Today I had the pleasure to once again visit King’s Boxing gym in Oakland. Our hometown Super Middle Weight WBA World Champion and Olympic gold medalist Andre Ward held a media workout for his upcoming fight against Arthur Abraham. This upcoming fight is Show Time’s Super Six World Boxing Classic-Semifinals. Andre is only two victories away from winning the whole thing which would make him the #1 super middle weight in the world! Needless to say I’m super excited for the fight which will be held on May 14th at the Home Depot Center in Carson, California. Here are some images I took as the day unfolded.
As Andre Ward arrives to King's Boxing gym, his day pretty much starts with answering a bunch of questions from the media.
I really have to give him credit because answer a bunch of questions can’t be easy when you’re trying to get a good workout in and trying to focus on your goal. Being able to stayed focused and deal with all the media is a true talent in itself. He also always carries himself with class and is very transparent. Despite all his current success, he’s also a very down to earth and humble person.
Here's a view of Andre facing some of the media
Andre's promoter Dan Goossen sits next to him as they both answer questions
As Andre & Dan were answering questions, Andre's trainer & God Father Virgil Hunter (Right) and Charles King owner of King's Boxing Gym (Left) also answers questions from the media.
As always, one thing that's constant about Andre is that he's always in a great, positive & determined mood and brings a smile. Even when he has to answer a million questions!
On top of dealing with the media, Andre's always happy to autograph things for his fans.
Once he was done with questions from the media, he started his workout. It began with him jumping rope.
Watching boxers jump rope is really something else. They do it so well and make seem so effortlessly that it makes you want to start jumping rope!
YES!! I had to get a close up of Andre jumping over the rope and of his shoes. I know Andre takes great pride on how he looks and one of the details he notices on people/other athletes are the type of shoes they have on. So I had to get a close up of his clean kicks!
Andre switched from a regular jump rope (left) to a heavier one (right)
After he finished jumping rope, he climbed into the ring and began shadow boxing
So, I had to include this picture not only because I think it's cool, but you can also see me on the right =) I was temped to crop myself out but I left it as it is
Yes, I would say he's ready for the fight. Let's go SOG!
Once he was done shadow boxing, he hit the mits with Virgil
After hitting the mits, he went on to the floor to ceiling ball
He ended the workout with hitting the speed bag. Again, boxers make it seem so effortlessly! But that's only because they pretty much put in a lifetime amount of work doing it.
I love the two quotes that were near Andre while he was on the speed bag. They certainly hold truth for him and I personally get motivated from witnessing his determination in person. I love hanging around people who always push themselves because that type of attitude and behavior is contagious and makes you want to become better. I also strongly believe in photographing people with the respect they deserve. That's one of many reasons why I always try to push myself creatively.
and that pretty much concluded the media day. I really look forward to covering his fight which is just around the corner.
by Alexis
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