New Year’s Resolutions: Steven Ward – “I have only scratched the surface”
Steven Ward [2(0)-0] made a perfect start to life in the pros towards the tail end of 2016, and the dedicated Newtownabbey light heavyweight is eager to continue this good start.
Ward, who relocated to Oliver Harrison’s gym in Salford for his pro assault, debuted in Belfast in November with a win over the awkward Merdjidin Yuseinov before a triumph over strong journeyman Remigijus Ziausys in December.
The 26 year old was content with his showing for 2016, and told Irish-Boxing.com that “I am happy how things have went, and being over in Manchester and having a good team behind me. I feel I’m still transitioning, but I am fitting in well. Finishing the year 2-0 was great but I am excited to see what this year brings.”
This first fight, although still to be confirmed, looks set to be on the Belfast Boxnation show at the Waterfront Hall on Saturday February 18th. Such is Ward’s commitment and drive, he is willing to fight this night despite his wedding taking place the very next morning.
Ward has plenty of top amateur experience behind him, but ‘The Quiet Man’ isn’t looking to make any loud predictions, and he admits that “the goal is to keep learning. Being over with Oliver Harrison, I have only scratched the surface on learning the pro game, so keep improving is the main goal, gain experience and preform better every fight.”
“Hopefully I will be kept busy this year. I love to be busy! I would love to be out five or six times this year but, to be honest, my team at MGM will know what is best for me and when I should be out.”
One thing Ward is keen to exhibit even more of is his calm, calculating, style, and he described how “I want to show more comfort in the ring, I have felt good the past 2 fights, but I am excited about doing more rounds, I’m always fighting and I can hopefully see more stoppages in the later rounds with my accuracy.”
Photo Credit: Ricardo Guglielminotti – The Fighting Irish (@ThefIrish)
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Joe O’Neill and Gavan Casey look ahead to 2017 in episode 1 of The Irish Boxing Show
