Joe Ward to undergo knee surgery in New York today

Moate boxer Joe Ward is to undergo surgery in New York today (Friday) after dislocating his left knee during his professional debut at Madison Square Garden last weekend. 

In a social media post Ward, who turns 26 later this month, said everything possible was being done to ensure a return to the ring as soon as possible.

"Just a quick update on my injury last Saturday I will be going for surgery (on Friday) in New York, so we are going to be doing everything right to get back as quick as possible to do what I love doing."

He posted photos of bruising around his knee, and added that he wanted to "thank everybody for the kind messages and support."

Ward disclocated his knee 54 seconds into the second round of his fight with California's Marco Delgado last Saturday. 

The outcome of the fight was announced as a second round TKO win for Delgado, but Ward's camp has since appealed that result to the New York State Athletic Commission.

When contacted by the Westmeath Independent on Monday, a spokesperson for the New York State Athletic Commission confirmed it had received “a protest” over the bout, and that the result was being reviewed.

“Please note that the official result stands while the matter is under review,” said the commission on Monday.

Given the freakish nature of the injury, and the fact that Delgado didn't inflict it, Ward's camp is seeking to have the result changed to a 'no decision', which would effectively strike the contest from Ward's professional record. 

The outcome of the surgery today will help determine the length of time for which the local man will be out of action, but he's not expected to return to the ring for at least four months.