Andre Ward returned to the ring last Saturday night in his debut appearance at light heavyweight when he faced number one IBF contender, Sullivan Barrera, who was undefeated in seventeen fights. Ward who turned 32 this year, showed no signs of decline as he easily out boxed, knocked down and won a wide decision over Barrera. With the win, Ward keeps the prospect of a fight with Sergey Kovalev alive, a fight that may happen in the fall.

In part 1 of my “On The Ropes” boxing radio interview with Andre Ward, I discuss with him his recent return to the ring and got his thoughts on his performance. Ward also shared his views on fighting in the light heavyweight division and if he feels stronger at the weight. Additionally, Andre talks about Sergey Kovalev’s position in the weight class and when he thinks a fight with Kovalev will happen. Here is what Andre Ward had to say.

Jenna J: You’re coming off of a win over Sullivan Barrera at light heavyweight. Can you talk to us about the performance?

Andre Ward: Barrera was the number one contender for the IBF, a guy that not a lot of people wanted to fight. He has a big body, he’s strong, he’s a good puncher, and he’s got a good pedigree. He comes from the Cuban background, the Cuban system, and he’s the right guy that we needed to introduce us to the light heavyweight division.

We had a list of three or four guys and we were trying to decide on who to pick and he was the toughest guy on the list and we picked him intentionally. I felt that it was a good performance, not a great performance, but as I continue to get more fights — which is the plan this year — I just think that people are going to see a better, sharper and crisper Andre Ward.

Jenna J: What particular things do you think you could have done against Barrera that you didn’t do?

Andre Ward: I felt like my defense was good but countering off the defense was one thing. I didn’t move a lot because I didn’t necessarily feel like I had to move a lot, but punching and giving more angles. I don’t have to run around the ring, I stick within my style.

I wanted to give more angles because when you’re fighting these bigger guys, it gives them trouble and headaches because they want you in place, so when you get off the right type of shots and step to the side and make them readjust, that’s hard for them to deal with. Those are just the types of things that when you get in a good groove and you get the rust off of you, you don’t think about them, they just come. I’m just looking forward to getting back in that groove.

Jenna J: Even though you didn’t get hit much, when you did get hit, did you feel a difference in the power when getting hit by a light heavyweight?

Andre Ward: No, I was never hurt in the fight. I would compare Sullivan Barrera to a guy like Sakio Bika, who throws hard shots and they got force on them, but nothing ever stunned me or had me concerned. As you guys saw, I was right there in the pocket, I didn’t move a lot, I moved only when I had to. I feel comfortable at this weight.

Jenna J: You surprised a lot of people by scoring a knockdown in the fight. Do you feel stronger at this weight class?

Andre Ward: Yeah I definitely feel stronger, I don’t have to strip a bunch of muscle off of my frame in the last two weeks to make 168. I never had to do saunas or wetsuits or anything like that at 168lsb, but at 175lbs I’m not going to be the strongest guy but I’m plenty strong. The speed is still there and overall I’m a happier person in camp and my team is thanking me for that because I’m more pleasant to work with.

Jenna J: The fight with Sergey Kovalev is still out there, do you want to take a fight before Kovalev or do you want to move right into that?

Andre Ward: I do expect that because I don’t think the Kovalev fight is going to come until later in the year and I don’t think it’s the right thing to sit around and collect any more ring rust. I don’t think that’s the right thing to do in terms of promoting the fight, I think we both have to stay out there and we both have to keep winning.

My team has their marching orders and they are working hard to get me another fight. I’m going to take a week off and enjoy it and take a vacation and let them work and hopefully when I get back they have some news.

Jenna J: How soon do you expect yourself to be back in the ring?

Andre Ward: I don’t have a specific date or month, but I think summer is the perfect time to come back. I got a small cut and you get a suspension for any type of cut, I got a sixty day suspension and I have to respect the California commission’s decision to do that. I got my stitches out yesterday and I just have to let the cut heal. I think some time near July will be perfect.

Jenna J: Do you see Sergey Kovalev as the top light heavyweight fighter?

Andre Ward: Absolutely, he’s done everything he needs to do, he’s the man to beat. He’s undefeated, he’s done everything that he’s supposed to do as a champion. He’s gone on the road, he’s fought the best in the division, he’s fought other champions and other top contenders.

Jenna J: When you look at Kovalev, what type of fighter do you see?

Andre Ward: I think he’s a well rounded fighter, I don’t see any weaknesses right now. I’ve seen him up close and personal, I’ve seen him on film and I think he’s complete.

Jenna J: If the fight between you and Kovalev does happen, what can the fans expect from it?

Andre Ward: You got two undefeated fighters, two guys who know how to win, two champions, it’s going to be a great fight. It’s something you can’t miss that. I can’t tell you how it’s going to go round by round but it’s going to be a great fight.