Joe Ward claims anything other than world title success would be a failure

When it comes to boxing, Joe Ward has always been a high achiever and he is determined to ensure that won’t change now he has entered the pro ranks.

As an underage operator the Moate BC man won World Youth and Junior gold as well as European Schoolboy silver and European Junior bronze.

The impressive form continued senior amateur ranks where three European Championship gold, two World Championship silver and a World Championship bronze were banked.

Now Ward is determined to continue the success theme as he embarks on a pro career.

Indeed, the light heavyweight, who has signed a co promotional deal with Lou DiBella and Ken Casey of Murphys Boxing and a management agreement with Times Square Boxing, went as far as to say he is positive he will go on to become a world champion.

If that prediction doesn’t come to fruition Ward claims he would have underachieved.

“For me, if I don’t become a world champion in the professional ranks, I’d say I have underachieved,” said Ward who debuts in Madison Square Garden in October.

“That’s a big statement to make but I have all the tools to be a world champion and I know I can become a world champion. It’s just about being guided the right way and being given the right opportunities at the right time.

“No doubt in my mind I will be world champion. It’s just about everything falling into place and me doing the right things. Preparing properly, getting the right opportunities, fighting the right opponents and look there’s some luck involved with injury as well.

“Any given day anything can happen but if I don’t win a world championship in my boxing career then I’ve failed.”