Joe Ward returns to action in Dublin on Friday night

Joe Ward will be stepping through the ropes in Dublin this Friday night for what will be only his second-ever professional fight on Irish soil.

The 30-year-old Moate native is headlining a night of boxing at the National Stadium, where he faces Ukraine's Dmytro Fedas in a light heavyweight contest scheduled for eight rounds.

Ward is regarded as one of Ireland's best-ever amateur boxers and has only ever tasted victory at the National Stadium, including three memorable wins there against former Olympic silver medallist Kenny Egan.

He said his training for Friday's bout involved an eight-week training camp which has gone very well.

“I am so looking forward to fighting in Dublin, which is something I always wanted to do since I turned professional,” he said.

“The support from everyone has been amazing and I can't wait to walk out to a packed stadium on Friday.”

Since turning professional in 2019, most of Ward's fights have taken place in North America. His only other bout in Ireland was in Letterkenny last November, where he recorded a second round TKO win against Ghana's Prince Oko Nartey.

Ward's record as a professional stands at 11 wins and one defeat, with seven of his wins coming inside the distance.

He will be a hot favourite to defeat Fedas (35), who has a professional record of eight wins, six defeats and two draws.

The night of boxing, billed as All Of The Lights, is being organised by Elite Sports Promotions.

It will also feature several other Irish boxers including Podge Collins, the son of well-known football manager Roddy Collins and nephew of former world champion Steve Collins, who will be making his pro debut.