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Killing the Image: A Champion’s Journey of Faith, Fighting, and Forgiveness
In this inspiring memoir, undefeated five-time world champion boxer Andre Ward--aka "Son of God"--shares the gripping narrative of his unforgettable career, his rock-solid faith, and why boxing was never the biggest fight of his life. Andre Ward was the undefeated light heavyweight boxing champion of the world when he walked away from the ring and did not look back. Now that he has taken off his gloves for the final time, the Olympic gold medalist is ready to share the heartbreaking and uplifting stories of his formative years and unprecedented boxing career. Motivational, faith-building, and utterly compelling, this memoir offers Rich with colorful characters, fascinating detail, and biblical truths, this is the story of a man known for his integrity outside the ring, his warrior's instinct inside it, and his unrelenting bond with the God who called him to the greatest victory of all.
- GenresSportsBiography Memoir
224 pages, Hardcover
First published November 14, 2023
6 people are currently reading
1097 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
December 1, 2024
Reading about Ward’s mindset during the Super Six World Boxing Classic tournament, as well as before, during, and after other major fights, was very interesting. At 13 or 14 years old, I became obsessed with boxing and spent my free time in technology class reading boxing articles. I remember, specifically, reading a lot on the Super Six and being excited about the new champ [Ward].
I already knew a lot about Ward’s boxing career, but I didn’t know much about his upbringing or the boxing politics he had to deal with. To see where he is today after everything he went through is truly inspiring. Great memoir!
Now it’s time to go watch Ward vs Kovalev I and II again 🤓
I already knew a lot about Ward’s boxing career, but I didn’t know much about his upbringing or the boxing politics he had to deal with. To see where he is today after everything he went through is truly inspiring. Great memoir!
Now it’s time to go watch Ward vs Kovalev I and II again 🤓
August 28, 2024
Compelling autobiography from start to finish.
Powerful testimony.
Powerful testimony.
February 24, 2025
Follow his career but def didn’t know his background along with the battles that he overcome to give his life to GOD to walk away from millions on tables. Def a great story
November 4, 2023
Andre Ward's story is not just about conquering the ring—it's about conquering life.
"Killing the Image" is a gripping memoir penned by the undefeated five-time world champion boxer, Andre Ward, renowned in the boxing world as the "Son of God." Ward, whose remarkable career defied conventions, shares an inspiring narrative that delves beyond the boxing ring, focusing on his unwavering faith and the fights that extended far beyond the physical realm to his inner fight.
Ward opens up about his unparalleled boxing career, choosing to step away from the spotlight when he was at the pinnacle of success. Beyond the triumphs within the ring, he candidly delves into the heart-wrenching and uplifting stories that defined his childhood and the unprecedented trajectory of his boxing journey. Ward's storytelling is a raw portrayal of overcoming a difficult childhood. He shares deeply personal experiences, navigating a complex upbringing as a biracial man, contending with his mother's addiction, and enduring the tumult of witnessing domestic violence while simply trying to survive.
The memoir isn't merely about the epic championship bouts or managerial intricacies; it's a tale of breaking generational cycles, forgiveness, and the path to hope. Ward's vulnerability offers readers an intimate look into his life, sharing the challenges and triumphs that forged his character. The memoir isn't just about a boxer's life—it's a testimony to the unbreakable human spirit and the power of faith in the face of adversity. Ward challenges readers to live their faith without compromise and embraces the core values that define his story: resilience, determination, and an unshakeable bond with his higher calling.
"Killing the Image" is an emotionally charged, thought-provoking memoir that extends beyond the boxing narrative, delivering a compelling, introspective journey into the life of a boxing legend and the struggles that shaped his remarkable path. Thank you to the author and publisher for the e-arc copy!
"Killing the Image" is a gripping memoir penned by the undefeated five-time world champion boxer, Andre Ward, renowned in the boxing world as the "Son of God." Ward, whose remarkable career defied conventions, shares an inspiring narrative that delves beyond the boxing ring, focusing on his unwavering faith and the fights that extended far beyond the physical realm to his inner fight.
Ward opens up about his unparalleled boxing career, choosing to step away from the spotlight when he was at the pinnacle of success. Beyond the triumphs within the ring, he candidly delves into the heart-wrenching and uplifting stories that defined his childhood and the unprecedented trajectory of his boxing journey. Ward's storytelling is a raw portrayal of overcoming a difficult childhood. He shares deeply personal experiences, navigating a complex upbringing as a biracial man, contending with his mother's addiction, and enduring the tumult of witnessing domestic violence while simply trying to survive.
