Sport

Joe Ward outclasses Serge Mitchel in AIBA Pro Boxing bout

The 2011 European Elite champion earned a 60-54 unanimous decision in Bulgaria

Joe Ward after the Irish National Elite Championships men’s finals in March. He will be in APB action again next month. Photograph: Inpho
Joe Ward after the Irish National Elite Championships men’s finals in March. He will be in APB action again next month. Photograph: Inpho
Sat Dec 13 2014 - 01:00

Irish light-heavy Joe Ward outclassed Serge Mitchel to record his second AIBA Pro Boxing (APB) victory in Sofia, Bulgaria on Friday night.

The 2011 European Elite champion earned a 60-54 unanimous decision over the German fighter after six rounds in the Bulgaria capital.

Ward, a three-time AIBA World Elite, Youth and Junior medalist, has now won two and lost one of his APB bouts since October.

"A very good performance from Joe. His jab, followed by the backhand, was the key. He won all six rounds and that speaks for itself, "said Eddie Bolger, who was working Ward's corner with Zuar Antia in Sofia.

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Ward will be between the ropes in APB again next month against an opponent to be confirmed.

Ireland's David Olive Joyce will be in APB action against Germany's Artur Bril next weekend.

Twenty boxers will qualify outright for Rio 2016 from APB, marking the first time that pro boxers compete in the Olympic Games.