Is there a boxer anywhere on the planet who has had to show more patience than Thomas Patrick Ward?
It’s hard to believe there is.
Talented Tommy should have been gearing up for a WBO Inter-continental title fight in Newcastle on Saturday, April 4, when he was scheduled to tackle Mexico’s Jose Martin Garcia.
Inevitably, the Matchroom bill at the Utilita Arena, topped by Lewis Ritson’s clash with Miguel Vazquez, was postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Ward has spent 25 consecutive months in the World Boxing Organisation’s top four but has yet to get a crack at the super-bantamweight title.
The unbeaten 25-year-old’s wait must now go on for even longer, but the Dave Garside and Neil Fannan boxer is taking the current break in his stride, as he isolates with the Ward family in Co Durham.
“The whole world has come to a halt,” Tommy told punch-lines. “It’s not anyone’s fault, it’s one of them things.
“There is not a lot anyone can do at the moment, we all just have to stay safe and get through this.
“Hopefully this will blow over and we can get back to normal.
“We need boxing back, no boxing and no sport is a bad thing, but it’s not just us, it’s the whole world that’s affected. We all need to come through this together.”
The Hartlepool-trained star, who is part of the MTK empire, is ticking over in and around his home in West Rainton while spending a lot of time with his loved ones.
“I’m still training, doing road work and some stuff on the pads with Martin,” he said. “I’m spending a lot more time with the family which has been nice.
“As a full-time as a boxer, you are out twice a day training and you don’t see your family as much but that’s not the case at the moment and I’m enjoying it. The kids are keeping me on my toes!”
The Newcastle show has been re-scheduled for Saturday, June 29 though, realistically, that might be ambitious given the current situation.
“I’m hoping it will be on,” said the NE Security-sponsored boxer, who is pictured with bothers Martin (left) and Jimmy (right). “I’m staying fit, staying active.
“But it depends on when we can get back in the gym, doesn’t it?
“As boxers we need a proper camp to be ready for June 29.
“If this [situation] runs into May or June then it’s going to be hard.”
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Tom Collins/ Hartlepool Life
