CRAIG JOHNS BREAKS THE FIRST RULE Ward to finally get a chance of Euro glory

PROMOTER Phil Jeffries returns to Hartlepool’s Borough Hall in September for his first show there since 2015, with Martin Ward finally getting his chance to win the European title.

The older Ward brother (younger brother Thomas is the British super bantamweight champion), Martin has enjoyed many fights at the Borough Hall and won his first title – the English – in the venue.

It was also the scene for many memorable nights in Michael Hunter’s illustrious boxing career, including three European title fights and his unsuccessful world title challenge.

A wonderful venue for the sweet science, September 30 is another date to add to the diary for what should be a busy couple of months for the region’s fight fans. This show adds to Fighting Chance’s St James’ Park September show (announced last week) as well as the recently announced Frank Warren show in October at the Metro Radio Arena.

For Ward, it’s been a long wait for the title shot, with the 29-year-old former world title challenger sitting at mandatory since the start of the year.

As well as Martin’s title shot against Spanish-based Dominican Abigail Medina (17-3-2), Glenn Foot will make his return on the card having recently lost his English strap on Jeffries’ last show – the Summer Rumble at the Stadium of Light.

Sunderland’s Foot will fight for a the IBF European belt on Warren’s Newcastle show against Teesside’s Josh Leather, so is likely to face a tune-up fight on this card.

Meanwhile, Peter Cope will help build the atmosphere with his alwaysloud Barmy Army support, as he looks for a m e a n i n g f u l fight in his hometown. Announcing the card, Wearsider Jeffries said: “I’m really looking forward to this one. Martin has been waiting for this chance for a while now but he’s been ticking over and keeping busy and I really believe he’s ready for this. I’m hoping for a huge night at the Borough Hall. “His younger brother Tommy is now British champion and it’d be amazing for them to hold the British and European titles between them at the same time. “Glenn Foot is a tough test for anyone at super lightweight and still has a lot more to offer. He may have lost last time out but he could easily have got the nod in a very close fight. He’ll be looking to get back to winning ways.

“Peter Cope is a very skilful southpaw. Neil (Fannon – trainer) has got him back to doing what he does best. He only wants to be in meaningful fights now and he’ll get his chance in September.

“He’s looked great since switching to Neil and he’s been getting top-class sparring all over the country. He’ll have a tough fight lined up but I’m sure his Barmy Army fans will give him all the support he needs.”

More boxers will be announced soon for what will be another top night.

It’s a good time for Jeffries’ fighters of late.

Big title fights have been coming in abundance and away from his own show – held in association with long-term partners Fannon and Dave Garside – another of his charges has a big opportunity awaiting him earlier in the month.

Darren Richardson (who boxes under the surname Surtees) has been announced to fight on the undercard of the first fight of the exciting World Boxing Super Series in Liverpool between Callum Smith and Erik Skoglund on September 16.

Durham’s Richardson will step up to fight Adam Little. A victory over Little earned the aforementioned Foot his shot at the English title and Richardson will be hoping it can have a similar steer for him, while he’ll also be able to draw on stablemate Foot’s experience of Little to maybe get a little advantage.