When will Tommy Ward’s wait be over? It’s a question asked many times and repeated here now. 2022 would be the dream answer.
Coach Neil Fannan and manager Dave Garside, who have guided Ward throughout his career, are hoping THAT shot at world title glory will come this year, his trainer saying that promoters Probellum will “move heaven and earth” to do it.
Ward, at number four in the World Boxing Association’s featherweight ratings, won for the 32nd time in Newcastle thanks to a 100-90 shut-out victory over ex-African champion, Alexis Kabore.
It was the 27-year-old’s third straight win since his move up from super-bantamweight and was warmly congratulated by Probellum president, Richard Schaefer, who was ringside at the Utilita Arena.
He and boxing’s newest force, who recently signed a broadcast deal to have their events shown on Eurosport, would appear ideally placed to deliver for the unbeaten Co Durham man.
“Probellum have said they will move heaven and earth to get him a world title fight this year,” Fannan told punch-lines.
Ward did not display the same level of panache at the Utilita Arena as he did in his Probellum debut in December when he won his WBA top 10 showdown with Leonardo Padilla.
But his performance had both quality and quantity while it was hard to recall the NE Security-sponsored boxer taking a meaningful shot in the entire 30 minutes.
“Tommy was always in control, but you could tell the difference,” said Fannan.
“It wasn’t that it was a fight without importance, but it wasn’t an all-important fight.
“Tommy needs a big fight, but we’ve known that.
“It’s hard to dazzle unless you are in with an opponent that is trying to dazzle or brings a bit of fear factor.
“That’s not me being negative – Tommy won and won well.
“He had 10 good rounds and never got hit.
“But the fear-factor he had for the Padilla fight wasn’t there [in Newcastle] – a boxer needs that to bring out the very best performance.”
All options appear open to Team Ward though clearly they would prefer the big one.
“We’re hoping his next fight will be a final eliminator in July or August, but even if it isn’t we’ll probably fight anyway,” added Fannan.
“Should we wait for a shot? Possibly, but we might as well be in there and active.
“We’ll see but we’re hoping the chance will come.”
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Tom Collins
