Joe Ward defeated Artjom Kasparian by unanimous decision following 10 competitive rounds at the 3Arena in Dublin, reviving his professional boxing career after an extended absence from competition. Ward, a former amateur sensation who won the European gold medal at age 17, has faced considerable setbacks since turning professional, including a knee dislocation and loss in his debut. This fight represented his first appearance since 2024 and a significant opportunity to reestablish himself at an elite level.
Ward began the contest with sharp southpaw technique, landing crisp combinations to Kasparian’s body and head while his opponent sustained a cut near his right eye. However, Kasparian responded aggressively through the middle rounds, connecting with heavy hooks and sustained pressure that forced Ward to operate defensively with fatigued arms. By the fourth round, Kasparian seized the momentum with accurate jabs and power shots, positioning the Irish fighter in a precarious situation.
Ward’s resilience proved decisive as he mounted a comeback in the seventh round, employing strong backhands to regain control. He accelerated his output in the eighth, connecting with combinations and forcing Kasparian temporarily backward. The final three rounds remained contentious, with both fighters trading sustained exchanges. Ward landed a clean left cross that staggered Kasparian in the ninth, then maintained his aggression through the tenth round, ultimately securing the judges’ nod.
The card featured additional impressive performances. Stevie McKenna registered a first-round stoppage over Owen O’Neill with a devastating right cross, while Scottish prospect Sam Hickey claimed his second consecutive victory with a one-punch finish in the seventh round against Brad Axe. Connor Coyle earned a unanimous decision over American Mark Beuke across 10 rounds with scores of 98-92, 98-93, and 97-93, while American cruiserweight Patrick O’Connor, fighting with Irish heritage, won his fourth consecutive bout inside the distance against Juan Manuel Moriel, whose corner ended the fight after the first round citing a shoulder injury.
Article Attribution | Read More at Article Source
Article summary produced by Claude AI