Steven Ward grabs win over journeyman joker

Steven Ward scored a good win on the ‘Belfast Boys Are Back’ card this evening at the Waterfront Hall.

The Newtownabbey light heavyweight had a stressful Thursday waiting to see if an opponent could be found for his fight tonight. Manchester journeyman Curtis Gargano was eventually sourced – although the initial six rounder was downgraded to a four.

The Englishman was a durable foe, but no match for the 2010 Commonwealth Games silver medalist who claimed a dominant points win against the entertaining away fighter.

Ward made an assured start, going to the body well, bringing in the straight right and staying well clear of his opponent’s wild swings.

Gargano tried his best to unsettle Ward in the second, taunting the Ulsterman, but Ward would continue to work away diligently.

Ward momentarily hurt the theatrical journeyman with a big right in the third, but Gargano was proving a durable foe.

‘The Quiet Man’ pushed hard for a stoppage in the final round, but Gargano – who momentarily attempted to climb out of the ring in jest – survived to see the bell.

Going to the cards, Ward was handed a 40:36 win.

The victory sees the Manchester-based fighter improved his fledgling pro record to 3(0)-0, while Gargano moves to 0-28(4)-1 following his performance

Photo Credit: Ricardo Guglielminotti