Steven Ward is unfazed by pressure surrounding WBO European title tilt at Ulster Hall

STEVEN WARD insists he won't be fazed by either the occasion or the atmosphere as he bids to claim the WBO European light-heavyweight title in Belfast tomorrow night.
Steven Ward is out to impress at Ulster Hall tomorrow nightSteven Ward is out to impress at Ulster Hall tomorrow night
Steven Ward is out to impress at Ulster Hall tomorrow night

The undefeated Newtownabbey boxer takes on his former sparring partner, Liam Conroy on the exciting MTK Fight Night bill at Ulster Hall which will be aired live on ESPN in association with Top Rank.

Known as the 'Quiet Man', Ward is taking everything in his stride as he looks to stretch his unblemished record to 12-0.

Although the pair know each other well having shared countless rounds in training, Ward believes being able to stay cool in the cauldron will be most crucial.

“You should always be able to adapt to whatever’s in front of you. People change plans and game plans can go out the window. You never know what’s going to happen in there," said Ward ahead of the scheduled 10-rounder.

“I just need to focus on myself and make sure I’m firing on all cylinders. Hopefully that’s enough on the night.

“I actually don’t feel being on ESPN+ adds any more pressure. I’ve fought on big stages like Commonwealth Games finals and at Windsor Park before and it didn’t really have an effect on me.

“There are even bigger opportunities round the corner after this but that’s not something I focus on – I’ve every faith in MTK Global when it comes to that.

“My management team know I want to go the whole way so I just have to keep winning on the path they set out for me.”

Starring alongside Ward vs. Conroy is a WBC International super-lightweight collision between Tyrone McKenna and Darragh Foley – also over 10 rounds – with two potentially show-stealing welterweight match-ups in Paddy Gallagher vs. Liam Wells and Lewis Crocker vs. Karim Aliliche.

Locally-trained super-middleweight Taylor McGoldrick (3-0, 1 KO), Caoimhin Agyarko (3-0, 1 KO) and Owen O’Neill (1-0) have chances to shine on the undercard.