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The Draw is in – Steven Ward learns Golden Contract quarter final fate

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Steven Ward [12(4)-0] elected to fight Latvian Ricards Bolotniks [15(6)-5(3)-1] in this weekends Golden Contract competition.

The new and fresh competition returns on Saturday as eight ight-heavyweight stars from around the world compete at the Brentwood Centre, for a place in the next stage of the competition.

The draw for the quarter finals which will feature Hosea Burton, Ward, Liam Conroy, Tommy Philbin, Bob Ajisafe, Andre Sterling, Serge Michel and Bolotniks took place this afternoon.

There were four blue balls and four red balls, with those who picked a blue ball able to select their opponents from those who picked red balls. The blue balls were numbered one to four to decide in which order they can choose.

Ward managed to pick blue ball number 2 meaning he had second choice and after first pick Tommy Philbin elected to fight Serge Michel, , ‘The Quietman chose Ricards Bolotniks.

Speaking with regard to his choice Ward said  “He’s highly-ranked and a good fighter. It’s a good challenge for the first fight and I’m looking forward to it.”

While Bolotniks seemed delighted with how the draw played out. 

“This is a very good fight and I’m happy. I wanted to fight him the most out of everyone and I’m ready for him.”

Draw in full:

Tommy Philbin vs. Serge Michel

Steven Ward vs. Ricards Bolotniks

Andre Sterling vs. Liam Conroy

Bob Ajisafe vs. Hosea Burton

Following today’s dramatic draw, the Golden Contract fight week activities continue later this week, with the press conference taking place tomorrow.

dpg

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

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