By Jake Donovan

Andre Ward makes his ring return following a forced 19-month break, facing England's Paul Smith in a non-title fight Saturday evening at Oracle Arena in Oakland, California.

The bout is contested at a maximum catchweight of 172 lbs., a limit Smith missed by more than four pounds during Friday's weigh-in. 

Ward—whose World super middleweight championship is not at stake—agreed to go through with the fight, on the condition that both fighters weigh no more than 181 lbs. during Saturday's rehydration check-in. Smith missed that amount as well, stepping on the scales at a beefy 184 lbs. 

Some $40,000 worth of fines later, the show goes on.

Ward was last seen in the ring claiming a 12-round decision over Edwin Rodriguez in Nov. '13. The bout was preceded by a lengthy absence due to injuries and promotional disputes with the late Dan Goossen—who was alive at the time and picking apart Ward in the courtroom.

The win was followed by yet another drawn-out legal battle, one that sadly outlasted Goossen's time on earth, as the promoter passed away last fall with the matter still unresolved. A settlement was finally reached earlier this year, with Ward moving on and signign with Jay-Z's Roc Nation Sports. 

Saturday's headliner marks Ward's first fight under the RNS banner, airing live on BET and also simulcast on Jay Z's music website, Tidal.com. 

Smith comes in the ring on the heels of back-to-back decision losses to Arthur Abraham. Their first fight was a closely contested affair overshadowed by horrific scoring, prompting an immediate rematch. Smith was once again competitive, but unable to clear the hurdle as Abraham retained his version of the super middleweight title. 

BOXINGSCENE.COM STAFF PREDICTIONS: ANDRE WARD vs. PAUL SMITH

Ryan Burton (Ward UD): The former super middleweight king returns with a near shutout performance. 119-109 type of score.

Jake Donovan (Ward TKO7): Smith is better than his current losing streak indicates. But failing to make weight yesterday as well as this morning's rehydration limit tells me he just doesn't care, as weighing this heavy (184 as of this morning) doesn't do him any good. Unless Ward is sufferring from massive ring rust, I like him to pick apart the Brit before forcing a mid-rounds stoppage in statement-making performance that he's back. 

Michael Gibbons (Ward TKO5): Smith has a problem lunging when he punches. Andre Ward will counter him with uppercuts, gash him up and put him away with ease.

Peter Lim (Ward UD): This fight amounts to little more than a tune-up for Ward to sand off the ring rust from his 19-month layoff. Unless Smith pulls an ace from his sleeve that we've never seen before, Ward cruises to a comfortable decision in what looks more like a glorified sparring session than a prizefight worthy of a national live broadcast.

Ryan Maquiñana (Ward Dec.): The layoff might come into play if Smith was a good mover or had the hand speed and combination to give Ward fits. But I think Ward will disarm Smith with his ability to control distance and blunt the Brit's offense on the inside toward a signature methodical decision victory.

Takahiro Onaga (Ward TKO7): Ward might have long lay off but in totally different league to Smith. Smith get flattered by result against poor Abraham

Cliff Rold (Ward Dec): Smith just went the route with Abraham twice. Abraham may not be the technical fighter Ward is, but he can still crack. That means Ward wins every round but Smith stands up.

Victor Salazar (Ward KO): The long layoff shouldn’t matter much here for Andre Ward. He gets a stoppage on the overmatched Brit.

Reynaldo Sanchez (Ward UD): returns after 19 months and some injuries. He has fought three times since 2011 and we believe that the time will do its work. Smith fell to Abraham two times and we not see how he can win this fight. Ward by UD in a boring fight.

Alexey Sukachev (Ward UD): Easy money for Mr. Ward (if he isn't finished yet after so many layoffs). Smith is game but will be soundly outboxed though not stopped. 

Jake Donovan is the Managing Editor of BoxingScene.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox