Tommy Ward’s British title re-match with James ‘Jazza’ Dickens is off after the champion relinquished his belt.
However, the show at Houghton still goes ahead on Friday, July 27 with brother Martin Ward facing the former champion for the vacant super-bantamweight belt AND Tommy challenging for the IBF inter-continental title at 8st 10lbs against Ionut Baluta.
Today’s developments have been dramatic to say the least with manager, Dave Garside, coach Neil Fannan and the boxing brothers deciding to change direction with Tommy.
And Fannan told punchlines that they are aiming for world honours for the unbeaten talent, who had a May ranking of 12 with the International Boxing Federation.
“We just couldn’t see the worth in going over old ground with Jazza,” said Fannan.
“Frank Warren won the purse bid originally for the fight, but then said TV didn’t want the bout and handed it back.
“We had nothing to gain from it bar shutting Jazza up after bad-mouthing Tommy a bit.
“In terms of career path, there was no great benefit from it, so we’ve gone down the world route.
“If Tommy wins this title at the Rainton Meadows Arena the IBF told us he will get an eliminator for their world title.
“Tommy needs two wins and he’ll be fighting to be a world champion and if the IBF route doesn’t go to plan we could come back to the British.
“But, to be honest, me and Dave have great belief in Tommy going all the way.
“And the great thing about July 27 is that both brothers could win titles on the same night, I have high hopes for Martin against Jazza.
“We put the contest to the British Boxing Board of Control and they have passed it so we are in for an exciting night.”
Martin Ward v Jazza Dickens has a bit of history in itself. The southpaws, old friends, fought out an absolute bloodbath in the Rainton Meadows Arena in November 2015, as the Scouser made a successful maiden defence of his crown.
It was a split decision, Phil Edwards (116-113) and Howard Foster (115-114) going Dickens with Dave Parris marking it 116-112 for the NE Securities-sponsored boxer.
Fannan added: “It was desperately close but Martin is fired up for revenge.
“Tommy has beaten Jazza since as well to win the title so Martin wants to make sure he beats him.”
Dickens, of course, is a well-known, highly-regarded figure, having lost just three of his 26 bouts.
But Baluta arrives as an unknown quantity in Durham for the show promoted by Dennis Hobson, in association with Dave Garside and Phil Jeffries.
The 24-year-old, originally from Romania but now based in Madrid has boxed his entire career in Spain, where he boasts 10 wins and two losses.
Words: Roy Kelly
