SUNDERLAND, JULY 17 – Thomas Patrick Ward has told Leo Santa Cruz to stop ‘holding up the division’ after he reinforced his status as the leading featherweight contender. Ward took less than three rounds to stop Ally Mwerangi on a Phil Jeffries promotion at the Stadium of Light, in Sunderland today, in a performance that showed his world class ability. The 28-year-old has been ranked as the WBA’s No1 contender since March and is ready for his shot at the world title but there is a logjam at the top of the division. A fight between Santa Cruz and Leigh Wood has yet to be made and Ward, fresh off the 33rd victory of his pro career, has delivered a message to the Mexican. Ward told Probellum.com: “I’m No1 in the WBA, Leo Santa Cruz is the ‘Super’ champion and Leigh Wood is the ‘Regular’ champion.  “It’s Santa Cruz that is holding up the division, he hasn’t fought for the title in two or three years.  Either fight for the title or move on! “Move on, or do something, because there are other fighters waiting for a chance.  If Santa Cruz doesn’t fight Wood, then me and Leigh will probably fight.  If they do fight, I will take the winner.” Asked about the prospect of facing Nottingham’s Wood, Ward said: “Leigh had a great fight last time against Conlan, and it would be a great fight for me.  “I believe I cause problems for anyone I fight; I’ve got a good boxing brain, good footwork and good hand speed but when you’re fighting world champions, no fight is won easy, but I’ve also got the heart and can dig in.” Earlier on the show, Joe McGrail had a first six round contest of his career and dominated Alexandru Ionita. McGrail, 19, was fighting for the second time in 15 days and after an aggressive start the Liverpool super bantamweight settled for a 60-54 points win. McGrail said: “I’m happy to get the six rounds in, it’s the longest fight I’ve ever had in my career. “My shot selection and punch picking was a lot better than my last fight, and so it was a better performance, in that way, but I took too many shots.” To keep up to date with the latest news on Ward’s world title hopes, sign up to our newsletter?or follow Probellum on?Instagram,?Twitter?and?Facebook.???  You can also follow our official news, results, and information account, Probellum News, on Twitter.??

About Probellum??? Launched in September 2021, Probellum is a global boxing promoter, and the fastest-growing brand in the sport. Following the success of the opening two shows in December 2021, Probellum held back-to-back world championship nights in Dubai, as well as a packed card in Newcastle. The world title action then headed to Liverpool last month where Paul Butler won the WBO bantamweight crown. Probellum’s elite stable of fighters also includes Nonito Donaire, Regis Prograis, Estelle Mossely, Sunny Edwards, Eimantas Stanionis, Donnie Nietes and Dina Thorslund. But the company has also recruited the next generation of stars with Peter McGrail, Mark Dickinson and Pat and Luke McCormack, Shabaz Masoud and Spencer Wilcox among the young talents under the Probellum umbrella. Since launching, Probellum has signed co-promotional partnerships with some of the biggest promoters globally, including DiBella Entertainment (US), Wasserman (Germany), Universum (Germany), GYM (Canada), Maravilla Box (Spain), Team Ellis (Australia), Titov Boxing Promotions (Russia), Volcano Boxing (El Salvador), BXSTRS Promotions (Mexico), PR Best (Puerto Rico) Glozier Boxing (New Zealand), Box Office Sports (Ghana) and LNK Boxing (Latvia).????

