“I haven’t got the credit I deserve” says Martin J Ward after close Cacace clash

There may be debate about the result, but Martin J Ward doesn’t care as the record books will always show he defeated Anthony Cacace.

Following a close twelve rounds last month on the Eubank-Abraham undercard at the Wembley Arena, Ward prevailed in the double title clash with Cacace on a 115-114, 116-114, 116-113 unanimous decision.

The Belfast fighter, his fans, and indeed some independent watchers felt though that he had done enough to win the British and Commonwealth titles.

There were more who felt it was close and could have went either way, but Ward [18(8)-0-2] is adamant he won the fight and rightfully won the Lonsdale Belt outright.

Indeed, he stressed all debates over the result will count for nothing when people consult the history books.

“I won the fight. Look at Boxrec and see who the winner is,” the fighter with Irish roots told Sky Sports.

“It was a close fight and some people scored it against me and some for me, including the judges sat ringside. Maybe because of that I haven’t got the credit I deserve, but I’m just delighted to have my title for keeps – it’s an amazing feeling.”

Cacace [15(7)-1(0)] and his team felt their man would prove to strong and talented for the former amateur standout.

However, Ward claims he was never hurt during the 12 rounds.

“It was a bit of a grudge match against Cacace and there was a lot of talking going on.”

“He was quite solid in there, but did not have ridiculous power, he hit me flush early on and I dropped my hands and said ‘come on!’ I felt the pressure to perform in there and I just tried to stick to the game plan and do what I’ve been doing in training.”

Ward now intends on stepping up to the next level and the European title, perhaps vacating his two domestic belts and paving the way for the likes of Cacace or another Belfast boxer James Tennyson to contest the championships.

Matchroom’s Ward outlined how “I’m looking to go all the way in the sport and the European route is the next logical step