Entertainment

Andre Ward in Bay Area to Promote Kovalev Rematch

Published

8 years ago

April 17, 2017

The Oakland Marriott Convention Center’s main ball room was the scene of the Andre Ward versus Sergey Kovalev fight press conference last week.

The two boxers came to the Bay Area to promote their June 17 rematch championship title fight in Las Vegas at the Mandalay Bay Events Center.

The two light heavyweights squared off in a monumental bout last November. Ward defeated Kovalev in a somewhat controversial decision.

Early in the fight Kovalev dominated Ward, knocking him down and overpowering him.

But Ward stuck to his plan, as Kovalev, who never went the distance in a fight, tired out. Ward began to rally late and ended up winning the fight on a unanimous decision.

“He was getting tired the more and more the fight went on,” said Ward. “And towards the end, I knew I had won the fight.”

The win by Ward made his boxing record 31-0, while it was the first defeat for Kovalev as he is 30-1-1 Many boxing experts thought it was either a draw or a Kovalev win. Do boxing fans are interested in the rematch.

“After a razor thin decision last November in their first meeting, the boxing community has been eagerly waiting for a Ward-Kovalev rematch,” said Tony Walker, vice president of HBO Pay Per View. “These are two world class prize fighters who embrace being on the biggest stage.”

Ward, 33, is an Oakland born and raised fighter, who is seen as one of boxing’s brightest hopes. Boxing as a sport which has seen its popularity diminish.

This has happened as a result of the growth of Mixed Martial Arts fighting, the lack of charismatic boxers on the scene and a sport that Floyd Mayweather has dominated over the last decade.

Ward, a charismatic boxer with good personality, has a presence that fight fans want to rally around. While he is not a big time puncher, he is a stragedist and a defensive fighter.

This could be seen in the first fight against Kovalev, when it looked like he was outmatched and over his head at the beginning of the November title fight.

“Kovalev was a strong puncher, but I have fought other boxers who were stronger,” said Ward in a group interview. “I was stronger than him, and he didn’t have an answer for me on the inside.”

Ward won the gold medal in the 2004 Olympic Games. Known as “SOG” Son of God, Ward said he is thankful for the life boxing has afforded him. He is conscious about his image to other boxers coming up.

“Mentorship is important to me, as I am an example inside and outside the ring,” said Ward.

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Richmond Seniors Still Having a Ball After 25 Years

The Senior Winter Ball is a symbol of the Commission on Aging’s broader mission of providing enriching life experiences to the local senior community, particularly those in need of them. “Besides the social activities, we focus on issues such as housing, transportation and health,” said Michelle Hayes, the commission’s chairperson. “We get things done for our senior population.”

Published

3 days ago

November 24, 2024

Oakland Post

Myrtle Braxton (l-r), Byran H. Harris, and Michelle Hayes. Photo by Mike Kinney.

By Mike Kinney
The Richmond Standard

For a quarter century, seniors in the local community have had a prime location in the heart of the city to gather and celebrate the holidays.

That is courtesy of the annual Senior Winter Ball, which will mark a milestone this year when it takes place for the 25^th time. The gala will run from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Richmond Memorial Auditorium.

The holiday tradition was started by the City of Richmond’s Commission on Aging in 1999 to entertain and celebrate seniors. The event also raises funds for local senior causes. Attendees wear their finest attire and enjoy dinner and dancing.

“It’s so exciting to see all of the gala attendees all dressed up and seeing their lifetime friends and making new friends as well,” said Bryan M. Harris, secretary for the Commission on Aging. “They will reminisce about old Winter Ball memories and at the same time create new ones.”

Richmond’s very own Chef Josephine Orozco of El Sol Catering will serve at this year’s anniversary dinner. The gala will also feature the band Top Shelf Classics, which plays hits from the 50s through the 80s and has been the gala’s annual performer for the last decade.

The Senior Winter Ball symbolizes the Commission on Aging’s broader mission of providing enriching life experiences to the local senior community, particularly those in need of them.

“Besides the social activities, we focus on issues such as housing, transportation and health,” said Michelle Hayes, the commission’s chairperson. “We get things done for our senior population.”

Myrtle Braxton, 97, has served on the commission for 17 years and is its current vice president. She says her goal is to increase the quality of life for seniors through safe social events.

“So many seniors are isolated and are sometimes forgotten by society,” Braxton said. “So, our commission is their advocate and makes sure they are not left behind.”

Tickets to the 25th Silver Anniversary Annual Senior Winter Ball are $45 per person or $360 for a table of eight. They are available in person via the Main Recreation office at 3230 Macdonald Ave., via email at csdregistration@ci.richmond.ca.us or by phone at 510-620-6793.