Joe Ward wins by unanimous decision in New York

Joe Ward won his fifth professional fight by unanimous decision in New York's Madison Square Garden tonight.

The Moate man claimed all six rounds of his light-heavyweight contest against American Tory Williams on the three judges' scorecards.

It was a second dominant points victory this year for the 27-year-old, as he continued along a path that he hopes will one day lead to a world title.

Ward looked sharp and was in control of the contest from the outset. In both the second and third rounds he found his range some with some powerful straight lefts which wobbled Williams.

An accidental clash of heads in the fifth led to a cut over Ward's right eye, and the referee called in the doctor at ringside to inspect the damage.

Some blood was running down the side of his face but it wasn't affecting his vision and he was given the all-clear to continue.

The local man then unloaded some heaviest punches of the night, looking to end the fight inside the distance in order to prevent the cut from worsening.

Williams, though outclassed, showed impressive heart and determination to make it to the final bell.

Ward now boasts a professional record of four wins (two by KO) and one defeat sustained when he dislocated his knee in his debut at Madison Square Garden in October 2019.

As an amateur, Ward was a three-time European gold medallist who won silver (twice) and bronze at the world championships.

Since turning pro, he has boxed twice in New York, twice in Mexico, and once in Puerto Rico.