‘They made a mistake picking me’ – Bolotniks promises to punish Steven Ward on Saturday

Ricards Bolotniks [15(6)-5(3)-1] says he will make Steve Ward [12(4)-0] pay for his ‘mistake’ by knocking him out of the Golden Contract tournament.

The fresh and exciting competition returns on Saturday as light-heavyweight stars from around the world compete at the Brentwood Centre, live on Sky Sports and on ESPN+.

During the unique draw Ward, who was second pick having pulled out blue ball #2 from the velvet bag, picked Latvian Bolotniks.

‘The Quietman’ claimed he had no real plan with regard to choosing a potential opponent before Wednesdays draw and his choice was more off the cuff.

However, Bolotniks seems to have taken some offence and promised to make the Jamie Moore trained fighter rue his decision.

“Everyone who is here is tough and they’re all good boxers. I want to fight with everyone in this tournament and I am happy to fight Steven Ward,” Bolotniks said at the press conference.

“I saw his fight with Liam Conroy and I thought Liam won that fight. They have made a mistake by picking me, and I want to show them they’re not correct.”

When speaking with regard to making his pick Ward reiterated his ‘no preference’ stance, but claims having studied the Latvian he is feeling confident.

“Going into the tournament there were no fighters I was gunning for. I’m happy with who I got.

“I had another look at my opponent last night so that was good to have an idea of what to expect, but the main thing comes from my team around me and we’re all confident.”

The quarterfinals also feature Hosea Burton, Liam Conroy, Tommy Philbin, Bob Ajisafe, Andre Sterling and Serge Michel.

Philbin is pitted with Michel, Ward going up against Bolotniks, Sterling taking on Conroy and Ajisafe facing off with Burton.