Martin Ward v Jazza Dickens 2 is off, but the show will go on.
Ward has been ruled out with a hand injury ahead of his challenge for the vacant British super-bantamweight title which had been scheduled for Friday, July 27.
The promoters say they will press on with the Houghton event with Tommy Ward’s challenge for the IBF European belt as the headline act.
The undercard remains intact for the show promoted by Dennis Hobson in association with Dave Garside and Phil Jeffries, with Dave Allen, Chad Ellis, Jordan Ellison, Anth Hardy, Tom Hill, Joe Laws, Kyle Redfearn, Mohammed Waqas, and Terence Wilkinson all in action at Rainton Meadows Arena.
Ward v Dickens, it is hoped, will go ahead in September.
Neil Fannan, who trains the Ward brothers (pictured above) in Hartlepool, told punch-lines that there was no alternative but to postpone the main event after the quality southpaw was struggling with his right hand.
“There was no way Martin would be OK to fight on the 27th,” explained Fannan.
“We’ve had him checked out by a [British Boxing] Board doctor to make sure everything has been done officially.
“Martin needs to rest it and hopefully it will only be weeks before he can use it again.
“We’re looking to re-schedule it for September and it will be another big show for the North-East.”
Fannan said delaying the whole event was never contemplated.
“We have a very good show to look forward to,” he said.
“Tommy’s fight for the IBF title is a worthy top-of-the-bill contest and we have a strong undercard.”
Undefeated Tommy will take on Spain’s Alvaro Rodriguez for the IBF European belt, in effect a quarter-final for the International Boxing Federation’s world super-bantamweight crown.
“It looks a good fight,” said Fannan. “He is coming with ambition that’s for sure.
“His handlers have been on asking about hotels because he’s bringing some supporters over for the fight. That’s a sign that they fancy the job.”
Words: Roy Kelly
