On Saturday, June 19, Andre Ward (20-0, 13 KOs), of Oakland, will make the first defense of the World Boxing Association 168-pound title against  # 4 world-ranked Allan Green (29-1, 20 KOs) of Tulsa, Okla., in a Group Stage 2 bout in the Super Six World Boxing Classic at the Oracle Arena.

“It’s a lot of responsibility. Too much is given, much is required. The fan base is growing, the media attention is growing and this is what I signed up for.  I’m embracing it, learning how to deal with it and just thankful to be on a platform and a stage like this and eager to just keep working and be aggressive.” “At this stage and this level you have to be ready for everything the opponent has to bring.  In my mind I’m preparing for a very physical and very grueling fight.  And if there is anything left, then that’s fine.  That’s what I’m prepared for, to do whatever needs to be done to keep my title.  I never wanted to be a guy who won a title and then lost it his first defense.  I want to be a guy that reigns for a long time.’’