Shock end to Joe Ward fight as he suffers freak knee injury

Joe Ward’s first professional bout ended in shockingly disappointing fashion as he suffered a freak knee injury in the second round of his bout against Marco Delgado in New York.   

The injury – an apparent dislocated knee – left him unable to continue and as a result Delgado was announced as the winner on a second round TKO. There were reports afterwards that Ward's camp might appeal that decision and seek to have the fight declared a 'no contest' because of the nature of the injury and the fact that it was not inflicted by Delgado. 

Ward (25) was introduced to the crowd in Madison Square Garden as “the pride of Moate, Ireland,” and he took control of the light heavyweight contest during the opening three minutes.

Disaster struck, however, just 55 seconds into the second round. Stepping backwards to evade a punch from Delgado, Ward suddenly collapsed to the canvas.

It was immediately apparent that he had sustained a serious leg injury, and medics ringside appeared to pop his knee back into its socket.

 

The full fight can be seen here, though viewers should be aware that the scenes of Ward’s injury are pretty distressing to witness:

Unfortunately it’s not the first time Ward has sustained this type of injury. As an amateur, a dislocated knee ended his participation in the European championships in Belarus in 2013.

His friends and supporters at home in Westmeath will be wishing him a speedy and successful recovery.