It’s on!
A date has finally been set for Tommy Ward-James Dickens 2.
It will take place at Rainton Meadows Arena on Friday, July 27.
The respective camps have sorted out terms with Jazza agreeing to return to the Houghton venue, where he edged out Tommy’s elder brother, Martin, in a British super-bantamweight championship bloodbath in November 2015.
But now Tommy is the master at 8st 10lbs and the 27-year-old will journey to the North-East as the challenger rather than the champion.
This date comes as a relief to both parties given the route to the re-match has been slow going to say the least.
The Hartlepool-Liverpool fight should have been taking place THIS month, as stipulated by the British Boxing Board of Control.
However, having won the purse bids to stage the contest, promoter Frank Warren failed to come up with a date or venue, so the BBBC put it back out to purse bids.
But Ward’s coach, Neil Fannan, told punch-lines that they have come to an agreement.
“Everything is sorted,” confirmed Fannan. “We’ve agreed terms with Jazza and his people at MTK and it’s set for the last Friday in July.
“It has dragged on and on for ever, so it’s good to be able to announce this.”
Phil Jeffries will promote the show with his old friend, Dennis Hobson, who he has worked with in the past.
The Sheffield fight figure has free-to-air TV coverage in the shape of FreeSports so Ward-Dickens2 would be available to the nation.
Tommy defeated the former world title challenger on his BT Sport debut last May to win the title.
It promises to be an intriguing battle with Dickens vowing not to make a slow start like he did that night in Leeds, while Fannan and Dave Garside, Tommy’s manager, insist the 23-year-old, is an even better fighter now.
“Tommy is top class,” added Fannan. “He’s been sparring with Jack Bateson and Stuey Hall and is looking as right as rain.”
Ward has won all 23 of his pro contests and has a number four rating with the World Boxing Organisation.
Tommy, who stopped Lesther Cantillano last time out in March, will tune up for the match with a six-rounder in Darlington on Saturday, May 26.
Steve Wraith promotes at the Dolphin Centre, where a really exciting line-up is developing.
“The Jazza fight is 11 weeks away so Tommy will need a fight before then,” added Fannan. “It’s good to get him on Steve’s show.”
Words: Roy Kelly
