Tommy Ward has been within touching distance of a world title shot for what seems an eternity.
But the gifted boxer and Eddie Hearn hopes that wait is almost over.
Boxing’s top promoter will stage a WBO Inter-continental title fight for the unbeaten 25-year-old in Newcastle on Saturday, April 4.
The Neil Fannan and Dave Garside super-bantamweight is thrilled to be appearing on a bill which includes team-mate Lewis Ritson’s clash with Miguel Vazquez and Savannah Marshall’s tilt at the WBO light-heavyweight championship against Geovana Peres.
“It’s nice to be back in Newcastle and on such a big Matchroom, MTK and Sky show and it’s a good show,” said Ward who defeated Mexican Martin Casillas last yime out in Dubai in November.
“Not only is Lewis headlining it, but there is a lot of North-East talent on it.
“I’ll be looking to seal my ranking spot and move closer to a world title fight.
“I do feel one step closer, but it makes me even more determined to keep striving, keep pushing and that’s to fight for the world title and then be the world champion.
“I want a good fight and a good win and then hopefully the world title before the end of the year.”
It is 12 months since Ward, who has been a mainstay in the World Boxing Organisation’s top four for the last two years, dished out a boxing lesson to Jesse Angel Hernandez in Kansas in a WBO eliminator.
How does the NE Security-sponsored talent never fall out of love with boxing despite the wait for a world title crack?
“That’s one thing about me. I do love boxing, I always have, it’s always been my sport,” he told punch-lines ahead of his date at the Utilita Arena.
“I dream about being world champion all the time.
“Things can be upsetting or aggravating at times, but that comes with the business side of things.”
Talking of business, Hearn is confident that world title shot IS on its way – and fast.
“Thomas is bang on the verge of challenging for a world title,” he said. “With a victory on April 4 I believe that he will secure a fight for the world title this summer.”
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Jennifer Charlton