The memoir isn't merely about the epic championship bouts or managerial intricacies; it's a tale of breaking generational cycles, forgiveness, and the path to hope. Ward's vulnerability offers readers an intimate look into his life, sharing the challenges and triumphs that forged his character. The memoir isn't just about a boxer's life—it's a testimony to the unbreakable human spirit and the power of faith in the face of adversity. Ward challenges readers to live their faith without compromise and embraces the core values that define his story: resilience, determination, and an unshakeable bond with his higher calling.
"Killing the Image" is an emotionally charged, thought-provoking memoir that extends beyond the boxing narrative, delivering a compelling, introspective journey into the life of a boxing legend and the struggles that shaped his remarkable path. Thank you to the author and publisher for the e-arc copy!
February 22, 2025
In some ways, the story of Olympic gold medalist and light heavyweight boxing champion Andre Ward reads like the story of so many other boxers. Ward came from a broken home so his trainer became like a father figure to him. He got caught up in street life by selling drugs for quick cash. He became a father as a teenager. It would seem like all these circumstances would break him – or at least prevent him from having a successful athletic career.
But his story is NOT like so many others. With a strong conviction of his faith, his hard work in his training, his fulfillment of his duties as a father (and a husband as he married the woman who bore his son when they were both teenagers) and his undying love for both of his parents despite their troubles, he achieved all that he wanted in the boxing ring. His journey to do so is a fascinating tale, one that was very hard to put down.
What really jumped out at me compared to other sports memoirs I have read (and those who follow my writing know that I have read many) is his commitment to not only his family and to his faith, but to his duties. He would never walk away from any responsibility – at least not completely.
When he was dealing drugs, he would mention how in the back of his mind that he was feeling guilty for skipping out on training and how it made Virgil, his trainer and mentor, feel. He always was thinking of others, even in the ring and when negotiating contracts. He mentions that he (and many other boxers) will wish their opponents well. Yes, they want to win, but they don’t want harm to their opponents either. When he was negotiating contract or switching agents, he would be concerned with their welfare as well. From the tone of the entire book, no matter the subject, it was clear that this was genuine concern, not just something to include because it sounds good.
Currently, Ward is a licensed minister, which is the perfect occupation for his post-boxing life. Throughout the book, he not only refers to Scripture that guided him, but he also conferred with his minister throughout his boxing career. It helped that his minister was also a professional athlete as an offensive lineman in the NFL. It is clear that Ward believes his faith played as much of a role in his success as well as his family, trainers and ability.
The boxing and training sections of the book are also very good. I especially enjoyed his recaps of his Olympic experiences in 2004 and his two fights against the Russian light heavyweight Sergey Kovalev. The drama around those two fights outside the ring was just as compelling as the fighting and Ward describes them both in excellent detail.
While this was a fairly short book at 224 pages, it was also one that was very hard to put down and as a result I finished it quickly – and didn’t want it to end. Ward was inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame and is just as grateful for that as he was for any other accomplishment. His story is one that readers will enjoy, especially if they are boxing fans.
I wish to thank Harper Horizon for providing an advance review copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are strictly my own.
https://sportsbookguy.blogspot.com/20...
But his story is NOT like so many others. With a strong conviction of his faith, his hard work in his training, his fulfillment of his duties as a father (and a husband as he married the woman who bore his son when they were both teenagers) and his undying love for both of his parents despite their troubles, he achieved all that he wanted in the boxing ring. His journey to do so is a fascinating tale, one that was very hard to put down.
What really jumped out at me compared to other sports memoirs I have read (and those who follow my writing know that I have read many) is his commitment to not only his family and to his faith, but to his duties. He would never walk away from any responsibility – at least not completely.
When he was dealing drugs, he would mention how in the back of his mind that he was feeling guilty for skipping out on training and how it made Virgil, his trainer and mentor, feel. He always was thinking of others, even in the ring and when negotiating contracts. He mentions that he (and many other boxers) will wish their opponents well. Yes, they want to win, but they don’t want harm to their opponents either. When he was negotiating contract or switching agents, he would be concerned with their welfare as well. From the tone of the entire book, no matter the subject, it was clear that this was genuine concern, not just something to include because it sounds good.
Currently, Ward is a licensed minister, which is the perfect occupation for his post-boxing life. Throughout the book, he not only refers to Scripture that guided him, but he also conferred with his minister throughout his boxing career. It helped that his minister was also a professional athlete as an offensive lineman in the NFL. It is clear that Ward believes his faith played as much of a role in his success as well as his family, trainers and ability.
The boxing and training sections of the book are also very good. I especially enjoyed his recaps of his Olympic experiences in 2004 and his two fights against the Russian light heavyweight Sergey Kovalev. The drama around those two fights outside the ring was just as compelling as the fighting and Ward describes them both in excellent detail.
