Jazza Dickens vs Thomas Patrick Ward

[handsofstone]

Dickens defends his British Super Bantamweight title against Ward on the Warrington card on Saturday, Jazza having his first fight since getting his jaw broke early in his world title challenge against Rigondeaux so there might be some mental( cant spell pshcological ) doubts going in about how his jaw will hold up, although Ward is unbeaten in 20 he only has 2 wins by KO so the jaw injury shouldn't be an issue

Ive not seen Ward before that I'm aware of, going by his record he looks more of a boxer but then again I would think the same about Warrington if i'd never seen him before and that's not true, I never knew until someone mentioned the other day that he's the brother of Martin who fought Dickens for the British himself not long ago

Ive seen more of Dickens though and I think he's a classy fighter, good engine, quite quick and even though he's not a puncher either he makes up for it with volume, i'll go with him on points

[Stuarty]

I'm looking forward to this fight. I can't remember seeing any of Ward previously but on paper it looks like it could be a good little contest. As HoS says, neither are noted punchers so it'll come down to skill and work rate. I can't really pick a winner as I've not seen Ward. Dickens is a good solid operator at domestic level and is fit as they come. The lad Ward will need to probably put in a career best performance (to date) to get the win.

[prewarboxing]

I have just picked up my ticket for this event and Ward v Dickens is the bout I want to see the most. I saw Dickens defend against Martin Ward and have seen Tommy quite a few times now. Dickens nicked the fight against Martin Ward by a round on my scorecard, it was quick and skilful throughout. Tommy, I think, has the ability to gain revenge for his brothers defeat and I am picking him to win this one in a hard-fought, fast and close bout.

[TheGoods]

Both weighed in fine yesterday. Ward is slightly taller and this is his coming out party today. You are going to see something exceptional. If you've got a house, sell it and back young Tommy Ward at odds against tonight. His trainer Neil Fannan is a man of few words but when he speaks he's always worth listening too. And he thinks Ward will go way beyond British level. In the immortal words of Cannon & Ball "Rock On Tommy!"

[mickey1975]

I'm going against everything i, and most of the forum, stand for, but I actually like Jazza, despite his Scouse roots.

[Stuarty]

I'm going against everything i, and most of the forum, stand for, but I actually like Jazza, despite his Scouse roots.

Yeah I quite like Dickens as well. Good honest pro, comes across a decent enough guy. Loki g forward to this fight tonight.

You going along Mickey?

[mickey1975]

I'm going against everything i, and most of the forum, stand for, but I actually like Jazza, despite his Scouse roots.

Yeah I quite like Dickens as well. Good honest pro, comes across a decent enough guy. Loki g forward to this fight tonight.

You going along Mickey?

No, I'm at an amateur show in York. I wouldn't have gone anyway. The TV isn't just hyping up the Leeds angle, people say it's even worse when you're there, it really is like being at a Leeds game. Not my cup of tea. I know loads going, none are boxing fans....

[Stuarty]

I'm going against everything i, and most of the forum, stand for, but I actually like Jazza, despite his Scouse roots.

Yeah I quite like Dickens as well. Good honest pro, comes across a decent enough guy. Loki g forward to this fight tonight.

You going along Mickey?

No, I'm at an amateur show in York. I wouldn't have gone anyway. The TV isn't just hyping up the Leeds angle, people say it's even worse when you're there, it really is like being at a Leeds game. Not my cup of tea. I know loads going, none are boxing fans....

I've been to Elland Road a few times. Leeds are my English team. I don't fancy the boxing though. Looks like it could boot off at any minute in amongst all that nonsense.

I think Warrington will wear Kiko down and stop him but if Kiko managed to pull it off the proverbial shít would hit the fan! I hate seeing crap like that at any sporting event but it would be funny to see Franks face if it went tits up

[TheGoods]

Good auld fight tonight shame how it ended but both boxers fought well and Tommy gave a taste of what he can do. Jazza was coming on but Ward was excellent and very sharp. Never see 9/4 again but id snap your hand off for 5/6 in a rematch by the way. Two good lads and hats off to Tommy. Nicest lad you'll meet and dedicated too. Hope Jazza comes again he's had some life.

[REEVE]

Was ringside great performance by Tommy ward - fantastic to have British champion from the north east

[TheGingerBomber]

Was ringside great performance by Tommy ward - fantastic to have British champion from the north east

If Eddie Hearn comes here he should use Ward and his brother along with other local fighters to spruce it up. NXTgen has potential, and he should use it to expose fighters from the various regions.

[TheGoods]

Can see the Wards and Leather heading some decent cards up here in the north east now. So pleased for Thomas that will have been a great learning fight for him he was switched on from the opening bell and for much of the fight it was a Matador v Bull type of affair. He won't get sidetracked with the partying etc as he doesn't drink (has never had a peeve) so we should see him in many more great nights. Again commiserations to Dickens but that recklessness with the head has really cost him and for long spells last night Ward was just that bit sharper. He was coming on in the eighth but please dont try to paint a picture (as a few have on twitter) claiming Tommy was gassing as he was right there with him. Intriguing, technical fight hope they meet again one day. AND THE NEW!!!!

[handsofstone]

Its never good seeing fights go to technical decisions and I thought it was Dickens eye that might be a problem but the headclash was a freak and Ward came off worst luckily for him he put enough rounds in the bank early on, I had him up 86-85 but Jazza was coming back into it , just a shame to see it end like that, it wasn't a great fight in all fairness, a bit of a chessmatch throughout, Ward slightly busier and accurate as Dickens seemed to wait to long to get off whilst Ward had success with the lead right hands, it was the first time i'd seen Ward he looks a classy boxer good foot movement and defence and seemed sharp with his own shots

Maybe Dickens experience would've seen him finish strong down the stretch to retain his title but who knows? It wasn't a great fight IMO but i'd like to see a rematch