LONDON, JUNE 23 – Thomas Patrick Ward wants to finally shake off his contender status and fight for a world title this year. The featherweight returns to action on July 17, at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland, headlining a Phil Jeffries promotion, looking to preserve his status at the WBA’s No1 ranked fighter. Ward says he was in “cruise control” when defeating Alexis Kabore over 10 rounds at Probellum Throwdown in March and has repeated that he is ready for world title opportunities. The 28-year-old, unbeaten in 33 fights, believes he will be world champion for a “long time” and says it is “outrageous” that there is a logjam at the top of the WBA featherweight division, delaying his chance. Ward said: “I am ranked No1 by the WBA and hopefully the right thing happens, and that’s me being made mandatory and then getting the title shot. “I was No1 contender with the WBO at super bantamweight for a period but the fight with Emanuel Navarette never happened.  I always seem to be there of there abouts and never get the opportunity. “But hopefully that changes soon and I believe when I become world champion, I will reign for a long time.  I look at other fighters who have had that opportunity and they have not been good enough.” England’s Leigh Wood – a target for another Probellum featherweight, Jazza Dickens – is the WBA ‘regular’ champion, while Leo Santa Cruz holds the ‘Super’ world title. Ward, the leading contender in the division, can’t understand why he’s still waiting for this shot. “Leo Santa Cruz hasn’t defended his title since 2018 and he’s still champion,” he said. “It’s outrageous and you’ve got people like me waiting for an opportunity, it doesn’t make any sense.  But whether it be Santa Cruz or Leigh Wood, both good fighters, I just believe that my chance will come. “I’ve been in cruise control in my last few fights but when I’m facing these top fighters, then you will see the very best of me.” SUNNY EDWARDS MAKE WBC PLEA AFTER MARTINEZ NEWS WATCH JACK BATESON PICK UP WBA BELT To keep up to date with the latest news on Ward’s world title pursuit, sign up to our newsletter?or follow Probellum on?Instagram,?Twitter?and?Facebook.???    You can also follow our official news, results, and information account, Probellum News, on Twitter.

About Probellum??? Launched in September 2021, Probellum is a global boxing promoter, and the fastest-growing brand in the sport. Following the success of the opening two shows in December 2021, Probellum has already held back-to-back world championship nights in Dubai, as well as a packed card in Newcastle. The world title action then headed to Liverpool last month where Paul Butler won the WBO bantamweight crown. Probellum’s elite stable of fighters also includes Nonito Donaire, Regis Prograis, Estelle Mossely, Sunny Edwards, Eimantas Stanionis, Donnie Nietes and Dina Thorslund. But the company has also recruited the next generation of stars with Peter McGrail, Mark Dickinson and Pat and Luke McCormack, Shabaz Masoud and Spencer Wilcox among the young talents under the Probellum umbrella. Since launching, Probellum has signed co-promotional partnerships with some of the biggest promoters globally, including DiBella Entertainment (US), Wasserman (Germany), Universum (Germany), GYM (Canada), Maravilla Box (Spain), Team Ellis (Australia), Titov Boxing Promotions (Russia), Volcano Boxing (El Salvador), BXSTRS Promotions (Mexico), PR Best (Puerto Rico) Glozier Boxing (New Zealand), Box Office Sports (Ghana) and LNK Boxing (Latvia).????

London – 28 January 2022 – Global boxing promotion Probellum will host its first UK show of 2022 in Newcastle in March, jointly headlined by local fighters Lewis Ritson, Troy Williamson and Thomas Patrick Ward, with the hugely talented duo Pat McCormack and Ben Rees set to make their professional debuts.   Taking place at the Utilita Arena, on Friday March 25, Probellum returns to the north-east following its sell out inaugural UK show in Sunderland in December.   The upcoming event features some of British boxing’s biggest and brightest talents, with tickets available to purchase via Ticketmaster from today (Friday January 28).   Newcastle-born Ritson (22-2, 13 knockouts) will be back in action after defeating Christian Uruzquieta with a brilliant performance in December. This time around he faces Dejan Zlaticanin (24-3, 16 knockouts), an experienced Serbian fighter.   Having signed to Probellum last month, Williamson (17-0-1, 13 knockouts), from Darlington, aims to maintain his unbeaten record in what will be the first defence of his British super-welterweight title, which he secured courtesy of an eye-catching knockout victory over British fighter Ted Cheeseman in October 2021.   The undefeated Ward (31-0-1, 4 knockouts), from County Durham, produced a dominant display against Venezuelan Leonardo Padilla in his most recent contest to move one step closer to a deserved world title shot.   The event will also see McCormack and Rees, both local fighters who recently signed to Probellum, make their hotly anticipated professional debuts following brilliant careers at amateur level, with McCormack winning a silver medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Rees a five-time national champion.   Fellow Probellum fighter and rising star Dickinson (2-0, 1 knockout) will be looking to build on an impressive start to his professional career under the guidance of world-leading coach Ben Davison when he returns to the ring at the Utilita Arena. Speaking about the event Richard Schaefer, President of Probellum, who has promoted some of the biggest names in world boxing including Ricky Hatton and Floyd Mayweather, said: “We are extremely pleased to be bringing our first UK show of the year to Newcastle, a city which boasts a huge passion for boxing, and home to many of Probellum’s most promising young fighters.   “December’s show in Sunderland was a big success, with a brilliant atmosphere, and we are really looking forward to returning to the north-east in March.   “As always, the card is packed full of talent with Troy Williamson joining a host of talented local fighters, including the likes of Lewis Ritson and Mark Dickinson, for what promises to be a fantastic night of boxing.”   Tickets, which go on sale today (Friday January 28), can be purchased via Ticketmaster. For live news and updates, be sure to follow Probellum on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

