Joe Ward to face Cuban star LaCruz in Germany today

Moate boxer Joe Ward has secured a medal at the prestigious Chemistry Cup tournament in Germany, and this afternoon (Friday) he will face his Cuban nemesis Julio La Cruz for the fourth time. 

Ward (24) is captain of the nine-strong Irish squad. The Irish have earned five medals at the multi-nations tournament which reaches the semi finals stage today. 

Yesterday, Ward outpointed Russia's World Elite bronze medallist Pavil Silygan on a split decision. Four of the judges felt the local southpaw won the contest, with one voting in favour of Silygan. 

He now comes up against La Cruz who is regarded as, pound-for-pound, one of the very best amateur boxers in the world. The Cuban is the reigning Olympic and world light heavyweight champion and he outpointed Ward in their three previous meetings, which came at the world championships in 2013, 2015, and 2017. 

Ward and La Cruz will meet in the afternoon session in Halle, Germany, which gets underway from 2pm (Irish time).

Theirs is the tenth and final bout in the afternoon session, which is due to be streamed live here: https://www.mdr.de/mediathek/livestreams/mdr-plus/eventlivestreamzweiww-658.html