Most of you probably already seen it on Ringside like... Martin Ward has signed a promotional deal with Matchroom Sport. The exciting Team GB podium star will make his debut in September and is expected to begin life in the paid ranks at lightweight before moving up through the divisions. Im really happy to be teaming up with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Sport, said Ward. Im going to be working incredibly hard to impress and I know that Eddie wants me to fight seven times in my first year so Im really excited. Decorated as an amateur, Ward, 20, will be trained by Tony Sims alongside fellow Matchroom Sport stars Darren Barker, Lee Purdy and John Ryder. Its a fantastic place to begin your career, said Ward. Darren has fought for a World title and is a class act, Lee is as tough and tenacious as they come and John has clearly learnt from being in the gym so I cant wait to get going. Ward joins fellow GB teammates Scotty Cardle and Kal Yafai in Eddie Hearns burgeoning squad of hot young British talent, and the promoter is delighted to have secured his signature. I've known Martin for a few years now and every time I've seen him in the gym he has left me mesmerised, said Hearn. At 20 years of age, Martin already had bags of experience and is in my opinion one of the most exceptional talents this country has ever produced. Martin will be out a minimum of seven times a year and we will be putting all our resources into ensuring he reaches his full potential.
i think most 2012 olymipians are gonna go with matchroom - hearn has the direct link too them via froch and rob mccraken
he wasnt omitted from the olympics he had a chance to qualify at the world championships and didnt the ian weaver was sent to the next qualifiers and he missed out
he didnt pick him over him ward was given first chance and missed out ward was given second chance and missed out maxwell was then sent to the final qualifier and got the spot
McCracken might give Hearn a pointer or two but I can't see him getting involved in something that looks like tapping up, that would be a bit unethical given the position that he's in.
I would say having Froch in the the centre, working with McCracken and enjoying the coverage he is currently getting from pundits is more likely to be a big pull for the young hopefuls. While I'm a fan of what Matchroom are doing, Fat Mick does seem to get little credit for getting Carl into the top echelons of his division via the super 6. Yes the TV deal was a mistake, but unless I'm mistaken that wasn't Mick's fault, I didn't think SKY or any other broadcaster were interested. Froch going into the super 6's was the right move and has benefited his career no end even at the risk of not having the exposure he deserved. Few promoters would have taken that risk IMHO.
Yeah its great looking out for these young Brits on the under cards. One slight worry for the lad. Favourite film: Green Street. atsch
