European Amateur Champion Joe Ward and Olympic silver medallist John Joe Nevin have signed up with amateur boxing’s World Series of Boxing (WSB).

Ward has decided to remain amateur, box in the WSB and defend his Irish senior title next February. The Moate light heavyweight, who turned 19 last week, did not qualify for London 2012 and had considered turning pro.

While Nevin could not be contacted yesterday, his position in the WSB, a professional boxing arm of the amateur governing body, suggests he too will remain amateur despite announcing recently he would be turning pro in the UK with former Olympic silver medallist and professional world champion Amir Khan. Both Irish fighters have been named in the UK-based British Lionheart team in the WSB.

Khan’s Super Fight Promotions said last: “It’s disappointing John Joe will be staying amateur as I firmly believe he has potential to make big waves in the professional scene.”