About Probellum Launched in September 2021, Probellum is a global boxing promotion and media company, and the fastest-growing brand in the sport. Probellum’s elite stable includes Nonito Donaire, Lee McGregor, Donnie Nietes, Troy Williamson, Dina Thorslund, Muhammad Waseem, O’Shaquie Foster, Will Cawley, Mark Dickinson and Pat and Luke McCormack. Since launching, Probellum has signed co-promotional partnerships with some of the biggest promoters globally, including Wasserman (Germany), Universum (Germany), GYM (Canada), Maravilla Box (Spain), Team Ellis (Australia), Titov Boxing Promotions (Russia), Volcano Boxing (El Salvador), BXSTRS Promotions (Mexico), PR Best (Puerto Rico) Glozier Boxing (New Zealand), Box Office Sports (Ghana) and LNK Boxing (Latvia). Probellum hosted its inaugural event at Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena in December 2021.

Lewis Ritson won a dubious 12-round unanimous decision over former world champion Miguel Vazquez in a junior welterweight bout in Peterborough, England/

Vazquez landed 193 of 1001 punches. Ritson was 141 of 544.

Ritosn, 139.3 lbs of Forest Hall won by scores of 117-111, 115-113 and Vazquez won a card 116-113 to go to 21-1. Vazquez, 139.3 lbs of Mexico is 42-10.

“It just depends what you like doesn’t it,” Ritson told Matchroom afterwards. “He was tapping me and running away. I was hitting him with the cleaner jabs. It was very frustrating being out the gym a year and then facing that style.

It was probably more awkward than I thought it was going to be. The more the fight went on the more frustrated I got. It was a big eye opener. We’ve been mentioning the Prograis fight, tonight was a bit of an eye opener that we’re a million miles off that fight.

“We need a couple more fights like Vazquez, maybe not his style. That’s what you get when you step up. We had a hard job doing it. I’m improving as a fighter but I’ve got a lot more improving to do.”

Leach Decisions Ashfaq

Marc Leach won a 10-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Qais Ashfaq in a super bantamweight fight.

In round four, Leach dropped Ashfaq with a hard right off the clinch.

In round seven, Ashfaq was dropped with counter left that was followed by a left inside.

Leach, 121 lbs of Salford won by scores of 96-92, 95-92 and 95-93 and is now 15-1-1. Asfaq, 121.7 lbs is 9-1.

“I’m feeling over the moon,” Leach told Matchroom afterwards. “I’ve said before in previous interviews, the underdog tag means I’ve got nothing to lose and lots to gain. I felt good in there. Mine, Jamie’s and Nigel’s tactics worked to a T. Happy days.

“I felt like I had had him in trouble. Nigel and Jamie know that I’ve got power behind me. We moved up a weight as well. I presume he didn’t know I had that power. I believe in myself and it worked. Even at my weight, Bantamweight, I’m supposed to be next in line for the British Title. Whichever one comes first, I’ll happily take.

“Hopefully after one or two more fights at this level I won’t have to work anymore. This is the life I have chosen. I work nights, six until two. It’s not ideal but I’ve got kids to feed and a family to look after. Hopefully this turns into more opportunities for me.

In a battle of undefeated super lightweights, Rylan Charlton stopped Joe Laws in round three of scheduled six-round super lightweight.

