BRITISH LIONHEARTS v CROATIAN KNIGHTS

[East End]

Well here's to some (hopefully) better officiating than we saw a couple of weeks ago in France. Still angry at that ref's failure to spot, or maybe her choosing to turn a blind eye to, that blatant and disgusting low blow that Galal Yafai took and disgracefully counting it a knockdown for Carmona, coupled with some utterly dismal scoring by some of the judges (Luke McCormack's victory was one of the most clear cut 5-0 shoutouts ever, yet one idiot only had him winning by one point, and that was just the tip of the proverbial iceberg!). Was also annoyed at Boxing News for failing to name & shame in their report of events.
Anyway, rant over and on to this evening's programme in Gateshead:

Another strong looking line up for the Lionhearts. Good move landing Joe Ward as one of their overseas draft picks I reckon.

Kiaran MACDONALD v David ALAVERADIAN
5 x 3 Minute Rounds: Flyweight contest

Calum FRENCH v Matteo KOMADINA
5 x 3 Minute Rounds: Lightweight contest

Pat MCCORMACK v Mate RUDAN
5 x 3 Minute Rounds: Welterweight contest

Joe WARD v Damir PLANTIC
5 x 3 Minute Rounds: Light-Heavyweight contest

Patrick MAILATA v Marijan BRNIC
5 x 3 Minute Rounds: Super-Heavyweight contest

[East End]

A few aspects of Joe Ward's style that are not dissimilar to that of a former Irish (and British) professional heavyweight champion.

[jamamb]

does ward not plan to fight as a normal pro? i wouldve thought hed do pretty well

25 this year, 27 after the next olympics.

although seems to be a trend for top amateurs to go pro later. loma 25, usyk 26, joyce even in his 30s. hrgovis and yoka i think too were about 25 and dychko 26 or 27.

[East End]

Paddy Barnes also. He was 29 when he turned over, having been to 3 Olympics. The WSB, with its 5 X 3 bouts and ultra-competitive format, is definitely proving to be an effective bridge between the two codes.