Steven Ward wants to continue buzz following big wins for gym mates

Steven Ward [3(0)-0] will look to continue and add to the buzz around Oliver’s Gym when he takes a step up next month in Belfast.

The Newtownabbey light heavyweight will take the step up to six rounds on the BoxNation ‘Battle of Belfast’ card at the Waterfront Hall on Saturday June 17th.

Here he will look to grab another win for Oliver Harrison’s Salford gym following high-profile triumphs last month for Rocky Fielding and Martin Murray against John Ryder and Gabe Rosado respectively.

While it’s tough training away from his family, Ward is really feeling the benefits from being based in Manchester and ‘The Quiet Man’ described how “I’m coming along better than I ever expected. Being over in Manchester I’m learning loads and I’m learning how to adapt.”

“There’s a real buzz in the gym at the minute with wins for Rocky and Martin, just being around those guys is bring me along loads, and just having Oliver in the corner makes me feel like there’s a lot more to come.”

“It’s hard being away, I’ve two kids at home, one only one year old, you miss them, but it definitely gives you that edge, it adds to you when you get the result.”.

Next month the Commonwealth Games silver medalist will move up to six rounds, where he plans to impress before moving up further.

Ward explained that “the last fight was due to be a six but there were a few complications so I ended up doing a four rounder.”

“It’s definitely going to be in my favour. I’m a very accurate fighter punch-wise. The extra couple of rounds are going to give me a wee bit of an advantage and I can potentially do a bit more damage on boys.”

“I’m excited about doing the extra couple of rounds, I’m looking forward to it.”

“The plan is, get this six and move straight up to an eight, fitness is not a problem for me.”

The card on June 17th also features Lewis Crocker, Jamie Conlan, Davey Oliver Joyce, an IBF East/West European title fight between Jono Carroll and Johnny Quigley, and WBO European title fights for Paddy Barnes and Steve Ormond against Silveau Oltneau and Craig Evans respectively.

Tickets for the night cost £30, £40, £60, and £150, and are available from the boxers involved or from HERE.

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Gavan Casey and Joe O’Neill on Episode 4 of The Irish Boxing Show