Joe Ward to make pro debut at Madison Square Garden

Moate's Joe Ward is to make his professional debut on the biggest stage in world boxing. 

The 25-year-old will have his first pro fight in New York's Madison Square Garden on October 5. 

He will be appearing on the undercard of a high-profile bill topped by Gennady Golovkin's world middleweight title fight against Sergiy Derevyanchenko. 

Ward, a European and World medalist in the amateur ranks, announced his decision to turn pro in June. 

He is being managed by New York-based Times Square Boxing, run by Joe Winters and Adam Glenn, and is being co-promoted by Lou DiBella and Ken Casey. 

The Irish Sun reported that an opponent for the local light heavyweight's debut in the Big Apple has not yet been determined. 

A multi-sport and concert arena, Madison Square Garden has hosted many famous fights over the years, including the first two bouts between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier. 

Ward is being coached by former world champion Buddy McGirt, who has trained a number of top fighters including hall of famer Arturo Gatti, and Irish coach Jimmy Payne.

Speaking to the Westmeath Independent in June, he said: “I’ll be spending a lot of time in New York, learning my trade and working to get to where I want to be, which is world champion.”