Ward gets May date for British title shot
Tommy Ward’s wait for the date of his British super-bantamweight challenge is finally over.
The unbeaten West Rainton boxer will face champion James “Jazza” Dickens in Leeds on Saturday, May 13, live on BT Sport.
It takes place on a bumper show at the First Direct Arena where Yorkshire hero Josh Warrington will make the third defence of his WBC International featherweight belt and Nicola Adams will box in her home town as a professional.
It all adds up to a spectacular night promoted by major fight figure, Frank Warren, though Team Ward insist their boxer is not just going there to sample the atmosphere.
Coach Neil Fannan, who has guided the 22-year-old talent to 19 straight wins, is confident, despite the Liverpool fighter starting as favourite.
“I rate Tommy as good as anyone in the super-bantamweight division and that includes Jazza,” said Fannan.
“Tommy is ready, I marvel every day when I see him training in the gym and in sparring.
“He is getting better and better and no matter who he’s in with, he never ever looks out of place, World, European, British champions, the lot.
“I’ve had him down Sheffield sparring Kid Galahad he’s done two eight rounders with him which people would have paid to watch.
“Yes, Tommy has to prove it in the ring but I do believe he’s world-class.”
Fannan, manager Dave Garside and the boxer have been waiting for this moment for almost a year.
“It’s just nice to have a date to work towards,” said the trainer. “With Frank Warren signing his big TV deal with BT Sport and the shows all needing to get organised, we knew we’d have to wait a bit.
“We’re over the moon to be the chief support on such a huge night of boxing at a great arena. We can’t wait.”