Andre Ward pulls out of scheduled Nov. 21 fight in Las Vegas

NEW YORK — Two-time world champion Andre Ward pulled out of his scheduled November 21 fight in Las Vegas on Wednesday because of inflammation and pain in his right knee.

"I'm extremely disappointed that I'm missing this opportunity on November 21, but at the same time, I'm encouraged," Ward said in a statement released by Roc Nation Sports. "Anytime I have had a minor or major setback in my career, by the grace of God, I've come back stronger and this will be no different. I'm looking forward to a big 2016. Thank you to all my fans for your support and patience."

Ward was set to make his 175-pound debut on the Mandalay Bay card featuring the middleweight world title fight between Miguel Cotto and Canelo Alvarez, though an opponent hadn't been determined.

Ward is 28-0 with 15 knockouts. He returned from a 19-month layoff in June to stop Paul Smith in the ninth round in a nontitle fight in Oakland, California. The fight was Ward's first since signing with Jay Z's Roc Nation Sports.