Andre Ward injures shoulder, fight with Kelly Pavlik postponed

Andre Ward injured his right shoulder in training camp last week, forcing the world super-middleweight boxing champion to postpone his scheduled Jan. 26 title defense against Kelly Pavlik at USC’s Galen Center.

Ward’s promoter Dan Goossen said he intends to keep the bout at the Galen Center, and is exploring Feb. 23 and March 2 as alternate dates.

The unbeaten Ward (26-0, 14 knockouts) suffered the injury throwing a punch Nov. 28.

“He felt a tweak in the shoulder, stopped right then, went to the doctors, where an MRI was performed Friday,” Goossen said.

Ward did not tear his rotator cuff, but two doctors told him due to the inflammation and swelling he was experiencing, he needed two weeks’ rest.

“Andre’s a professional. He understands this comes with the territory,” Goossen said.

Pavlik (40-2, 34 KOs) is a former middleweight champion who has lost only to Sergio Martinez and Bernard Hopkins, but has struggled with alcohol abuse.

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