Former WBA Super World super middleweight titlist Andre Ward celebrates his 32nd birthday today, and the WBA wishes him all the best and many more.

An undefeated 12-year pro (28-0, 15 KOs) who fights out of Oakland, though born in San Francisco, “S.O.G.” won the title by beating Mikkel Kessler via 11th-round technical decision in November 2009. He successfully defended his crown six times, most recently in November 2013, beating Edwin Rodriguez by unanimous decision, his first fight since stopping Chad Dawson by 10th-round TKO in September 2012.

Universally considered among the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world, Ward nevertheless vacated his title in November 2015 because of inactivity due to injuries and managerial issues. Now a light heavyweight, he most recently fought last June, stopping Paul Smith by ninth-round TKO, his first bout since defeating Rodriguez. Although scheduled to face Sullivan Barrera on March 26, what fans most anticipate is a championship bout with WBA Super World light heavyweight titlist Sergey Kovalev, hopefully before year’s end.

This article was penned by the author who is not related to the WBA and the statements, expressions or opinions referenced herein are that of the author alone and not the WBA.