In round one, Charlton dropped Laws with a left hook to the chin. In round three, it was another left hook that sent Laws down again. Carlton finished Laws off with a combination that sent Laws down for the 10-count at 1:39.

Charlton, 144.4 lbs of Norwich is 6-0-1 with three knockouts. Laws, 146.9 lbs of Benwell is 9-1.

“It’s what I expected,” said Charlton afterwards. “I’ve been training my ass off for this. No disrespect to Joe, I think he’s a great guy, a great boxer, but he’s a ticket seller. He sells loads of tickets to get into the positions that he gets in. He’s a good fighter and he’s a very nice guy. I have been training my ass off. I can’t really sell that many tickets. I’m the fighter. I’m just pleased I got the opportunity to showcase my skills. 

“I felt like it got a little bit scrappy at some point. I was trying to stay as composed as possible. I saw the opening and I stuck it up there. That’s all she wrote. I always knew that this would be the result. I trained too hard for it not to be the result. My power was too much.

“Pint Size Powerhouse all the way! He’s got a massive following and this won’t be the end of Joe. He’ll be back. This has just rocketed my career in the right direction. Eddie get this contract, and let’s go! Get me out before Christmas.”

Thomas Patrick Ward and Thomas Essomba fought to split technical draw in a super bantamweight fight.

In round seven, Ward was cut over the left eye from a hard head clash The got was bad with the eyelid split open and the fight was called after eight.

Essomba won a card 88-85; Ward won a card 88-84 and a 3rd card was even at 86-86.

Ward, 123.3 lbs of West Rainton is 29-0-1. Essomba, 123.2 lbs is 10-6-1.

“To be honest, the fight was close, but I knew I was better than him,” Essomba said afterwards. “We had the accident, and then the judges decided the outcome, I have to respect their decision. I didn’t see the head clash. I don’t know who’s fault it was.

“I’ve had a really long and good camp since my last fight against Sunny Edwards. If I would have had two or three more weeks’ notice then I could have prepared more for Tommy. I had six days’ notice. I know if we fight again the fight will be totally different. I will give him a rematch, any time and anywhere.”

Kane Baker won a six-round decision over previously undefeated Meshech Speare in a super lightweight bout.

In round two, Baker was cut around the left eye.

Baker, 138 lbs of Birmingham won by a 5-56 score and is now 14-7. Speare, 138 lbs of Liverpool is 5-1.

“I’m floating,” said Baker afterwards. “It’s amazing. I’ve been here a few times. That winning feeling is something else. When I fought Fiaz two weeks ago my corner was quite confident in how I was doing. Tonight, they were telling me I was losing every round! I did think I’d won, but you just don’t know.

“When I heard Birmingham first, I knew then and it was amazing. He caught me twice to be fair. He caught me with two good shots. He’ll be back again, he’s a strong kid. I hope it was a good fight for the fans. It was a lot tougher this time than it was two weeks ago. The two weeks off didn’t recharge me as much as I’d have liked. It was tough but I was never going to say no to being here. I bit down on the gumshield and toughed it out.”

Ellie Scotney made a successful pro debut with a six-round decision over Bec Connolly in a super bantamweight bout.

In round three, Scotney put Connolly on the canvas from a right hand that was followed by a perfect left hook to the head.

In round five, Connolly started to bleed around the right eye.

Scotney, 125.9 lbs of Catford won by a score of and is now 1-0. Connolly, 125.2 lbs is 3-8.

“Bec is a tough person and she came to fight,” Scotney told Matchroom afterwards. “It was brilliant to share a ring with her. She gave it her all. She’s a nice woman. I feel like I’ve got a lot to work on still. I’m 22 and boxing at the weight above, so now I’ll be going down to the weight I should be at and I’m so looking forward to getting out again.

“I rushed it a little bit. I got a bit carried away when I landed a shot. I’ve got a lot to work on. I’m buzzing to get the first one out of the way. It’s been a long time coming. I’m going to get back in the gym on Monday if Adam lets me. I love boxing.”

WBO number ranked junior welterweight Jack Catterall won a 10-round unanimous decision over Timo Schwarzkopf at Caesars Palace Dubai.

