The Oracle Arena in Oakland California played venue for the debut at light heavyweight for Andre Ward. Broadcast by the HBO series World Championship Boxing and commentated by the usual crew of Jim Lampley, Max Kellerman, and Roy Jones Jr.. The main event was received as a proving ground match for Andre Ward as his impeccable career was making the first full leap up in class from his dominance at super middleweight. To Wards credit, his choice of opposition in undefeated Sullivan Barrera did have some pundits wondering if maybe he had bitten off more than he could chew. The undercard featured a featherweight clash between Joseph Diaz Jr. and Jayson Velez.
Andre Ward vs. Sullivan Barrera light heavyweight 12 rd.
All along the perimeter of the ring, Ward would use feints and quick counter left hooks to land on a lunging Barrera. Flat footed and patient most of the night, the skill of Ward made waves of combinations an almost predictable outcome for the close exchanges with Barrera. A left hook on the top of the head in the 3rd placed Barrera on the canvas. Still, the fault could have been on Barrera for getting caught in an awkward stance, rather than by the sheer power of Ward.
Regardless, Ward remained in control for most of the night and simply out boxed a courageous Barrera. The fight would ultimately go the distance only to return a solid verdict in an unanimous decision for Ward. Picking up where he left off almost a year with a successful debut at light heavyweight, Andre Ward defeats Sullivan Barrera and remains undefeated.
Joseph Diaz Jr, vs Jayson Velez Featherweight 10 rd.
Diaz Jr. would light the scoreboard up early and quick on Velez with overhand lefts that had some wondering at ringside if Velez would be able to make it out of the 2nd rd. However, Velez managed to rebound by standing firm but it was the speed of Diaz Jr. that proved to be a clear advantage throughout the fight. Diaz Jr. picked his shots at will and ended his combinations with one punishing left after the next.
Velez would continue but became increasingly sloppy as the fight progressed. He would swing wildly only to eat another fistful of combinations by Diaz Jr.. The lack of power by Diaz Jr. allowed Velez to survive until the cards as Joseph Diaz Jr. pitched a virtual shutout and wins via UD. Diaz Jr. improves to 20-0 and remained undefeated.
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