They are two of the most talented brothers about and they are sharpening their skills at O’Tooles.
The Wards, Martin and Tommy, who total 51 professional victories, are both in action this month in separate dates in Dunston.
Martin boxes for only the second time this year, when he has a six-rounder at the Black Flash Promotions event at the Lancastrian Suite on Friday, November 16.
Eight nights later, Tommy also has a six-rounder, this time at the Steve Wraith/ Phil Jeffries ‘Christmas Cracker’ on Saturday, November 24.
The skilful siblings, trained and managed by the Hartlepool boxing double act of Neil Fannan and Dave Garside, are both sponsored by state-of-the-art Newcastle gym, O’Tooles.
And Neil Conlon, the owner of Byker-based O’Tooles, has sung the praises of the gifted pair, inside and outside of the ring.
“I’ve known those two lads since they were kids,” Neil told punch-lines.
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“They are brilliant boxers but also very respectful, genuine people and that means a lot.
“Their mother and father, Elizabeth and Martin, have done sensational jobs with them, and that has helped shape them to be the boxers and people they are today.
“The Ward boys are lovely, lovely lads, Martin, Tommy and their brother Jimmy.
“Martin and Tommy call in once or twice a week to train at O’Tooles. They are brilliant, they don’t just come here to train and go home, they talk to the people who train at O’Tooles.
“They are well supported by the O’Tooles regulars, even off the weight-lifters downstairs. Even if they are not going to their fights, they follow the Wards.
“In my view, Martin and Tommy are great role models, the way they dedicate themselves to boxing and the way they live their lives.
“You often hear people talk about sportsmen being good losers, but these lads win well, they are so respectful and modest. They’ve both won a lot of fights and titles, but they’ve coped with success well.”
Martin hopes to challenge at domestic or international level at featherweight once he gets the ring-rust dusted off at the Dunston venue, while Tommy is awaiting developments on his bid to fight for the International Boxing Federation’s world super-bantamweight title.
Neil added: “Martin is looking to have a crack at titles at featherweight, while I don’t think there is a better super-bantamweight out there than Tommy, anywhere.
“This is why I can’t believe he is not with one of the major promoters. He’s potentially a fight away from boxing for one of the major world belts.
“Tommy Ward is not top 10 in Britain, he’s top 10 in three of the world’s biggest sanctioning bodies. I can’t understand it for the life of me.”
Words: Roy Kelly
