Tommy Ward will fight any time, any place and anywhere for the world championship.
The 27-year-old means it but tonight he will get the opportunity to move closer to that dream by boxing a mile or two from his front door.
Ward takes on Leonardo Padilla at Rainton Arena in a fascinating featherweight confrontation right in his Co Durham backyard on Probellum’s UK debut in an event staged in association with Phil Jeffries.
While Ward v Padilla is not an official eliminator, it is certainly a crucial match in the World Boxing Association division.
The Venezuelan is number five in the WBA list with a record of 20 wins and three defeats, with Ward at 10, undefeated with 30 victories and a draw.
All four of the main world bodies feature a significant number of British and Irish boxers – nine in total – meaning that a battle of Britain is a very appealing prospect.
But for the Neil Fannan and Dave Garside boxer, it is a world shot he wants.
“There are loads of British guys in there, but it’s world title fights I’m chasing
“I believe I deserve one and that I’ll get one soon.
“I know some boxers want to fight in a place of their choice and wearing certain gloves or whatever.
“But it can be anywhere for me.
“A boxing ring is a boxing ring to me, it’ll be me, my opponent and referee and three judges sat there.
“It doesn’t bother me and hope that scenario comes soon.”
For that to happen, he can afford no stumbles against the South American who has 14 stoppage wins to his credit.
“I’m boxing a good, strong fighter who’s ranked high in the WBA ratings.
“He’s there for a reason – he’s a good fighter.
“I’ve not watched him but now I’ve seen him, he’s a big guy with a big head on him.
“But I feel good and I’m looking forward to getting in the ring and performing and may the best man win.”
The pair first met on Thursday at Probellum’s media conference at the Gateshead Hilton and then at Friday’s weigh-in, where they both scaled a few ounces underneath the nine stone limit.
It’s all been very friendly, so far, even to the point when punch-lines was speaking to Tommy that a Team Padilla member approached Ward to shake hands, which the Hartlepool-trained boxer accepted.
“There is no bad blood,” said the NE Security-sponsored boxer.
“Every man or woman who gets into a ring to fight deserves respect, whether you are good or bad.”
Whether it was the chilly North-East weather – the temperatures back home are in the 20s – he cut a restrained figure compared to his Latin neighbours who are fighting Lewis Ritson and Ricky Burns.
But Padilla does not lack confidence.
“This is a fight that can lead to something big for me,” said the26-year-old.
“This is a great chance for me to be on the big stage, so it’s good for my career.
“I’ve got a good team with me, and I’m here to win.
“I’ve fought better rivals than Ward, and soon you’ll be hearing ‘and the new’ after this fight.”
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Mark Robinson/ Matchroom
