A good win and push on from there.
That is Tommy Ward in a nutshell, or Thomas Patrick Ward if you prefer, as one of the best featherweights in the business prepares to make his ring return on Saturday, March 16.
The 29-year-old tackles African fighter Armani Bariki over eight rounds on the Jobes Boxing show at Houghton’s Rainton Arena.
It will be his first taste of action since defeat to Otabek Kholmatov in his WBA featherweight championship final eliminator in Newcastle 12 months ago.
The unbeaten Uzbekistan assassin who ended Ward’s 34-bout undefeated sequence (a run at that point only equalled by a certain Tyson Fury) challenges for the WBA title this weekend in his adopted USA against American Raymond Ford.
But while he chases the glory Ward had been dreaming of, Tommy is simply happy to be back in the square ring.
“I’m feeling really good, I’m just happy to have a date,” said the Neil Fannan and Dave Garside talent.
“It’s been a long time, just over a year, I don’t think I have been out that long before.
“These things happen, it is what it is.
“Hopefully I’ll get a good win and it will push me on to big things again.
“It’s been very frustrating. As a boxer you just want to be fighting. After my last fight I was onto Neil ‘when is the next fight?’.
“I was training all the time, but nothing was happening. A few fights were talked about but fell through and, before you knew it, it was Christmas.
“I love fighting as much as ever. If anything. it has made my feelings stronger.”
Was there ever a point when he contemplated retirement?
“There were no such thoughts and no time soon,” said the NES Security-sponsored boxer. “I think there are a good few years left in me yet.
“I want a good win and push on from there. I want the champions and I’m hoping they night take me on now.
“I’d love a re-match with Kholmatov.
“He’s good and he was good on that night and beat me fair and square.
“But I think with a few adjustments from myself and it could be a different night.
“He’s big, he can punch and he’s got skills too.
“A lot of boxers won’t fight him, but I’d fight him. I’ll fight anyone.”
Ward has a live opponent first night back – the Tanzanian has 13 victories and two draws from 19 professional outings, with seven of his wins coming early.
“He’s been beaten a couple of times, but he looks useful and has a few stoppages on his record,” said Tommy.
“He looks game and strong and is a fighter who will come and give it a go and that’s what you want.
“I might have been out a year, but I feel good in myself, I feel sharp and ready to put on a good show.”
Ward has not sparred extensively but has been in with North-East neighbour Calum French and Yorkshireman Kurt Jackson.
“People might not think that’s not enough,” said the Co Durham man. “But I feel ready and I’m confident my timing will be fine.”
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Tom Collins
