With talk of an upcoming fight with Sergey Kovalev ringing in everyone’s ears, Andre Ward (28-0, 15 KOs) has decided to vacate his WBA Super World super middleweight title so he can begin campaigning at light heavyweight.

Ward has been plagued by injuries in recent years, but he is still ranked among the top 10 pound-for-pound fighters on the planet.

He won the WBA Super World super middleweight title on November 21, 2009, with a victory over the reigning and defending WBA champion Mikkel Kessler in his opening fight of Showtime’s Super Six tournament.

“I won the WBA belt for my first world title in 2009 and have defended it six times,” said Ward. “It’s been a wonderful ride with the WBA. Gilberto Mendoza and his team have shown me nothing but respect and I’m looking forward to moving up and hopefully winning the WBA light heavyweight belt.”

The respect is mutual.

“Andre Ward has been one of the finest champions in the WBA super middleweight division’s history,” said WBA Executive Vice President, Gilberto Jesus Mendoza. “We have always been honored to be represented by such a great athlete, gentleman and incredible role model. We wish him the best success in the future and hope we can facilitate the path to him becoming a two-division world champion at light heavyweight.”

This article was penned by the author who is not related to the WBA and the statements, expressions or opinions referenced herein are that of the author alone and not the WBA.