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Three wins from superstar status – Steven Ward knows whats at stake

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Steven Ward [12(4)-0] has echoed Eddie Hearn’s claim the #GoldenContract winner automatically becomes a superstar – but that doesn’t feature in his sources of motivation.

The aptly name ‘Quiet Man’ is among the favourites ahead of Wednesday’s draw for Saturday’s quarter-finals – broadcast live on Sky Sports in the UK in association with Matchroom Boxing and on ESPN+ in the US in association with Top Rank.

Although the Belfast light-heavyweight is not lustful for limelight, he harbours huge ambitions of a different kind as he prepares to face his last-eight opponent at The Brentwood Centre.

“Eddie Hearn said it himself: You can come out of this competition as a superstar… My nickname ‘The Quiet Man’ probably tells you that I don’t have any interest in being a superstar but I do have an interest in being selfish with the goals I want to achieve,” said Ward.

“I spend a lot of time away from my family trying to get to where I want to get to. Time with my wife and my kids are things I have to sacrifice. I have a newborn baby who I haven’t seen much of but winning the tournament will change their lives for the better so I’m going to grasp this chance.

“It’s been a great camp throughout and I’ve been away to Las Vegas sparring some top fighters in the Top Rank gym so I feel in a good place.

“I’ve watched both the Golden Contract quarter-final final nights so far and everyone I’ve been talking to watched them too. It’s fresh, new and exciting not being able to prepare for a fighter. I love the concept.”

Joining Ward in the draw are Bob Ajisafe, Hosea Burton, Andre Sterling, Liam Conroy, Tommy Philbin, Serge Michel and Ricards Bolotniks.

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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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