Ward in medal bout today after impressive start to European Championships

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):