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Andre Ward was almost stopped by a journeyman who dropped him and nearly pulled off a monumental upset

Andre Ward was sent spiralling towards the canvas after a brutal uppercut almost caused a dramatic defeat.

In his astonishing career, the American proved himself as one of the greatest of all time, utilizing his phenomenal boxing IQ to destroy an array of fantastic fighters.

Ward overcame Edwin Rodriguez in a brutal affair and cruised past Carl Froch to win the final of the Super Six Classic.

However, while the icon beat so many tremendous competitors, often with ease, it was a journeyman who gave him one of the toughest challenges he ever faced.

WOW: Sergey Kovalev won world title with a fourth-round KO after ‘silliest matchmaking’ of all time

Andre Ward v Darnell Boone
Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images

Darnell Boone dropped Andre Ward with a massive shot

On November 19, 2005, at the Rose Garden in Portland, Oregon, USA, Andre Ward went head-to-head with Darnell Boone, in a fight that was meant to merely serve as an experience builder for the future Hall of Famer.

However, on the night, it turned out to be anything but, with the 5-2 boxer, who’d eventually retire with a record of 24-24-5, putting everything on the line to try and upset the apple cart.

Initially, things seemed smooth-sailing for Ward, with the slick boxer landing snappy jabs and impressive right hands.

However, in the fourth round, disaster struck, with Boone landing a dynamite uppercut that turned the prospect’s legs into jelly.

For the first time in his career, Ward had to go to the well, doing everything in his power to survive as his rival swung huge shots towards his head.

In a testament to his fighting spirit, the Californian managed to work his way back into the contest, winning in an experience that would prove vital later in his career.

Andre Ward rose from the canvas to beat Sergey Kovalev

Exactly 11 years on from that night, Ward went to war with Sergey Kovalev at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.

Going into the bout, ‘The Krusher’ was considered one of the most dangerous punchers in boxing, and it didn’t to take him long to prove why, dropping his opponent in the second round.

Had he not experienced hitting the canvas against Boone, the legend may not have been equipped to deal with the situation.

However, having already proven his ability to adapt under pressure, Ward battled back, eventually emerging victorious in a razor-close fight.