Catterall of England own by scores of 100-91, 99-92 and 99-91 and is now 25-0. Schwarzopf is 20-4.

Vijander Singh beat up Charles Adamu over eight rounds by winning an unanimous decision in a super middleweight contest

In round four, Adamu was docked a point for headbutts.

In round six, Singh rocked Adamu with a right hand that forced the referee to administer an eight-count.

Singh of India won by scores of 80-68 on all cards and is now 12-0. Adamu is 33-15.

Muhammad Waseem won an eight-round unanimous decision over Ganigan Lopez in a super flyweight bout.

Waseem of Pakistan won by scores of 80-73 and 77-75 twice, and is now 10-1. Lopez of Mexico City is 36-11.

Thomas Patrick Ward remained undefeated with an eight-round unanimous decision over Martin Casillas in a super bantamweight bout.

Ward won by 80-71 scores on all cards and is now 29-0. Casillas is 20-12-1.

Dmitriy Salita of Salita Promotions proudly announces the signing of UK-based super bantamweight dynamo Thomas Patrick Ward to a multi-fight promotional agreement.

The 25-year-old Ward, from West Rainton, England is the current NABA – USA Super Bantamweight Champion and IBF #14- and WBO #4-ranked contender. He has also already held the British and IBF European Super Bantamweight Championships as well.

“I’m very happy about this agreement,” said Ward. “I believe I’m one of the best fighters out there and this will help me to prove it by fighting and beating the champions and top contenders.”

Ward made his US debut last February at the Kansas Star Casino and live on ShoBox: The New Generation on SHOWTIME, scoring an eye-opening unanimous decision over respected contender Jesse Angel Hernandez (scores: 100-89, 99-90 and 98-90). He had his first fight under the Salita Promotional banner last Saturday, July 20, winning an eight-round unanimous eight-round decision over tough veteran Brayan Mairena of Chinandega, Nicaragua, at the MTK Fight Night: Brentwood event at the Brentwood Centre in Brentwood, UK.

A natural talent, Ward had a junior amateur record of 60-4, including winning a gold medal at the European under-17 championship in Ukraine. He was voted Best Junior Boxer by the ABA. He turned professional at the age of 17 without having had any senior amateur fights. His older brother, Martin Joseph Ward, is also an outstanding professional fighter with a once-beaten record of 21-1-2, 10 KOs. The elder Ward has held the British and European super featherweight titles.

Ward has another heavy hitter on his side in managerial firm MTK Global, who also handle stars of the magnitude of heavyweight champion Tyson Fury and multiple-time world champion Carl Frampton.

“Thomas Patrick Ward is an outstanding fighter, and MTK Global is looking forward to working with Salita Promotions to further Thomas’s career and put him in line to win a world title.” said Bob Yalen, President of MTK Global. “Dmitriy and Salita Promotions have done an excellent job at handling the careers of a number of prospects and contenders, and we think that between our organizations we will have Thomas positioned at the top of the super bantamweight division at the proper time.”

“I am honored to enter into a promotional deal with Thomas and to work together with MTK Global which is emerging as one of the top companies in boxing,” said Dmitriy Salita. “Thomas Ward is one of the best pure technicians in boxing. His US Debut was absolutely sensational and I believe in the near future he is not only going to be world champion but a bonafied star in the UK, US and all over the world.”
About Salita Promotions

Salita Promotions was founded in 2010 by Dmitriy Salita, a professional boxer and world-title challenger who saw the need for a promotional entity to feature boxing’s best young prospects and established contenders in North America and around the world. Viewers watching fighters on worldwide television networks including Showtime, HBO, ESPN, Spike TV, Universal Sports Network, UFC Fight Pass, DAZN, ESPN+ and MSG have enjoyed Salita Promotions fight action in recent years. We pride ourselves on offering our fighters opportunities inside and outside the ring. Salita Promotions looks forward to continuing to grow and serve the needs of fight fans around the globe.

