Watch out for Ward making his mark in 2020.
But it’s not just WBO world number four Tommy Ward who has glory in his sights, the family’s elder statesman, Martin, is top tape up his gloves again.
The 31-year-old has put in a full week of hard labour at Neil Fannan’s gym in Hartlepool and is targeting a return in the spring when he’d be happy to test the credentials of any top-line featherweights.
Martin did not box at all in 2019 but could be seen assisting Fannan with Tommy during an outstanding 12 months for the 25-year-old.
In fact, Martin has not chucked a punch since November 2018 when he was given a couple of late anxious moments by Johnson Tellez before winning their six rounder at Dunston’s Lancastrian Suite.
“While he’s not boxed in a while, the thing to remember is that he never retired,” Fannan told punch-lines.
“When we were in Dubai for Tommy’s fight with Martin Casillas, MTK said they would be happy to use Martin on their shows.
“Martin has had a break and he’s ready to box again.
“As long as he’s keen and his love for boxing is there then I’m over the moon.
“There is no need for any warm-ups, he’ll be happy to go in with anyone.
“He had a hard week but he did well – shown by the fact he lost five and a half pounds.
“But the great thing for me was he enjoyed it.”
Even if Ward decided never to climb through the ropes again, the Dave Garside-managed talent has had a career to be proud of, boasting a record of 27-4-1.
The classy Co Durham southpaw has made two unsuccessful challenges for the British title, stopped by Lee Haskins in five rounds at Bristol in 2013 before having one of domestic boxing’s fights of the year in 2015 when he lost on a split decision in a bloodbath to James ‘Jazza’ Dickens in Houghton.
On the subject of ‘claret’, a badly cut eye ruined Martin’s bid for the IBF world bantamweight championship when his 2014 derby with Darlington’s Stuart Hall ended as a technical draw.
The NE Security-sponsored star’s highlight came at the end of 2013 when he outclassed Gabriel Odoi Laryea to become champion of the Commonwealth.
Martin is pictured with brother Jimmy flanking their youngest sibling Tommy after his victory over Yesner Talavera in Newcastle in September.
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Tom Collins/ Hartlepool Life
