Tommy Ward’s journey to world glory and beyond is so near completion.
Having spent over three years in the top league of the planet’s super-bantamweight rankings the undefeated Co Durham talent was forced to make another statement at feather against Leonardo Padilla .
And how he delivered with a masterful performance to outpoint the dangerous South American over 10 flawless at the Rainton Arena, where he was the chief support to old team-mate, Lewis Ritson, at Probellum’s UK debut event.
Punch-lines must stress that the England v Venezuela contest was NOT an eliminator, but given Padilla is fifth in the World Boxing Association’s ratings with Ward at 10, a climb up the table should be inevitable.
The WBA already have a British world champion in the shape of Nottingham’s Leigh Wood, who’ll defend his belt against unbeaten Irishman, Michael Conlan, in his home city in March.
And the WBA also have a super world title holder in Leo Santa Cruz, the legendary Mexican who can boast glory at four different weights.
“That win over Padilla will improve my ranking with the WBA and hopefully get me rated high up with the other world bodies,” said Tommy.
“A good fight would be Leo Santa Cruz, who is a great fighter and role model.”
The Dave Garside and Neil Fannan boxer was simply imperious in his performance against Padilla, who barely got near the 27-year-old.
Two of the three judges, Phil Edwards and Kenny Pringle, scored it 100-90 with Terry O’Connor marking it 98-92.
It was so good that WBC world heavyweight champion, Tyson Fury, put out a congratulatory video message on social media to the Hartlepool-trained boxer, whose record now reads 31-0-1 following the triumph at Houghton.
“It was a great venue, great crowd and great atmosphere,” said Ward.
“I knew given Padilla’s record that it would be a good fight.
“I think he truly believed he could knock me out but by trying it left him open to my shots and I think I wobbled him a couple of times.”
Ward has more than just sporting glory in his sights – he told punch-lines that he “had some good news for my life outside boxing.”
He explained: “I’m absolutely on a high with my family life as well as my boxing.
“I can now build my own house on my own land,
“I’m going to build a home for my family which I’ve been praying to do.
“That’ll start in 2022.”
The NE Security-sponsored boxer is therefore building for a bright future outside the ring as well as inside it.
“A couple more wins next year and I’ll be able to afford it!” he smiled.
“Everything is going well.
“I trained very hard in the gym in then boxed very well in the fight. Happy days.”
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Jennifer Charlton
