Hall of Famer Andre Ward takes up role at Sacramento State
Hall of Famer Andre Ward has taken his first official step into boxing leadership after being unveiled as the new Combat U Boxing Team General Manager at Sacramento State.
The unbeaten former world champion, inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2021, joins forces with Combat U co-founder Urijah Faber. The move makes Ward the second Hall of Fame fighter to anchor the project, which is continuing to expand in its second year.
Ward, who retired at 32-0 after ruling the sport as a five-time world champion, explained why the role struck a chord.
Andre Ward’s Vision
“I know what it feels like to be a young fighter with big dreams,” said Ward. “At Sacramento State’s Combat U, I see that same hunger in these athletes, and I want to be someone they can lean on as they chase their goals—in and out of the ring.”
The 2004 Olympic Gold medalist is already established outside the ropes as an author, speaker, and host, but sees his new position as a chance to channel experience directly into the next generation. Ward officially begins with the Hornets program for the 2025–2026 season.
Most recently, Ward called on heavyweight Anthony Joshua to fight him in a comeback that may now be on the back burner.
📢 Big news: Hall of Famer Andre Ward is Sacramento State’s new Combat U Boxing Club General Manager! 🥊
Joining co-founder @UrijahFaber, he’s the second Hall of Famer on our leadership team, and he starts now for the 2025–26 season.
An Olympic Gold Medalist and five-time world… pic.twitter.com/Y4thNjquZJ
— Sacramento State (@sacstate) September 6, 2025
Head coach Brandon “Flawless” Gonzales, who guided Sacramento State’s inaugural Combat U boxing squad to the national championships last year, will oversee the boxing side. He hailed the significance of Ward’s arrival.
The Significance of Ward’s Arrival
“Andre Ward has set the standard in boxing, and now our athletes get the truly remarkable opportunity to learn from him directly,” Gonzales said. “Dre’s new position as our Boxing General Manager shows these young fighters that Sacramento State is serious about their future.”
Sacramento announced the move at a Capital Punishment XII amateur card, which was staged by Flawless Boxing & Fitness and backed by Sacramento State.
University President Dr. Luke Wood emphasized why the move matters not only for the program but also for the institution itself.
“Bringing Andre Ward to our boxing program is a reminder of what’s possible when we think boldly about student opportunities,” said Dr. Wood. “He will make a lasting mark by showing our students the value of hard work and character in everything they do.”
Combat U launched in 2024 as the first university-backed combat sports initiative in the United States. In partnership with Faber’s Ultimate Fitness, it has already drawn more than 600 students.
The project aims to integrate combat sports into mainstream collegiate competition, combining athletic discipline with academic achievement.
About the Author
Phil Jay is a veteran boxing journalist with over 15 years of experience covering the global fight scene. As Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News since 2010, Jay has interviewed dozens of world champions and reported ringside on boxing’s biggest nights. [View all articles by Phil Jay] and learn more about his work in combat sports journalism.