Tommy Ward’s first featherweight test should carry the following warning – fighting Mexicans can seriously damage your health.
But the unbeaten world-rated Co Durham-born boxer believes he will carry too much class for Mexico’s champion, Edy Mercado on Saturday evening, when they collide in the chief support bout to Lewis Ritson’s IBF final world light-welterweight eliminator against Jeremias Ponce.
Ward hopes this 10-rounder in Newcastle will be the first move in him fighting for the world featherweight championship.
Sounds plausible doesn’t it, given the ability inside the two fists of this 27-year-old who is chasing his 30th professional win at the Vertu Motors Arena.
Yet the word ‘but’ must be introduced at this point. But he must avoid the fate which has befallen two of this country’s leading fighters against pesky Mexicans – remember how ex-featherweight world champion Josh Warrington lost his 100 per cent record to Mauricio Lara and then Gabriel Valenzuela put down Robbie Davies Jnr on his way to a light-welterweight victory in London.
Throw in Miguel Vazquez into the equation after many felt ‘The Puppet’ had beaten Lewis Ritson in the Sandman’s split decision victory in Peterborough last October.
One principal reason for Ward avoiding any sleepless nights is his continued policy of NOT viewing any tapes of his rivals, though his respect for Mercado – and Mexicans – is genuine.
However, his self-belief remains greater.
“I never watch my opponents beforehand,” said the Neil Fannan and Dave Garside boxer. “I leave all that to Fanno.
“I concentrate on myself and what I do.
“As long as I’m fit, sharp and switched on, I believe I can outbox anyone.
“I’m confident that will be the case on Saturday.
“But it’s an interesting fight and it’s going to be a hard night’s work.
“There are so many good fighters who are coming out of Mexico and Edy is one of them – Mexicans are born to fight.
“Obviously he’s good, but I’m good too and I’ll be looking to show that on Saturday and make a statement then move forward and smash up some of these world champions that don’t want to fight.”
Having spent over three years in the top echelon at super-bantam, Ward is intent on making brisk progress through the featherweight division and a victory over the newly-crowned Mexican champion would represent a good starting point given the 30-year-old southpaw has won 17 and drawn six of his 28 bouts.
“I’m not looking past Saturday night – I’ve got a tough opponent in front of me who’s going to be coming and giving it his all,” added the NE Security-sponsored boxer.
“I’ve been rated quite highly for quite some time and I’m pushing on for those world title fights. I want to fight them – do they want to fight me? Let’s see, let’s get it on.”
Ward is up at feather having found those last few pounds at super-bantam difficult to take off and feels so much better without having to go through all that physical and mental stress.
“The camp has gone great,” he explained. “I’ve not had to do any real weight-making, I’ve been able to enjoy my training and because of that I’m happy, I’ve not been stressed by anything.”
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Mark Robinson/ Matchroom
