Steven Ward Won’t Let Friendship With Tommy McCarthy Get in the Way of British Title Dream
It’s more curtain-raiser than last dance, says Steven Ward.
The Belfast man steps back onto the big stage when he fights long-time friend Tommy McCarthy on Matchroom’s March 1 SSE Arena bill.
The bout has been billed as a final swansong for both in some quarters and an amazing way to wave goodbye.
However, neither fighter sees it that way,
‘The Mac Attack’ had expressed world aspirations before the fight was announced and speaking in Belfast last week, ‘The Quietman’ got vocal about his British title plan.
Ward, who won Commonwealth silver alongside McCarthyin 2010, says victory over his former amateur team mate will prove a springboard to coveted domestic success.
“I can’t wait. It’s a fight I’ve been waiting on for a while. I thought it would have happened before now. For me, people are saying it’s the last dance, but I believe it’s the catalyst,” he said.
“I’ve always wanted to win the British Title. Win this, fight which I expect to do, then we’ll go for it. Must-win. I’m confident.”
‘The Quietman and the ‘Mac Attack’ know each other extremely well and are friends, but Ward is adamant he won’t let friendship stand in his way.
“It’s a good fight, Tommy and I have probably sparred close to 1,000 rounds together and this is an opportunity where one of us gets to kick on. I feel like I’ve got more to give in the sport and this is my opportunity.
“There’s plenty of fights out there that I would love, Tommy and I like each other and respect each other but i cannot stress how much I want to win this fight and I will win it, because it keeps the dream alive and keeps me going.”
