Martin Ward wants titles but happy to be boxing in Hartlepool first

MARTIN Ward wants titles and he wants them now – but he is happy to keep himself “nice and sharp” with a European test in Hartlepool.

The Neil Fannan and Dave Garside boxer, chasing championship honours at super-bantamweight, will face Simas Volosinas over six rounds at the Borough Hall tonight.

Ward, gifted with a big G, is due for a British title eliminator with Nottingham’s Leigh Wood, as SportMail reported on Wednesday.

However, that match is not expected to take place until the summer, possibly on the Summer Rumble at the Stadium of Light.

So before then, the 27-year-old needs rounds and is hoping to get them against the Lithuanian.

“I hope it will be a good stern test,” Ward told SportMail.

“I know nothing about him, so we’ll have to wait and see how good he is.

“I know he’s boxed over here a load of times and seems to always go the distance.

“I just want to get in the ring and box my best.