‘Quietman’ Steven Ward handed chance to make serious light heavyweight noise

‘The Quietman’ Steven Ward has been handed a real opportunity to make some big light heavyweight noise.

Ward is the second Irish fighter – after Tyrone McKenna in the light welterweight installment – to be handed a slot in the career changing Golden Contract tournament.

The Jamie Moore trained fighter was tonight (Sunday) confirmed in the light heavyweight version of a contest that sees the winner secure a land a two-year, five-fight deal that guarantees six-figure purses for every fight along with global exposure.

The WBO European ranking’s title holder has been confirmed alongside former British champion Hosea Burton [24(11)-1(1)] and former WBC International champion Serge Michel [8(6)-1(1)]- with more names to be announced in due course.

It’s a massive chance for the Jamie Moore trained fighter to take his career to the next level and is huge reward for his victory against Liam Conroy in a Fight of the Year Contender.

To add to the excitement, fighters will not know their opponents until fight week, at the start of which the highly anticipated draws will be made. All titles held will be on the line in each fight and knockout bonuses are also on offer.

Burton is the former British champion and has won all but one of his 25 fights, picking up impressive knockout wins over Miles Shinkwin, Jahmaine Smyle, Fernando Castaneda and Ratu Latianara during his career.

Burton said: “I’m the best light-heavyweight in Great Britain, and the reason I’m entering this Golden Contract tournament is because I’m also the most avoided light-heavyweight in Great Britain.

“It’s a great opportunity for me to get some fights and get some exposure, and once I win this competition I’ll move on to big things.”

Michel  has displayed impressive knockout power in his career so far, as shown when he stopped Sheldon Lawrence inside three rounds to win the WBC International title in October.

Michel said: “I’m from Germany and a former Olympian and I’m more than ready to win this tournament.”

Three quarter-finals nights will take place in October / November, three semi-finals nights in February / March and the all-important finals will be staged in May / June.

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