Super bantamweight Thomas Patrick Ward is in line to fight in a world title final eliminator later this year, with the International Boxing Federation (IBF) slating him to take on Mexico’s Cesar Juarez.
County Durham’s Ward successfully negotiated the challenge of Spain’s Alvaro Rodriguez in July to claim the vacant IBF European Super Bantamweight Title, taking his ledger to 24-0 (3).
Hard-hitting Juarez, 23-6 (17), has mixed with world class fighters, including Isaac Dogboe and Nonito Donaire, and will represent Ward’s toughest fight. But promoter Dennis Hobson, who has been working behind the scenes to secure Ward this opportunity, is confident the Northeast man can succeed, and move onto a world title fight against current IBF champ, TJ Doheny.
“Since joining forces with Tommy’s team of Dave Garside, Neil Fannan and Phil Jeffries – I’ve been negotiating with the IBF,” explained Hobson, who has previously guided Clinton Woods, Jamie McDonnell and Stuart Hall onto IBF World Championships.
“I got Tommy the IBF European Title shot, and I’m delighted that what we’ve been working on for the last couple of weeks has now paid off. We’ve managed to get him in with Juarez, who’s rated number six by the IBF, for a final eliminator for their world title.
“The next lot of negotiation I have to do is look at where and when the fight will take place, but I’ll be working as hard as possible to make sure it happens in the UK. I’ve got a great relationship with the IBF, I’ve have had a few world champions with them, and have worked with them lots over the years. I’ve also done business before with Juarez’s promotional company when I was promoting Ricky Hatton.
“Tommy is a real talent. Obviously, the Mexican will be a handful, but I’m sure that Thomas’ boxing skills will have the beating of him, and it will be great to see him eventually fighting for the world crown.”
