British title rematch was 'pointless' fight for Tommy Ward claims promoter, as super bantamweight eyes world honours

The British Boxing Board of Control ordered Ward to defend his British title against Dickens, who he beat in 2017, but the Hartlepool-trained fighter pulled out of the contest to focus on a route to world honours and an IBF European super bantamweight title clash against Romanian Ionut Baluta.

Instead his brother Martin Ward will face Dickens for the vacant title on the same bill at Rainton Meadows on July 27.

And Jeffries, who is working with promoter Dennis Hobson on the show next month, thinks it is the right call by Ward junior.

While he also thinks older brother Martin will avenge a 2015 defeat to Dickens on home turf.

"We’re moving Tommy on," said Jeffries.

"Tommy’s not been getting any dates off Frank Warren, so we’re putting this show on ourselves, with Dennis [Hobson].

"To me, Tommy facing Jazza again was a pointless fight, he’s already beaten him once. Tommy is already high in the world ratings, so we want to move him on, and it’s looking good for him if he wins this next fight.

"Martin’s fight with ‘Jazza’ will be exciting. I thought Jazza just beat him last time, but it was dirty fight; Martin was cut to bits, just like Tommy was cut to bits in his fight with Jazza. Martin will have learned from that first fight though, and I think he will beat him this time.

"This will be a good show, we’ll have a lot of good prospects on the undercard, and it’s really good to be working with Dennis again."

Hobson, who has worked with numerous former world champions including Ricky Hatton, Clinton Woods, Jamie McDonnell and Stuart Hall in the past, added: "Martin Ward against Jazza is a cracker. Jazza is a smashing lad, he’s working with MTK Global, who I get on very well with and hopefully we’ll do more match-ups in the future together.

"Jazza has been after the fight with Tommy Ward, but Tommy is now looking to get on the world stage. I spoke up for Tommy at the recent IBF convention; he’s had some issues which I believe are now sorted with Frank Warren. So, he’s moved on and asked if I’d help. I get on really well with his team; Phil Jeffries, Dave Garside, and Neil Fannan. They’re a pleasure to work with and I’m pleased to help.

"If I get help Tommy get on the world scene then I’ll do that. I got Martin Ward a world title shot from nowhere against Stuart Hall, and the great thing about Tommy is he’s very talented and we just don’t know how far he can go.

"So, it’s all worked out well for everybody. Jazza is getting a shot back at his British Title, Martin’s getting another chance at the belt, and Thomas is moving onto the world scene by fighting for an IBF European Title; which will get him further up the rankings and hopefully into contention for a world title. That’s the plan.

"Jazza is a smashing lad, I like him a lot, but obviously I’ll be in the other corner on the night. Martin has fallen short a couple of times in title fights, but he’s matured and hopefully learned from those defeats. I’ve been involved with fighters who’ve lost fights but improved, and hopefully Martin will show that too. If he can win the British Title, then it’s a big platform for him to get a second wind in his career. Jazza is bang up for this though, you can tell from his social media. He’s selling a lot of tickets and the atmosphere will be electric on the night. When we do the press conference and weigh in, that should be lively too.

"So, this will be a great show for the fans, and it’s live on Freesports too. Every show we’ve done for Freesports has been successful, and all the fights have been brilliant entertainment. I’m convinced this show, and the two headline fights featuring the Ward brothers, will also be another cracker."

The show will be broadcast live on Freesports (Freeview 95, Freesat 252, Sky 422, BT 95, Talk Talk 95).

For ticket information contact 07747 611 020.