About MTK Global

MTK Global specializes in boxer management, relations, training, and event promotions and is firmly established in 10 locations worldwide with boxing gyms and training facilities in Marbella, London, Manchester, Liverpool, Newcastle, Scotland, Johannesburg, Sydney, Brazil and Dubai. MTK Global strives to represent and develop the finest boxers in the business and is committed to providing the highest level of professional support and services to boxers, including arranging and/or promoting fights, career development, legal support, media consultation, and endorsement / sponsorship coordination. MTK Global’s goal is to expand to new areas around the World and assist as many boxers as possible to reach their full potential both professionally and personally in and out of the ring while continuing to give back to the community through charitable causes.

Promoter Dmitriy Salita wishes to congratulate West Rainton, England’s Thomas Patrick Ward after his flawless performance on Friday night.

Making his fighting debut on US soil at the Kansas Star Casino and live on ShoBox: The New Generation on SHOWTIME, Ward (26-0, 4 KOs) won a dominant unanimous 10-round decision against well-respected veteran Jesse Angel Hernandez (11-2, 7 KOs).

Click HERE to watch a recap.

Despite coming in with just four career knockouts, the WBO #4-ranked Ward showed some punching power against the durable Hernandez by scoring a fourth-round knockdown on the way to winning easily by scores of 100-89, 99-90 and 98-90.

According to Salita, the 24-year-old did exactly what he said he was going to before the fight.

“Thomas Ward wanted to make a statement to the American audience that he’s a force at super bantamweight and that’s exactly what he did,” said Salita. “Thomas is a special young talent in a division looking for its next great champion. My sincerest congratulations to him and his team for their super performance and for becoming someone to seriously watch at 122 lbs.”

By signing Ward, Salita could possibly have two of the world’s best super bantamweight prospects in his stable, as he also guides the career of Korean Ukrainian slugger Arnold Khegai.

Thomas Patrick Ward Facts:

Ward challenged for Jazza Dickens’ British title at the First Direct Arena in Leeds in May 2017. An accidental clash of heads in the ninth round left Ward with a cut above his left eye that caused the fight to be stopped. Ahead on the scorecards at the time, Ward became British champion. He made one successful defense of the title in November, beating Sean Davis by unanimous decision.

In July of last year, Ward returned home to the Rainton Meadows Arena to defeat Spain’s
Alvaro Rodriguez for the IBF European Super Bantamweight Championship. Only one judge had Ward losing even one round.

Patrick’s older brother, Martin Joseph Ward is also an outstanding professional fighter with a once-beaten record of 21-1-2, 10 KOs. The older brother has held the British and European super featherweight titles.

Ward had a junior amateur record of 60-4, including winning a gold medal at the European under-17s championship in Ukraine. He was voted Best Junior Boxer by the ABA. He turned professional at the age of 17 without having any senior amateur fights and made his professional debut in July 2012 with a points win over Elemir Rafael.

Friday night’s ShoBox: The New Generation telecast will also be shown live in the UK and Ireland on the BoxNation boxing channel (3 am UK time).

Emanating from the Kansas Star Casino in Mulvane, Kansas, the event will feature a 10-round super lightweight showdown between undefeated prospects Shoh Ergashev (15-0, 14 KOs) of Uzbekistan and Maryland’s Mykal Fox (19-0, 5 KOs) and a 10-round super bantamweight battle for the WBA-NABA Championship between Fort Worth’s rugged Jesse Angel Hernandez (12-1, 7 KOs) and Britain’s Thomas Patrick Ward (25-0, 4 KOs).

The US-based commentary team will consist of Barry Tompkins calling the action from ringside with Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts.

BoxNation – The Channel of Champions – is a 24-hour dedicated boxing subscription television channel, available in the United Kingdom and Ireland on TalkTalk Plus TV: Channel 415, Sky: Channel 427, Virgin Media: Channel 546 and BT: Channel 415. For more information on BoxNation, visit their website HERE.

Event promoter Dmitriy Salita of Salita Promotions says the addition of BoxNation is a welcome bonus for his fighters on the card, Ergashev and Hernandez.

“BoxNation picking up the event will allow Shoh and Jesse to also display their talents to European fight fans and increase their worldwide profiles. They are both in against top-level opponents who will seriously test them. I’m happy BoxNation decided to pick up this terrific event. It’s a great opportunity for all the fighters on the telecast to become bigger stars around the world.”