Boxing champ Andre Ward says he doesn't want to retire ... but he will if he isn't shown the proper respect ... a.k.a. given his fair cut of the cash for Ward-Kovalev II.
TMZ Sports ran into the undefeated boxer in L.A. last night ... and asked about reports that Ward was considering hangin' up the gloves ... before the highly anticipated rematch.
FYI -- Ward defeated Kovalev on November 19th in Vegas.
Ward says he's the champ ... and needs to be paid like it ... or the fight everyone wants to see ain't happening.