One of British boxing’s most gifted young champions will be displaying his skills in a North-East ring in March.
Tommy Ward, the reigning British super-bantamweight title holder, will box at the Phil Jeffries-promoted show at Houghton-le-Spring on Saturday, March 10.
The 23-year-old, who made a successful maiden defence against Birmingham’s Sean Davis in Newcastle in November, will have a non-championship bout, probably over six or eight rounds.
“It’s fantastic to have Tommy on the bill at Rainton Meadows Arena,” said Jeffries. “He’s a class act and it’s great for our boxing public to watch him.”
The gifted Hartlepool-trained boxer became Britain’s 8st 10lb last May, when he defeated Jazza Dickens, the man who had beaten elder brother, Martin, in a Rainton Meadows bloodbath.
Tommy took the belt in Leeds via a technical decision after referee Michael Alexander called a halt in round nine after the challenger suffered a nasty cut above his left eye after an accidental clash of heads.
It meant the verdict went to the judges scorecards, the unbeaten Neil Fannan and Dave Garside boxer winning 87-85 (twice) and 88-84.
Ward retained his title live on BT Sport at the Metro Radio Arena in November, when he outpointed Sean ’Showtime’ Davis. This week the NES Securities-sponsored boxer has sparred with Gavin McDonnell as he builds towards his return.
“It has been a couple of months since he fought and I think Neil wants him back in action,” said Jeffries.
The March 10 show will feature unbeaten Thornley light-welter Darren Surtees who returns to action following injury.
Jeffries sends out some of the region’s newest talent, like James Conlon, Chris Grout, Tom Hill, Kris Pilkington and Mark Taylor. For tickets, contact the boxers or ring Phil on 07747611020.
Words: Roy Kelly
