Tommy Ward will have international opposition when he headlines MTK’s show in Newcastle.
The undefeated WBO world-rated number four super-bantamweight takes on Yesner Talavera over 10 rounds at the Newcastle Eagles Community Arena on Saturday, September 28.
It is the second Spanish-based Nicaraguan on the spin for the 25-year-old who outpointed Brayan Mairena in July at Brentwood, where he impressed on his debut for MTK.
Talavera arrives in the North-East with a good pedigree, having recently gone the full eight rounds with Josh Warrington’s IBF featherweight world title challenger, Sofiane Takoucht.
His record is a very acceptable one of 15-9-1 (4) and is a former long-reigning Nicaraguan champion, so he looks fair opposition for the gifted Ward who won’t have long to wait for a world title challenge, surely?
Training is going well at Neil Fannan’s Hartlepool gym, where he has Lewis Ritson for company as he gears up for his world title eliminator with Robbie Davies Jnr.
“Tommy is looking awesome,” reported Fannan. “He was supposed to do eight rounds sparring with a top lad this week but the other fella got out after six.
“He looks well and he’s excited to be performing in the North-East for MTK.
“Talavera looks half all-right, he’s just been the distance with Josh Warrington’s world title opponent at featherweight and a few fights before that gone the full 10 rounds with Albert Pagara who has stopped virtually everyone he’s fought.”
The Dave Garside-managed NE Security-sponsored star tops the bill at the Scotswood Road venue. It looks like being an early start on the 28th given the long cast list advertised.
Here they are, in alphabetical order: Jamie Bates, Chad Ellis, Alex Farrell, Adam Gair, Tom Hill, Joe Laws, Jeff Nesham, Anth Ornsby, Lawrence Osueke, Basi Razaq, Darren Reay, Steve Robinson, Simon Vallily and Terence Wilkinson.
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Tom Collins/ East Durham Life
