Joe Ward's opponent for pro debut revealed

Joe Ward will face a hard-hitting Californian opponent in his professional debut in New York next month. 

The Moate man (25), who had an outstanding career as an amateur boxer, will take on Marco Delgado (27) in Madison Square Garden on Saturday, October 5. 

The bout is on the undercard of a high-profile bill topped by the meeting of Gennady 'GGG' Golovkin and Sergiy Derevyanchenko. 

Amateur stars are often given an easy introduction to the pro game, but Ward might be tested by Delgado, a Californian with a professional record of five wins and just one (split-decision) defeat. Four of his five wins have come inside the distance. 

The fight will be a six-rounder in the light heavyweight division. 

Speaking after the bout was announced, Delgado thanked his team for securing "this opportunity against Joe Ward". 

"I’ve been waiting for this call my whole life. I’m here to do my job and that’s to make the judges’ job easy," he said. 

Delgado's promoter, John Anderson of KO Night Boxing, predicted that there would be a "big surprise" when the pair meet. 

"I am truly excited for the world to get a look at Marco Delgado," said Mr Anderson. "I think (Ward's co-promoter) Lou DiBella will be in for a big surprise. I have all the respect in the world for Lou, but in this fight, I feel Marco is way too rugged for Joe Ward and it will show as the fight progresses."

Ward, who is currently training in New York ahead of the fight, said: "I'm really looking forward to making my pro debut at Madison Square Garden, which is a great venue to introduce myself to the boxing world as I enter the professional ranks.

"It's going to be a special night that I will never forget," he commented.