Born: 23 January 1984

Birth Place: San Francisco, California, USA

Nationality: American

Nickname: S.O.G (Son of God)

Division: Super Middleweight (168lbs)

Height: 6’ / 183 cm

Reach: 71″ / 180 cm

• 2004 Olympic Light Heavyweight Gold Medallist

• 2001 United States Amateur Middleweight Champion

• 2002 Under 19 National Championship

• 2003 United States Amateur Light Heavyweight Champion

• World Champion Titles at Super Middleweight

• The Ring 2011 Fighter of the Year

• Super Six Tournament Winner

• Ring Intelligence

• Ability to Fight on the Inside, Mid-Range or Outside

Andre Ward is one of the most talented boxers of the modern era, He possesses a set of invaluable tools in his arsenal which has allowed him to excel to the elite levels of boxing. Although he lacks big punching power, he has excellent defensive skills and can control the fight no matter what style is presented in front of him.

Natural talent and desire go hand in hand for Andre Ward. Since a young age, Ward has continued winning on a consistent basis from the amateurs to the professional ranks.

Having won a Olympic Gold Medal, Ward hasn’t enjoyed the same type of publicity as other fighters who have achieved the same feat. Instead, he’s had to fight his way to the top, and winning the Super Six tournament established him as the best Super Middleweight in the world.

One of the secrets to his success lies within his long-time trainer Virgil Hunter who has implemented the right training plan and philosophy for Ward.

• One of the methods Ward uses to strengthen his hands is he stabs his hands with the fingertips first, into a large tub of rice grains. This is a traditional method also used by martial artists.

• Virgil Hunter puts much emphasis on a necessity to train intensely. “The whole idea is to train until you’re in an uncomfortable, painful situation…I use these situations in Andre’s training, so he knows he’s mentally prepared to handle anything he might encounter in the heat of combat.”

• Ward occasionally pushes a small pick-up truck or runs with a 45-pound log or plate overhead.

• The mental aspect of training is vital. Hunter says: "I don't use reps, because I don't want you ever to think, 'I'm done.' We don't want that mentality…Quitting points give you the chance to quit right at the point that your pain threshold is about to change."