Tommy Ward has been given a place at the ball in Newcastle with his coach convinced his own big night is just around the corner.
The International Boxing Federation’s new European belt owner will fight on the undercard of Lewis Ritson’s bid to become European champion against Francesco Patera at Metro Radio Arena on Saturday, October 13.
Also on the Newcastle spectacular, Sunderland’s Commonwealth king, Glenn Foot, will make the maiden defence of his title and look to add the vacant British strap against Liverpool’s Robbie Davies Jr.
For Ward it is the stage to show what he can do in front of what is expected to be a capacity crowd at the Tyneside venue.
Coach Neil Fannan, who only guided the 24-year-old to that IBF Euro triumph in Houghton less than five weeks ago, is thrilled to have the skilled super-bantamweight on the Matchroom show in a six-rounder against an as-yet unnamed opponent.
“What a place for Tommy to showcase his talent,” said Fannan. “He needs to be on these big events and deserves to be.
“I enjoy training him and I enjoy watching him box and I think the public will enjoy seeing all the skills he brings to a ring.
“He keeps getting better and better and I think we’ll see an even better Tommy Ward than we saw at the Rainton Meadows Arena.”
Ward oozed class last month at the Houghton venue where he comprehensively outpointed Spanish champ Alvaro Rodriguez over 10 rounds in his first step towards an IBF super-bantamweight challenge.
The Dave Garside-managed boxer, who has clocked up 24 straight wins, could soon have an IBF eliminator or better yet, a straight shot at glory.
“We want to keep Tommy busy,” added Fannan. “We’d love to get Tommy out for a bigger fight in late November, so having this in Newcastle is ideal.”
NE Security-sponsored star Ward will not be the only unbeaten North-East boxer on the undercard at the Metro Radio Arena.
Lawrence Osueke, who has won all four of his contests since leaving the amateur ranks, will be in action as will red-hot Joe Laws who has exploded onto the scene with two quick fire wins cheered on by an army of delirious fans.
Tickets will go on sale on Wednesday.
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Tom Collins/ Hartlepool Life
