Early Life
Andre was born to Frank Ward, an American of Irish descent, and Madeline Arvie Taylor, an African American. Andre's father was an undefeated professional boxer. His father inspired him by regaling him with stories of hard fought battles and triumphant victories. Given the choice to fight or pursue other sports, Andre chose boxing and has poured his mind, body and soul into the sport & became a world champion. Frank Ward passed away while the young Andre Ward was still a teenager. Afterwards, his current trainer, Virgil Hunter, whom he already had a close bond with since a child, stepped up to be his second father figure and guide him through the amateurs and eventually winning a gold medal in the Olympics and to being a world champion in professional boxing.
Ward grew up in the East Bay in the Fairview neighborhood of Hayward, in California, where he attended Fairview Elementary, Bret Harte Junior High School and Hayward High School. At Hayward High he starred as a running back and safety on the football team. Andre Ward trained at Kings Boxing Gym located in Oakland. When he turned 17 he became a close friend to boxer Andre Dirrell.
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