Belfast amateur star to turn pro

Belfast big man Steven Ward is to turn professional.

The former amateur stand-out, has inked a deal with MGM Promotions and will have his Autumn debut fight announced in the near future.

The 26 year old won heavyweight silver at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, defeating current Scottish top prospect Stephen Simmons in the semi finals, and also competed at the 2014 edition of the Games.

Interestingly, Ward will aim to compete at light heavyweight (175lbs/79kg) in the paid game, as opposed to heavyweight (200lbs/91kg) where he fought at in the vested ranks.

On the move, Ward said that “I’m excited to be joining such a successful management team and I am looking forward to the road ahead and where they can take me, which I am confident will be a successful one.”

“I fell out of love with the amateur sport after being in it for 13 years – and turning pro is something I always wanted to do. It’s something that I think will suit my style as I have a good engine.”

“I feel that coming down to light heavyweight will suit me as it’s a weight which I feel great at and have always preferred boxing at.”

MGM Group Managing Director Sam Kynoch added that “Steven’s amateur record speaks volumes as to the talent he has – and I think this will translate well into the professional ranks.”

“Steven will debut after summer and I look forward to the journey ahead with another top Belfast boxer”

It is a second Belfast signing this week for MGM, who also added featherweight Marco McCullough to their roster.