Joe Ward to team up with Hall of Fame coach? Debut date confirmed

Joe Ward will debut as early as September 7 and could have a Hall of Fame coach in his corner.

The former amateur talent and Tokyo 2020 gold hope ditched the vest in the lead up to the European Games in Minsk and surprised most when he revealed his intentions to turn over.

The Moate BC graduate signed pro terms with Times Square Boxing of New York which is headed by Joe Winters, a former pro fighter, and Adam Glen, a Harvard-educated lawyer.

The pair spoke excitedly about the natural talents future prospects and confirmed he would debut in the Autumn.

According to respected journalists Bernard O’Neill his debut date with be September 7 and the light heavyweight will punch for pay for the first time in Boston.

An opponent has yet to be confirmed, but Ward will spar no other than WBO light heavyweight world champion Sergey Kovalev in the lead up to the clash. 

It’s also been suggested that International Hall of Fame coach Buddy McGirt will coach the West Meath man.

McGrit, who worked with Matthew Macklin for his St Patrick’s Day fight with Sergio Martinez, is a American Boxing Writers’ Association Trainer of the Year award winner and world champion in his own right. 

The New Yorker has also worked with the like of Arturo Gatti, Pauli Malignaggi and is currently training Sergey Kovalev.

Ward has currently been training in Waterford with amateur coach Jimmy Payne, but is expected to reveal a new coaching set up at a press conference in Dublin in early August.

If the rumours of a link up with McGrit are true Ward could be afforded the chance to work and learn alongside ‘The Krusher’. Seeing Kovalev up close will provide the talented operator with a glimpse of what it is like to be the best at a weight he looks set campaign at.

Photo Credit: Ricardo Guglielminotti – The Fighting Irish (@ThefIrish).