Tommy Ward. There is no boxer like him.
For all the waiting he has had to do, and punch-lines is not just talking about this year, his desire, determination and demeanour has never changed.
He loves to train and loves to fight and he’s relishing that task tonight here in Peterborough where he meets Thomas Essomba over 10 rounds.
It’s not the WBO no3 v no14 world-title eliminator he hoped for against the World Boxing Organisation’s Latin belt holder, Jose Martin Garcia.
But it is still a live contest against this substitute, the former Commonwealth and English champion and Tommy knows win number 30 will keep him going in an upward direction.
“I can’t wait to get out there and do what I do best,” he told punch-lines.
“It makes no difference to me who they put in front of me, whoever I face has to be beaten.
“I want world titles, I’m ready for world titles, there can be no mistakes.
“I have to go out there and put on a show and win the fight.”
The odds of the 26-year-old NOT putting on a show are slim.
Ward has spent 31 months inside the WBO’s top four and hoped his electrifying performance last year in America against Texan Jesse Fernandez would have brought him a world title challenge this year.
“Travelling over to America and putting a stamp on the division was a great thing for me,” he said. “But 2020 which we’d hoped for so much from, has been a bad year.
“But 2020 has been a bad year for everyone and I know I need to get through Saturday night, beat Thomas and look forward to some good nights in 2021.”
The Co Durham boxer, whose career has been expertly guided by Hartlepool fight figures, Neil Fannan and Dave Garside, says he remains positive, despite the disappointment of Garcia’s withdrawal
“It’s a shame that I’m not going to be having an eliminator,” said the NE Security-managed boxer. “But there is always next year.
“I do believe that by next year my big fight will come.
“I’m ready for that day and I’m confident of being world champion, but I know I can afford no slip ups here.”
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Mark Robinson/ Matchroom
