Boxing
Birthday boy Ward promises ‘spiteful’ display at the Copper Box
Liddard vs. Morello live on DAZN - Saturday
Louie Ward plans to celebrate turning 22 by stopping Jon Martinez in style — before tucking into a belated birthday feast.
The highly-rated super-featherweight from Theydon Bois in Essex continues his pro journey on Saturday night when he returns to the Copper Box, live on DAZN.
Having made his debut at the same arena in March, Ward is raring to go as he looks to make it three wins from three in the paid ranks.
And with his big day falling just 48 hours before facing the experienced Martinez, it could be quite the celebration.
Speaking exclusively to DAZN News, Ward said: “I can't wait to get in the ring. I'm flying and I feel strong.
“This is probably the best camp I've had. I can't wait to put on an incredible performance.
“People are getting out of the ring from sparring with me — they’re not completing the rounds. I feel very good at the minute.
“It's my birthday on August 20, so a good present from me to me would be a nice little stoppage and an emphatic performance.
“I'll celebrate by eating loads of food, I can tell you that for sure.”
After an impressive amateur career, Ward turned over with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing. Training under the watchful eye of Tony Sims and John Ryder, both of his victories to date have come on points.
But as he steps up to six rounds for the first time, Ward is confident he won’t need to go the distance against 38-year-old Martinez.
He added: “I don't think anyone beats me when I'm on the money. I mean, he's got no chance. He's been stopped a few times.
“I always fancy a stoppage, but definitely for this one. He's been stopped four times in his last five losses, so I'm chomping at the bit for a stoppage.
“I won't rush it. If it comes, it comes. But trust me, this will be a very spiteful performance.
“We never take it easy in the gym. Tony gets us drilling really hard. Training is the hard part — the fight's easy.”
Although fighters face a number of challenges when moving from amateur to professional, Ward is taking it all in his stride.
He said: “The main difference has been the level. You have to slow things down, find gaps, whereas in the amateurs it's very fast-paced.
“You've got to be more spiteful as a pro. I'm learning that slowly and gradually but I'm getting there.
“I'm like a sponge. I'm learning off all the fighters in the gym — how they talk, how they fight, how they train, how they eat, how they sleep, the sacrifices they make.
“I'm taking bit by bit from different people and I'm putting it all into one. It's going to make me the complete fighter.
“We have a good laugh. We’re all bringing each other on, working hard and trying to achieve our goals.”
For now, Ward’s immediate goal is stopping Martinez. After that, it’s time to party.
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