Tommy Ward would welcome a clash against highly-regarded Kiko Martinez for his debut fight as a featherweight.
Punch-lines reported last month how the unbeaten 26-year-old had called time on his days as a super-bantamweight, a division in which he held top-10 ratings with two world governing bodies, including number four with the WBO (seven with the IBF).
Ward was forced to concede defeat in the difficult battle to make the 8st 10lb championship limit but is excited by the prospect of making an impact at 9stones.
Having spent almost three years in the World Boxing Organisation’s top four, the Co Durham talent hopes the WBO might factor that into a favourable positioning among the feathers, though accepts he’ll still need to prove it in the ring.
That is where Señor Martinez comes into his thinking.
“It would be nice to get Kiko Martinez, it’s a fight that has been mentioned before,” Tommy told punch-lines.
“He’s a very recent European champion, been a world champion and is still a good world-level fighter.
“Beating someone like him would put me right up there as a featherweight.
“I’m not sure how the rankings work moving up a weight but I’d like to think the WBO would include me somewhere.
“But a good win in that division would put me in a great place.”
His ambitions go right to the very top, including a dream showdown with WBO world champion Emanuel Navarrete, the Mexican whose class is confirmed by the fact he is ranked at five in the prestigious Ring ratings.
“I was close to having a fight with Emanuel Navarrete before and I wouldn’t have a problem chasing down a bout with him,” said the former British champion who remains unbeaten after 30 contests and says the better the opponent the better .
“When I box someone who’s a big name and a big challenge, everything is different, you are more on the ball, in training and in the fight.
“When there’s no title on the line, no real recognition to gain from it, it’s not easy.
“Getting the big names and the big fights and you’ll see a better Tommy Ward.”
Currently, the NE Security-sponsored star is working hard in Neil Fannan’s Hartlepool gym, having enjoyed something of a treat after his bloody battle with Thomas Essomba in Peterborough in October … a month’s break.
“First time ever, a full four weeks off! First time in eight years!” laughed the Dave Garside-managed talent who was held to a draw by Essomba in a gripping North-East battle prematurely ended in round nine by a cut eye.
“It was nice being off, but I’m happy to be back in the gym.
“After the night I had at Peterborough I’d have loved to have got back in there [for another fight] but the cut’s going to keep me out until next year.”
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Mark Robinson/ Matchroom
