Martin Ward can take step towards Euro title contention

Coach Neil Fannan and manager Dave Garside were pressing the 27-year-old’s claims for the European super-bantamweight title, but he needed a bout and win.

Team Ward are halfway there after arranging a bout against old foe, Lithuania’s Simas Volosinas, in Manchester on Saturday.

“Martin is ranked four by the European Boxing Union and he’s in a great place in their pecking order,” Fannan said.

“But one of the EBU stipulations is that they don’t nominate fighters who have just had a loss.

“Given Martin lost to Jazza Dickens last time out (for the British title) he now needs a win.

“The EBU are due to meet in March and if their super-bantamweight match is debated then we want Martin in the mix.”

Ward should get the win he needs against Volosinas at the Hilton Hotel on the Oliver Harrison-promoted show. “Martin is fit and sharp,” said Fannan. “He’s proven he’s at championship-class and this is a chance for him to put himself in the frame.”