Boxer Martin Ward looks to title fights after convincing win in Hartlepool

ON THE ATTACK: Martin Ward in action against Simas Volosnas

Ward took care of Lithuania’s Simas Volosinas in typical flamboyant fashion over six rounds at the Borough Hall last night.

The 27-year-old now faces a British super-bantam eliminator with Leigh Wood which promoter Phil Jeffries hopes to stage at the Summer Rumble in July.

Victory would give the Neil Fannan and Dave Garside fighter a shot at Jazza Dickens, the current holder of the Lonsdale Belt.

Ward was grateful for the appearance last night at the venue where he won his first professional belt, the English title, back in 2011, against Jason “Too Smooth” Booth.

Since then he has won the Commonwealth title at bantamweight and challenged for Stuart Hall’s IBF world title.

But now he wants to be taking on the best in Britain, like Dickens and Gavin McDonnell.

“Belts are what I want,” said Ward.

“Leigh Wood is not in my league, I’m looking towards the British and European titles and the like.

“I want to get through the eliminator and then take it from there.

“I think I’m good enough to compete with the best.

“I’ve already held and boxed for titles, I’ve been Commonwealth champion and fought for the IBF world title at bantamweight.

“But I will be stronger, fitter and better at the division I’m in now.

“I want to box the best now at super-bantam.”

Ward was well above the 8st 10lb limit last night though given he tipped the scales at the same weight as his opponent and this was a non-title affair, it was hardly an issue.

The NES Securities-sponsored southpaw was superb from start to finish.

His right jab never missed the head of his 24-year-old opponent and his follow-up lefts were also ultra-accurate.

That jab dominated throughout but his right was also used successfully to the body.

It was a pattern which continued during the entire bout though the legs of Volosinas stiffened briefly at the end of the third from a Ward left.

To his credit Volosinas never stopped trying but for all his effort, it was hard to recall him actually laying a glove on Ward such was the British title hopeful’s clear superiority.