Joe Ward set for New York fight on St Patrick's weekend

Joe Ward will be back in the ring in New York City on St Patrick's weekend.

It was confirmed last night (Friday) that the Moate man's next bout would be held in The Theater at Madison Square Garden on Friday, March 15.

Ward will be facing veteran American Derrick Webster, who has a record of 29 wins, 4 defeats and one draw.

The bout, which will be broadcast live worldwide by UFC Fight Pass, is on the undercard of a show headlined by Cork's Callum Walsh, who is taking on Kazakhstan's Dauren Yeleussinov in a 10-rounder.

Ward is no stranger to New York City. His management team is based in the Big Apple, and next month's fight will be his fifth at Madison Square Garden.

Last time out, Ward boxed in his first professional contest in Ireland, stopping Ghana's Prince Oko Nartey in the second round in Letterkenny last November.

The 30-year-old's professional record stands at 10 wins and one defeat, with six of his wins coming inside the distance.

Speaking to the Westmeath Independent in recent months, Ward said he was hopeful that this would be an important year in his boxing career.

"For me, 2024 is hopefully going to be a big year. I want to fight for belts and put myself into a position where I'm challenging the top guys in the world," he stated.