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.

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!