Joe Ward to headline professional boxing event in Athlone Town Stadium

In his professional boxing career to date, Joe Ward has stepped into the ring in places as far flung as Mexico, Puerto Rico, Canada, and the United States.

But for his next bout he'll just have to travel a few miles down the road, as he is set to headline a night of boxing in Athlone Town Stadium on Saturday, June 12.

The show is thought to be the first major professional boxing event to take place in the town, with Ward headlining in what's expected to be an eight-round light heavyweight contest against an opponent yet to be named.

Efforts have been underway behind the scenes for some time to make the event happen and, speaking to the Westmeath Independent this week, Ward said he was thrilled to have gotten it over the line.

"It's amazing for me to get the opportunity to fight somewhere so close to home. It's something very special, and I'm really looking forward to it," he said.

"I've no doubt that the people of Athlone will get behind me, make this work, and make it a special night for everyone."

Outdoor boxing shows in sports stadiums are extremely rare in Ireland. Muhammad Ali famously fought in Croke Park in 1972, but very few such events have happened since then. The Athlone fight night is thought to be the first in an outdoor venue in the Republic of Ireland this century.

"That just makes it all the more special," said Ward. "I've fought in 'the Mecca of Boxing', Madison Square Garden, I've fought in the Olympics, and I've fought all over the world, but something is telling me that this is going to be the most special arena I've ever fought in.

"It's unique and it's a dream come true," said the 32-year-old.

Ward added that the night will also feature "a stacked undercard" with "some hugely talented fighters" in action prior to his contest. No Show Like A Joe Show is the tagline for the event.

Tickets are on sale now at tickets.ie, with prices ranging from €54 (general admission) to €211 (premium ringside).

Ward has a pro record of 12 wins (8 by KO) and one defeat. He has his sights set on making it to the top of the light heavyweight division globally, but opportunities to take on the world's best have been hard to come by.

The upcoming bout will be his first since October 2024. "I've just had to stick at it, keep believing in myself, keeping believing in the people around me, and continuing to work hard in the gym to stay fit and ready.

"Opportunities like this are few and far between, but when you get one so close to home it's the best feeling in the world," he said.

The event is being staged by Sheersports in association with Neil Power Promotions.

Ward expressed his gratitude to Athlone Town AFC chairman Nick Giannotti, the club's CEO Steven Gray, promoter Neil Power, and boxer-turned-promoter Jason Quigley "for making this possible".