Super middleweight champion Andre Ward’s attempt to break free from promoter Dan Goossen failed when the California State Athletic Commission on Friday ruled in Goossen’s favor following a special meeting Tuesday.

Ward had been trying to get out of his contract in part because he said Goossen did not want to attend a meeting called by Ward for himself,  manager James Prince, co-promoter Antonio Leonard and Goossen and HBO executives. Prince suggested Goossen wanted to be the only one talking to HBO about Ward’s next fight.

In Ward’s mind, Goossen was hindering his return to the ring after he had shoulder surgery in January. Ward has not fought since last September, when he stopped Chad Dawson in the 10th round in Ward’s hometown of Oakland.

Ward, who has been promoted by Goossen his entire pro career, is 26-0 with 14 knockouts. He is considered the No. 2 pound-for-pound fighter in the world in most polls. He is 29.