Headline NewsNews

‘In for a big surprise’- Delgado confident of ruining Joe Ward’s debut

Joe Ward is in for a big surprise tonight warns opponent Marco Delgado [5(4)-0] and his team.

The former amateur standout debuts on the undercard of Gennadiy “GGG” Golovkin-Sergiy Derevyanchenko middleweight championship contest at the Garden – and will trade professional leather for the first time against Delgado over six rounds.

The American is certainly represents a more difficult than average start for a first timer. He has four knockouts from four wins and looks levels above your average debut foe.

Considering the 25-year-old’s exceptional amateur record the likes of Lou DiBella, Ken Casey and Times Square management feel he is ready for an early test.

However, Delgado and his team warn they should have opted for an easier paper.

The 27-year-old Californian suggests he will register easy victory, while his promoter claims his man will prove too rough and ready for one of Ireland’s greatest ever in the vest.

“I would like to thank my team at KO Night Boxing for working to get this opportunity against Joe Ward,” said Delgado. “I’ve been waiting for this call my whole life. I’m here to do my job and that’s to make the judges’ job easy.”

“I am truly excited for the world to get a look at Marco Delgado,” added John Anderson, of KO Night Boxing. “I think Lou DiBella will be in for a big surprise. I have all the respect in the world for Lou, but in this fight, I feel Marco is way too rugged for Joe Ward and it will show as the fight progresses.”

‘Mighty Joe’ Ward weighed in at 173.4lbs ahead of what will be a six round debut, while his opponent came in at 173.8lbs.

The fight should be aired on DAZN, but won’t be part of Sky Sports coverage.

Speaking about his debut Ward said:

“I don’t know much about Delgado, but he has a very good record and I’m sure he will be there to try to knock me out.

“Fighting at Madison Square Garden, especially for my professional debut, is very special and a huge opportunity, second to none. My team did a great job making this happen,” he adds before calling to be kept busy.

“If all goes well on Saturday night, I want to stay busy and continue to learn under Buddy. I’m looking to put on a show and entertain the fans on Saturday night at Madison Square Garden,”

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

x