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Steven Ward seeking to set up title fight with short notice London job


Steven Ward [10(3)-0] hopes victory at the York Hall next week will set him up for some exciting 2019 fight nights. 

‘The Quite Man’ looked set to make some light heavyweight noise after he claimed the BUI Celtic title with victory over Steve Collins Jr in Windsor Park last summer, but has taken a step back since. 

The 29-year-old did add to his wins column, but victories over Mexican slugger Rolando Paredes and Croat journeyman Josip Perkovic came without much fanfare. 

Now Ward is back in the ring on Friday April 26th against TBA in London and, considering he fights less that a month after his last date, it appears journeyman opposition will populate the away corner again. 

However, the Jamie Moore-trained fighter is hoping an eleventh straight victory will lead to more ‘exciting’ fights. 

“Hopefully, we’ll get this one over with and there’ll be some really exciting fights lined up. These are exciting times and I am enjoying my boxing,” said Ward, who is delighted with being kept busy.”

“It’s great to stay busy and I really feel the next 12 months could be huge for me,” he added.

The British scene could open up soon should Matchroom star Joshua Buatsi, as expected, move up in level while the Commonwealth belt is available – and the Ulsterman will also have his eye on the pending Paddy McDonagh v Nathan Thorley Celtic title fight.

He has to first get over his assignment next weekend and Ward moves from one legendary intimate boxing venue to another as he trades the Ulster Hall for York Hall for his next bout. 

It will be the Commonwealth silver medallist’s first time to appear at the Bethnal Green venue and he is excited about that prospect and what a win could do in terms of the year ahead.  

Ward outlined how “I’ve never boxed at York Hall but I’ve heard great things about it and I’m looking forward to seeing it for myself.

“My momentum keeps going. I’ve had a little bit of time off but I like to keep active and keep learning.”

“I know it’s going to be a great year and this keeps me moving forward. MTK Global’s deal with ESPN+ inspires us all.”

“For fighters that make it onto those shows, it helps you develop as a fighter and the whole thing is just exciting for everyone involved.”

Photo Credit: Ricardo Guglielminotti – The Fighting Irish (@ThefIrish)

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Jonny Stapleton

Irish-boxing.com contributor for 15 years and editor for the past decade. Have been covering boxing for over 16 years and writing about sports for a living for over 20 years. Former Assistant Sports editor for the Gazette News Paper Group and former Tallaght Voice Sports Editor. Have had work published in publications around the world when working as a freelance journalist. Also co-founder of Junior Sports Media and Leinster Rugby PRO of the Year winner. email: editoririshboxing@gmail.com

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