There was just one problem He>: Ward had better things to do.

Although city officials held out hope until just before the meeting that the pride of East Oakland would show up to claim the resolution, the

20-year-old boxer chose to spend Tuesday night much like he does every night -- training for his debut as a professional pugilist.

But the gold medalist reportedly plans to fit Oakland officials into his schedule next Wednesday, when the city will host a noontime celebration on the plaza of City Hall, complete with speeches and delivery of the belated resolution.

Ward beat Magomed Aripgadjiev of Belarus to become the seventh American to win the Olympic light heavyweight title since boxing became a regular Olympic sport in 1920, and the first since 1988.

The native Oaklander brought home the city's first individual gold medal since Jimmy Hines won the 100-meter dash in Mexico City in 1968. Oakland basketball legends Gary Payton and Jason Kidd both won gold medals in 2000, but as members of the U.S. men's basketball team.

The Oakland Tribune: Cityside
Leanne McLaughlin, Managing Editor
(510) 208-6447
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