Carl Froch going out on top, says old foe Andre Ward

Andre Ward was one of just two men to beat Carl Froch

Carl Froch has done the right thing by getting out of boxing on his own terms, according to Andre Ward.

Unbeaten super-middleweight Ward was one of only two men to defeat Froch during a 35-fight professional career the Cobra officially brought to a close on Tuesday when he announced his retirement.

Froch was unanimously outpointed by Ward in December 2011 but went on to avenge his only other defeat, to Denmark's Mikkel Kessler, and finished his career with a five-fight winning streak culminating in back-to-back stoppages of George Groves.

Ward told Sky Sports News HQ: "You have to respect the way he went about it, and the fact he not only stepped up but beat just about all the guys he fought at the top level.

"He was competitive in every fight and brought his best every time out, so I have nothing personal against Froch. I actually like him a lot because he reminds me a lot of myself with his competitiveness.

"He did it the right way - it's a victory to go out on your own terms with money and faculties intact. At the end of the day that's what it's all about."