Steven Ward believes big fights are close

BUI Celtic light heavyweight champion Steven Ward [9(3)-0] trusts his performance levels will lead him to a big 2019 and titles.

As his ring moniker suggests, ‘The Quiet Man’ isn’t one for call-outs – which limits him from talking his way into big fights.

However, the Newtownabbey prospect remains confident that a big year lies ahead and feels further title fights will come sooner rather than later if he continues to impress in the ring.

Ward returns to the ring at the Ulster Hall on Friday March 29th having seen a slot on the Warrington-Frampton card in December pulled late due to a cheekbone injury.

The Commonwealth Games silver medallist is keen to progress and believes he is close to major fights.

Ward outlined how “I feel like I’m in the mix this year. You get a lot of people calling each out but that’s not really me. I was always told to stick by my guns.”

“I have enough confidence in MTK and I’ll fight whoever they put in front of me, they’re the best management company around.”

“I feel like every performance is getting better and I would love to get title fights in 2019. There’s some good fights out there, and I’ve no doubt that with MTK behind me, I’ll be involved in them this year.”

The light heavyweight division is quite packed at present. Irish rival Paddy McDonagh fights Welsh champ Nathan Thorley for the Celtic title next month, top prospect Joshua Buatsi faces Liam Conroy for the British belt, while the Commonwealth belt is there for the taking.

First though it’s a fight at the Ulster Hall and Ward can’t wait to return to the the iconic venue next month having experienced the venue during his amateur career.

The VIP Gym man described how “I can’t wait to be out in Belfast at Ulster Hall. What a place to box. I’ve not boxed since there since the amateurs and inside it is beautiful.” 

“It’s another chance to perform in front of people and I always feel lucky that people are coming to watch me.”