Joe Ward set for return to the ring in Dublin's 3Arena next month

Moate boxer Joe Ward is set for a return to the ring in Dublin's 3Arena on Saturday, August 8.

The local light-heavyweight will be appearing on the undercard of a boxing show headlined by the clash between Monaghan's Aaron McKenna and Italy's Etinosa Oliha for the vacant IBF world middleweight title.

The event is being organsied by Zuffa Boxing, the promotional company co-founded by Dana White, the chief executive of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

It's the first time a Zuffa Boxing event is being staged in Ireland, and Ward's fight will be the first of a four-fight deal he's signed with the company.

The 32-year-old has endured a frustrating couple of years, in which a number of scheduled bouts failed to materialise through no fault of his own. He's hopeful the contest on August 8 will mark the start of a new chapter in his career.

"It's great to be on board with Zuffa Boxing, and I believe it will give me the chance to prove myself. I'm looking forward to the opportunity to fight the best," he said.

Ward has a professional record of twelve wins and one defeat (eight KOs). His last bout was in Dublin's National Stadium in October 2024, when he defeated Ukraine's Dmytro Fedas, winning every round before his opponent failed to come out for the seventh.

His bout next month has been pencilled in as a 10-rounder against a yet-to-be-announced opponent.

The co-main event on the night sees unbeaten Cork native Callum Walsh face experienced English southpaw Tyler Denny in a 10-round middleweight clash.

Tickets for the event, priced from €47.80 to €161.50, are currently on sale through Ticketmaster.