Tommy Ward will take his first steps towards world contention at featherweight in Newcastle.
The unbeaten Dave Garside and Neil Fannan star takes on Mexican featherweight champion Edy Valencia Mercado over 10 rounds at a sold-out Vertu Motors Arena on Saturday, June 12.
It will be the 27-year-old’s first fight since moving up to the 9st division after over three years as one of the world’s elite-rated super-bantams.
And it represents a difficult opening hurdle – Mercado is the recently-crowned Mexican champ having clinched a split decision verdict over the previously-unbeaten Jose Ramon Olmeda at the end of March.
The degree of difficulty has been increased given the original opponent Team Ward had prepared for was an orthodox boxer, but Tommy told punch-lines how he has taken it all in his stride.
“It doesn’t really make a big difference to me,” said the gifted boxer outside Fannan’s Hartlepool gym.
“We’d been training to box another Mexican, but as people know Mexicans all come to fight.
“It’s a hard night’s work, whoever you are fighting from that country.
“Mexico seem to breed strong, tough, game pressure fighters, don’t they?
“But I’m fit and ready and feeling really good.
“Training has gone great with Neil and I’m really happy to be boxing again.
“Mercado is good but I’m good too and I’m raring to go.
“It’s a meaningful fight and one I should get good ranking points from.
“Since I beat Jesse Hernandez in America, nothing has really been riding on the fights I’ve had and I was fighting for the sake of it.
“This is different – I’ve a good opponent and a win over him will hopefully get me moving at featherweight.”.
It will be the chief support bout to his ex-stablemate Lewis Ritson, who headlines the venue formerly known as the Eagles Communuity Arena against Argentina’s Jeremias Ponce in a final eliminator for the IBF world light-welterweight title.
Mercado has boxed 28 times, losing just five and drawing six, winning 17, five coming inside the distance, while Ward has won 29 of his 30 contests, the only blemish being a draw last time out with old neighbour, Thomas Essomba in Peterborough last October.
An horrific accidental cut caused a premature end to a compelling fight which the NE Security-sponsored boxer described as a bad night at the office.
“There was nothing on the fight with Thomas and the fact I knew him so well and sparred a lot with him didn’t help,” added Ward.
“This is a different fight, a different night and I can’t wait.
“It’s about being mentally focused which I am for this one.
“I’m chief support to Lewis on a good bill and on Sky Sports and we’re boxing in front of 1,000 fans. It’s going to be a great night.”
Two of Newcastle’s most popular boxers are in action on the Matchroom promotion, Joe Laws and April Hunter, while unbeaten Londoner, Ellie Scotney will have her third pro contest.
Amateur heavyweight turned pro, Solomon Dacres, will have his second paid bout after winning on his debut last month in Manchester
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Mark Robinson/ Matchroom
