Ward even acknowledged that Joshua is currently linked to a bout with Jake Paul but made it clear he’s talking about a “real fight for legacy.”
Joshua’s Response: Sarcasm and Negotiation
Anthony Joshua was quick to respond, but his reaction was steeped in playful sarcasm. Joshua, never one to shy away from banter, was quick to reply on social media. He joked in “Canelo voice”:
Pay Day, Pay Day!
The former heavyweight champ also poked fun at Ward’s Wembley ambitions:
Bro said Wembley Stadium like it’s casual looooool 90k tickets, DRE! What do your gate numbers look like?
Joshua later added
Don’t come asking for multi-millions to fight me. Put your pride before your ego and let’s rumble,
an indicator that, while the fight is unlikely on boxing merits, Joshua still considers it an opportunity worth bantering about.
Tyson Fury Joins In with a Dig at Ward
Not one to miss an opportunity for a jab, Tyson Fury weighed in on the callout. The WBC heavyweight champion questioned why Joshua would even consider the fight, quipping:
Why would Joshua want to fight Ward? No belts, no legacy, and he’s been bad mouthing AJ for years.
Fury’s comment only added fuel to the online debate, with many agreeing that Ward’s lack of heavyweight experience makes the matchup a tough sell.
Is Anthony Joshua vs Andre Ward Likely to Happen?
Realistically? Probably not. Joshua’s current focus appears to be on a blockbuster clash with Jake Paul, while Ward’s callout feels more like a fun “what if” scenario than a serious contract negotiation. Still, the buzz reminds us that boxing thrives just as much on big personalities and bold challenges as it does on sanctioned title bouts.
Final Word:
Andre Ward’s unexpected callout to Anthony Joshua brought laughs, debates, and fantasy match-up talk to social media. Whether it’s about legacy or payday, it proves that even in retirement, Ward knows how to get the boxing world talking.
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