MEDAL ALERT: Ward guarantees Ireland’s third World Championships bronze on amazing day
Joe Ward was in fine form this evening at the World Championships in Doha where he guaranteed Ireland’s third medal at this year’s tournament and ensured our greatest ever return at boxing’s toughest tournament.
The Westmeath light heavyweight won a battle of the southpaws with Belarus’s Mikhail Dauhaliavets – an opponent Ward previously defeated in the quarter finals of this years European Championships.
The Eastern European came rushing out at the start with wild swings but Ward was well-equipped to avoid almost every single shot, countering at will and taking the round on all three cards.
Ward began to open up a bit in the second stanza, putting more venom in his punchess, and while the Moate man did ship a few shots, he was always in control and increased his lead.
With Dauhaliavets tiring, Ward was able to cruise his way through the final round and a unanimous decision victory.
The final scorecards read 30-27 all in favour of Ward who has now won his second World Championships medal, a feat previously only completed by John Joe Nevin.
Ward will fight in the semi-finals on Monday evening as he looks to improve his bronze medal and secure Olympic qualification. The 21 year old faces Elshod Rasulov of Uzbekistan.
