Press
Release: By Probellum - LONDON, JUNE 23 – Thomas Patrick Ward wants to finally
shake off his contender status and fight for a world title this year. Credit: Probellum
The
featherweight returns to action on July 17, at the Stadium of Light in
Sunderland, headlining a Phil Jeffries promotion, looking to preserve his
status at the WBA’s No1 ranked fighter.
Ward says he
was in “cruise control” when defeating Alexis Kabore over 10 rounds at Probellum
Throwdown in March and has repeated that he is ready for world title
opportunities.
The
28-year-old, unbeaten in 33 fights, believes he will be world champion for a
“long time” and says it is “outrageous” that there is a logjam at the top of
the WBA featherweight division, delaying his chance.
Ward said:
“I am ranked No1 by the WBA and hopefully the right thing happens, and that’s
me being made mandatory and then getting the title shot.
“I was No1
contender with the WBO at super bantamweight for a period but the fight with
Emanuel Navarette never happened. I
always seem to be there of there abouts and never get the opportunity.
“But
hopefully that changes soon and I believe when I become world champion, I will
reign for a long time. I look at other
fighters who have had that opportunity and they have not been good enough.”
England’s Leigh
Wood – a target for another Probellum featherweight, Jazza Dickens – is the WBA
‘regular’ champion, while Leo Santa Cruz holds the ‘Super’ world title.
Ward, the
leading contender in the division, can’t understand why he’s still waiting for
this shot.
“Leo Santa
Cruz hasn’t defended his title since 2018 and he’s still champion,” he said.
“It’s
outrageous and you’ve got people like me waiting for an opportunity, it doesn’t
make any sense. But whether it be Santa
Cruz or Leigh Wood, both good fighters, I just believe that my chance will
come.
“I’ve been
in cruise control in my last few fights but when I’m facing these top fighters,
then you will see the very best of me.”
About
Probellum
Launched in
September 2021, Probellum is a global boxing promoter, and the fastest-growing
brand in the sport.
Following
the success of the opening two shows in December 2021, Probellum has already
held back-to-back world championship nights in Dubai, as well as a packed card
in Newcastle.
The world
title action then headed to Liverpool last month where Paul Butler won the WBO
bantamweight crown.
Probellum’s
elite stable of fighters also includes Nonito Donaire, Regis Prograis, Estelle
Mossely, Sunny Edwards, Eimantas Stanionis, Donnie Nietes and Dina Thorslund.
But the
company has also recruited the next generation of stars with Peter McGrail,
Mark Dickinson and Pat and Luke McCormack, Shabaz Masoud and Spencer Wilcox
among the young talents under the Probellum umbrella.
Since
launching, Probellum has signed co-promotional partnerships with some of the
biggest promoters globally, including DiBella Entertainment (US), Wasserman
(Germany), Universum (Germany), GYM (Canada), Maravilla Box (Spain), Team Ellis
(Australia), Titov Boxing Promotions (Russia), Volcano Boxing (El Salvador),
BXSTRS Promotions (Mexico), PR Best (Puerto Rico) Glozier Boxing (New Zealand),
Box Office Sports (Ghana) and LNK Boxing (Latvia).
Material and Photo Courtesy of: Probellum
Used with permission.
The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark
of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.
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