Winning is what matters most to Tommy Ward.
But there is part of the unbeaten boxer that is driving him to a perfect performance tonight against Alvaro Rodriguez for the vacant IBF European belt.
Ward’s 10-round showdown with the reigning Spanish super-bantamweight champion will be shown live and free on television.
FreeSports, found on Freeview HD channel 95, Sky channel 422, Virgin TV 130/553, FreeSat 252, TalkTalk 95, BT Vision channel 95 & via TVPlayer, will be live from the Rainton Meadows from 9pm.
The gifted 24-year-old had, originally, been scheduled to defend his British title in May against the man he won it from, Jazza Dickens after Frank Warren won the purse bids.
But the promoter handed the contest back after failing to secure TV coverage of the re-match.
That prompted Team Ward to move in a different direction and manager Dave Garside and coach Neil Fannan have plotted a journey to the International Boxing Federation’s world championship.
With no other televised boxing this evening, the Houghton show should bring in good viewing figures and it’s an opportunity for Ward to demonstrate what he can do to a national audience AND take a step closer to a world shot.
“I’m looking to put on a show,” said the talented boxer from West Rainton, just five minutes up the road from the Rainton Meadows Arena.
“There’ll be a big crowd in, which is great, and it’s on TV.
“I’ve been on television twice and to be on again here is fantastic and I’m grateful for Dave for securing TV coverage.
“It’s a very good bill but it’s a great fight with Rodriguez.
“He comes here as Spanish champion and on the back of three title fights, he’s going to be tough.
“We’ll get a look at him for a round or two and then get to work!
“Alvaro is good and strong, but I think I can adapt to whatever situation is in front of me, I’m good at working out my opponents so I don’t see why it will be any different here.”
Ward will start as favourite but that does not mean he expects victory to be on a plate.
“There will be no complacency,” the NE Security-sponsored star told punch-lines. “I have a route to a world title shot.
“To be a world champion you have to work hard outside the ring and produce good performances in it.”
And to be a world champ a boxer needs a good team behind him and that is certainly the case here ahead of the Dennis Hobson Promotions show, in association with Dave Garside and Phil Jeffries.
NE Security boss Garside has invested significantly in the event and the boxer overall.
“Dave is the man,” said Tommy, who will also have elder brother Martin in his corner tonight.
“I’m grateful to Dave, Neil and Jaffa for all this.
“I’m honoured to fight for these men, I’m thankful things are coming together and I’m looking forward to getting the ball rolling towards an IBF world title shot.
“It’s down to me to deliver and then we can look ahead to some big fights ahead of us.”
There is a full undercard, starring Chad Ellis, Jordan Ellison, Anth Hardy, Joe Laws, Tom Hill, Mohammed Waqas and Terence Wilkinson.
Tickets are still available on the door. Doors open at 6.30pm with boxing scheduled to start at 7pm.
Words: Roy Kelly
