Disappointment for Joe Ward as open-air boxing event in Galway is called off

Moate professional boxer Joe Ward has expressed his disappointment about the cancellation of an open-air boxing event at which he was due to fight in Galway's Pearse Stadium later this month.

Ward was preparing to face Londoner Lerrone Richards, at the GAA ground in Salthill on Saturday, June 28. The event was to be headlined by Oughterard boxer Kieran Molloy, but last night the promoter of the show, GBM Sports, announced that it would not be going ahead as originally planned.

"Due to circumstances beyond our control, GBM's June 28th event now moves to a new venue in the UK," the company said in a post on Instagram yesterday.

"Same date, new location. The full card will be announced (on Tuesday). GBM thanks all the fans who purchased tickets for Galway and apologises for any inconvenience. Please contact your point of sale for a full refund."

At the time of writing, it was not yet clear whether Joe Ward's fight with Lerrone Richards would be part of the rescheduled June 28 event in the UK.

In a social media post last night, Ward said it was "very disappointing" that he would not be lacing up the gloves in Galway.

"Unfortunately my fight on the 28th of June in Pearse Stadium Galway is now off, as the whole show has been cancelled," he wrote.

"This is very disappointing as a lot of hard training has been put in, and people had bought tickets and made arrangements for the show.

"It's very frustrating, but I want to thank everyone that got tickets and was showing me support. I will refund you all. Hopefully I will know more soon," Ward stated.