Martin Ward vs James Tennyson in focus

 by John Dennen

ON the Tony Bellew vs David Haye undercard, Martin Ward defends his European and Commonwealth super-feather titles against James Tennyson. It’s a fine fight in its own right and the victor will claim Tennyson’s WBA International strap, plus the world ranking that comes with it.

Both men are in fine condition. “I’m in good nick. I always say it, but the best shape of my life, it really is,” Ward told Boxing News. “My trainer Tony [Sims] has been working on things as ever. Really excited about this fight. I think the styles are going to gel. It’s going to be a great fight.”

He continued, “The styles should gel, he’s meant to be the puncher, I’m supposed to be the boxer. If you look at it that way the styles are going to gel. I’m really looking forward to it.

“It’s a great fight. Big rewards with it. The winner leaves with s*** loads of belts, the loser leaves with … not a lot.”

Whoever wins will go on to the next level. “The winner can go down the route of a world title,” Ward explained. “For the loser obviously it’s going to be a setback for them. But I’m defending European and Commonwealth champion, I’ve got no worries about anything. I’ve done everything in training camp, everything in preparation, the best I’ve ever been, so I’m ready to put on a show. That’s taking his title off him and move on to the world stage.”