Local boxer Joe Ward will be in action later today (Wednesday) in the quarter finals of the European Boxing Championships in Ukraine.

The 23-year-old from Moate is the reigning European Champion, having come home with the gold medal at 81kg at the last championships in 2015.

He got his current campaign off to a good start yesterday with a convincing points win over Slovakia's Matus Strnisko.

Ward knocked his opponent to the canvas with a straight left to the chest in round one and he remained in control throughout the contest.

By booking a place in the last eight, Ward also secured his qualification for the world championships in Germany later this year.

This afternoon he takes on Scotland's Sean Lazzerini knowing that a win will guarantee him a bronze medal at least.

Joe's opening bout can be viewed here (it starts at 4:38:00):