Andre Ward outpoints Alexander Brand in California stroll

“He’s a risky guy to fight”.

He used a stiff jab early to cut Brand over the right eye, but was never able to knock the fighter down or out. That can be an uneasy feeling.

And then Ward, 32, the former super middleweight world champion in his second fight since making the move to 175 pounds, took apart Brand, who was as big of an underdog as has ever been seen.

“He showed much better today than he did against Sullivan Barrera”, Kovalev said. I have to focus on one guy and that’s Alexander Brand. He’s a guy who should get more credit than he has. “Brand is wild, so it’s going to take a few rounds to break him down and tame him before we start doing what we want to do”.

“I came here to the United States to take away Ward’s “0” that is why I have worked so hard in camp not only to beat him but also to make sure that I am the one fighting Kovalev, not Ward”. It would pit a power-hitting brute against the technical genius of Ward. The fight against Chilemba was similar to how it is going to be against Andre Ward. Kovalev has nothing to worry about at all if Ward switches to southpaw on November 19.

“You got to respect Sergey for the way he’s gotten to where he’s got”, Ward said. (Kovalev) got past his step, I need to get past mine. I haven’t even talked about Kovalev.

“But now, in 2016, I see the U.S. team Snapchatting and Instagramming”. Alexander Brand has over 400 amateur fights so this is an opponent we’re not taking lightly. He spoke in confident tones during a workout this week at King’s Gym in Oakland.

Ward vs. Brand is a 12-round fight for the WBO Intercontinental title, presented by Roc Nation Sports and sponsored by Corona Extra, Verizon, ProSupps, Corporate Travel Management Solutions (CTMS), Jordan Brand, Shoe Palace, Kingsford, Autocom Nissan, Ticketmaster and The Clorox Company, supporting the Bay Area Community for over 100 years.

And Saturday night was no different. Wherever it is, whether it’s in his backyard or anywhere else, I’m coming to fight and that’s the most important thing.

Brand reminded reporters of something.

“Over the previous year and a half this city has become our home away from home, with Saturday marking Roc Nation Sports’ third big Bay Area fight in the last 16 months”. That fight has already been penciled in for November 19 in Las Vegas. But in the Super Six World Boxing Classic, Ward abused a slew of strong, intimidating champions like Mikkel Kessler, Arthur Abraham and Carl Froch with stunning ease. I’m really good at doing that. I don’t care what sport you compete in. He’s ready. I’m ready, too.

Vincent is equally anxious to throw down with her rival. So I tried to press it. “It sucked to lose the first one.but it really just lit a fire”. I think the fight is not a PPV worthy match-up in my view.

“Driving to this arena when I fight here and walking in the building, I couldn’t explain to you what goes through my head”. I don’t believe she’s undefeated.