Joe Ward
World Elite finalists Joe Ward has teamed up with the British Lionhearts for the new World Series of Boxing (WSB) which begins next month.
The Westmeath light-heavy, the current European Elite champion, could line out for the Lionhearts versus the Croatia Knights in Gateshead on February 16.
The Lionhearts and Knights are in a four-team European group which also includes the French Fighting Roosters and Italia Thunder.
Ward won five of six fights for the Lionhearts in the 2012/13 season.
“It’s about giving yourself the opportunity. I look forward to the WSB and boxing with the British Lionhearts,” said Ward, a three-time World Elite medallist.
Three of Ireland’s eight boxers – 37% – at Rio 2016, Paddy Barnes, Michael Conlan and Steven Donnelly, qualified through the WSB.
Ireland’s boxers have signed up for every WSB season since the inaugural season in 2010.