Popular Ward eager to power towards British title showdown
GENTLE giant Steven Ward admits he is as “charismatic as wet lettuce” but that hasn’t stopped him from developing a growing fan base ahead of an important night at Windsor Park.
Part of the undercard on the Frank Warren bill, Ward has an interesting light- heavyweight duel with Dubliner Steve Collins jnr, son of the former world champion.
The unbeaten Monkstown prospect is overdue such a test and eager to grasp the opportunity to make a statement to the rest of the division.
Training alongside Windsor headline act Carl Frampton and Coalisland middleweight Conrad Cummings at their base in Manchester, Commonwealth Games silver medallist Ward believes he has been developing very nicely — while at the same time enjoying a rise in popularity.
“I don’t know why I’ve been able to have so much support so early in my career. I’m not one for going on Twitter and slagging people off, that’s just not me and I’m as charismatic as wet lettuce,” said Ward.
“To be honest I think if someone started slagging me off at a press conference I’d probably sit and smile and wonder what underlying issues does he have? That’s just the way I am, I don’t see the need to disrespect people.
“I’m just really grateful for the support I’ve had so far and I hope it can build on the back of this fight with Collins. There’s a lot of interest because he’s the son of the former world champion Steve Collins and I think it will be a good fight.
“It’s an opportunity for me to really make a big statement and show everyone how I’m moving forward. I can’t let this chance pass me by.”
Ward is hopeful that by the end of the year he will be pushing towards a British title shot.
“I think this could lead to a British title eliminator, that’s what my coaches Jamie Moore and Nigel Travis have in their minds,” he said.
“There’s no reason why this shouldn’t be the first step to me getting in that mix.”