May 12, 2011 - 13:55 AMT
Ward: I respect Abraham, but my first goal is to win

Burbank, Calif. hosted the final press conference for the kick-off of the Semifinals of the Super Six World Boxing Classic just three days before Andre Ward vs. Arthur Abraham tournament in LA, BoxingScene reported.

“I respect Arthur Abraham, it’s going to be a tough fight. I want to be a great fighter, but I’m not there yet. These are the kind of fights that you have to take and you have to win to be a great fighter. I won’t hear the crowd, I won’t hear anybody on Saturday night. I’m locked in. I’m here to defend my belt and to keep my belt right here in America. My first goal is to win and I know winning in this sport takes care of a lot of problems,” Ward said.

“I have a lot of respect for Andre Ward. He’s a technically sound boxer. But that talk doesn’t matter when we get in the ring on May 14. I’m here to win and I’m here to destroy him. I’m very happy to be part of this tournament. This tournament started well for me and it will end well,” Abraham said in turn.