While this was a fairly short book at 224 pages, it was also one that was very hard to put down and as a result I finished it quickly – and didn’t want it to end. Ward was inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame and is just as grateful for that as he was for any other accomplishment. His story is one that readers will enjoy, especially if they are boxing fans.
I wish to thank Harper Horizon for providing an advance review copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are strictly my own.
https://sportsbookguy.blogspot.com/20...
July 24, 2024
Usually, I do not listen to Audiobooks; but this is my second one this summer and I must admit that I really enjoyed listening to this book as it was read by the author. It made the book, easy to listen to and hearing it in his voice somehow brought it to life a bit more. I also enjoyed the moments when his wife read portions of the book that told a bit of her story as well; because now you also had her voice and her story as well.
I loved the way that he connected a lot of his great moments to portions of the Bible as well—and he didn’t overdo it so it didn’t come across as being “preachy” (Idk if that’s even a word, lol.). I have always enjoyed watching boxing since I was a teenager and I was already a fan of Andre Ward so I was excited to see that he’d written a book. I especially enjoyed it because he was one of the few boxers that never seemed too cocky and arrogant which made it easy to love him. Listening to his audiobook and learning more about his life, lessons, and struggles made me an even greater fan. Way to go Ward.
I loved the way that he connected a lot of his great moments to portions of the Bible as well—and he didn’t overdo it so it didn’t come across as being “preachy” (Idk if that’s even a word, lol.). I have always enjoyed watching boxing since I was a teenager and I was already a fan of Andre Ward so I was excited to see that he’d written a book. I especially enjoyed it because he was one of the few boxers that never seemed too cocky and arrogant which made it easy to love him. Listening to his audiobook and learning more about his life, lessons, and struggles made me an even greater fan. Way to go Ward.
August 24, 2024
The only reason I gave this book 3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ is because of how the story was thread
Together. I b we brown the author and world champion shared his life step by step with the intention of highlighting the glory of Jesus and having faith. Also that adversity is part of life and wvwn when you strive for a life long goal you are destined. I give his personal story a 5 despite that it was written like a journal versus story telling. Ultimately his memoir is one all young men can benefit from.
Together. I b we brown the author and world champion shared his life step by step with the intention of highlighting the glory of Jesus and having faith. Also that adversity is part of life and wvwn when you strive for a life long goal you are destined. I give his personal story a 5 despite that it was written like a journal versus story telling. Ultimately his memoir is one all young men can benefit from.
April 25, 2024
The true story of an Olympic champion and a professional boxer who retired undefeated! It is a compelling story that needs to be heard. Growing up in a difficult environment, Andre Ward overcame a lot of obstacles on his path to becoming a champion. The story of overcoming these obstacles is well worth the read.
December 26, 2024
3/5= Good
I always feel like I just don't get enough out of the moments that I watched on TV. A lot of background and family details. A 200 and change book on an Olympic gold medalist is criminal. The Olympics itself should have been a quarter of this book. Still a good read but too short.
I always feel like I just don't get enough out of the moments that I watched on TV. A lot of background and family details. A 200 and change book on an Olympic gold medalist is criminal. The Olympics itself should have been a quarter of this book. Still a good read but too short.
April 7, 2025
One of the best autobiographies I’ve read. Met Andre last month at a show. He was very humble , made time for everyone, had photos and signed posters for all of us. His story is incredible both in and out of the ring. To be such a legend of the sport but so humble is rare. God bless
December 1, 2023
Andre come off as extremely disingenuous here. And all of that religious malarkey, give me a break. I feel like I fought harder than Ward ever did, just to make it through this awful book.
December 1, 2023
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 writes as good as he boxes.
April 16, 2024
Brilliant memoir. Ward has been through it all. Loved it
June 25, 2024
Very good story!
May 18, 2025
Great story about the rise of one of boxings best.
July 27, 2025
I'm not a boxing fan. I've never seen him fight. I saw his book announced on a local feed (either IG or FB) and wanted to read it because of his connection to Hayward.
If there's an over arching plot it's Ward's rise through the boxing world, from learning to spar as a child, to local competitions, to national ones, to the Olympics and finally to being a professional. All of this is new to me and it's explained in an easy to understand way.
https://pussreboots.com/blog/2025/com...
If there's an over arching plot it's Ward's rise through the boxing world, from learning to spar as a child, to local competitions, to national ones, to the Olympics and finally to being a professional. All of this is new to me and it's explained in an easy to understand way.
https://pussreboots.com/blog/2025/com...
October 20, 2024
I read this after watching his documentary!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews