Barry McGuigan praises 'great' Joe Ward as Moate man spars with world champion

Former world featherweight champion Barry McGuigan had a chance to watch Joe Ward at work in the gym in recent days, and afterwards he described the Moate man as "one of Ireland's all-time great fighters".

Ward was in London for a few days to train with world cruiserweight champion Chris Billam-Smith, who is coached by McGuigan's son, Shane.

Billam-Smith is currently preparing for a big unification title fight against Gilberto Ramirez in Saudi Arabia on November 16, and Ward was brought over to provide some high-quality sparring for the Bournemouth fighter.

Ward said he enjoyed "a great few days in camp in London" and that he was grateful to Shane McGuigan for "inviting me over and looking after me".

On X (formerly Twitter) Barry McGuigan shared a photo of himself and Shane with Joe Ward. He praised the local man's accomplishments during his glittering amateur career and wished him the best of luck as he continues to progress in the professional ranks.

"A pleasure to have one of Ireland's all time great fighters at McGuigan's gym sparring Chris Billam-Smith," wrote the 'Clones Cyclone' on Thursday.

"Joe Ward has won 15 national titles and three world silver medals at varying age categories and is still a young man. Good luck in the future Champ."

Ward recently recorded his twelfth win as a professional boxer, defeating Ukraine's Dmytro Fedas in Dublin.

Having just turned 31 last week, he has repeatedly expressed his eagerness to take on the top fighters in the world in his own light heavyweight division.

The experience of sparring with a reigning world champion at a higher weight class, in Billam-Smith, can only add to his development as a professional boxer.