Joe Ward on active Matthew Tinker’s radar

Matthew Tinker [5(4)-0] is interested in sharing the ring with Joe Ward [0-1(1)] again.

The former St Francis amateur and one of Ireland’s most decorated amateurs have previous in the vest.

The pair meet in the final of the 2014 National Elite Championships, a fight Ward won on points.

Both are now pros and due to their shared history have been linked together.

It’s a link Tinker welcomes and a see’s it as a fight to build toward.

“It’s definitely a fight that interests me for the future,” Tinker told Irish-boxing.com.

“I think down the line it would be a good fight between the two of us.”

The Scarborough-born, New York-based light heavy has been active of late, registering his fifth pro win as recent as last Wednesday.

Moate’s Ward on the other hand suffered freak injury induced pro debut and hasn’t fought since.

With differing levels of momentum at this particular time the fight wouldn’t appear to be on either’s immediate radar.

Tinker reveals he has options on either side of the Atlantic and has no time frame desires when it comes to a big Ward clash.

“It’s definitely a fight that interests me for the future. I think down the line it would be a good fight between the two of us,” Tinker told Irish-boxing.com.

“In terms of time frame I leave these things to my team. I know that a few other names have come out since the last fight some here, some across the water but nothing concrete as of yet.”

Tinker was speaking after he registered his fifth career win. Former UFC fighter Leandro Silva took the 29-year-old the distance for the first time in pro career. Indeed, the Brazilian was the first opponent to last past the second round.

Tinker would have liked to continue the KO streak, but admits six relatively competitive rounds may benefit him.

“It would have been nice to get him out of there but I think it was good for me to get the rounds in.”

The former National Elite Championship finalist won every round, but his opponent proved awkward and tough.

“I think it was a step up from the other guys I’ve been in with so far.”

“He was teak tough, his movement and awkwardness made it difficult to land clean. He probably got this from his extensive MMA back ground.”

Tinker has been one of the busier fighters during the pandemic. He registered an early enough step up win last time out, but is more about activity than opponent for the former Limerick resident.

“Overall I’m just happy to get the fight in. I know there is a lot to improve and work on but given some of the training restrictions; limited sparring, limited use of a gym etc I was pleased.

“We found a way to keep moving forward. I’ve been lucky to get to know Peter Cyzmbor and Boston Boxing Promotions as they have put two shows on behind closed doors and then the Thanksgiving eve show with a limited capacity audience. I owe it to them that I have been able to stay busy and can’t thank them enough.”

Tinker is hoping to be out again early next year and would love to get on the potential St Patrick’s Day New York Michael Conlan clash.

“I want to keep learning and improving, hopefully I can get out again early in 2021.

“I would love to fight on the Conlan card if it goes ahead. I was scheduled to be on the last card that got cancelled. I’m sure my manager Seanie will try get me on the card if it goes ahead.”