Stuart Hall is preparing to face Martin Ward and is fully confident he will turn away the counter-punching southpaw’s challenge
Stuart Hall, left, World IBF Bantamweight champion and challenger Martin Ward
Stuart Hall expects a compelling North-east world title derby against Martin Ward but says the IBF bantamweight title will remain in Darlington.
Hall and West Rainton’s Ward have been on a collision course for the last few years and will finally meet for the ultimate prize at Newcastle Arena on March 29.
Hall will be making a voluntary first defence of the world title he seized in December by outpointing Vusi Malinga in a Fight of the Year contender.
And although he is expecting another difficult night against Commonwealth champion Ward he is fully confident he will turn away the counter-punching southpaw’s challenge.
The undercard will feature Middlesbrough’s Simon Vallily, Guisborough light-welterweight Josh Leather and top Sedgefield 10-stoner Bradley Saunders against Derby’s Dave Ryan.
Leather is out first on February 22 at the York Hall in Bethnal Green in a four-rounder against Birmingham veteran Jason Nesbitt.
“This is a great fight for the North-east,” Hall said.
“Winning the world title was a dream come true and I couldn’t ask for any more than making my first defence in Newcastle against another North-east fighter.
“Martin Ward has been calling me out for a while, so I thought I would give him a chance.
“We have sparred in the past and he is tricky, sharp and awkward.
“He is going to be dangerous because this is his big opportunity, but this is a fight I think I can win.
“I’m going to be better, stronger and even more determined than I was when I won the world title.”
Hall, 33, became the oldest British boxer to win a world title at the first attempt by digging deep to beat Malinga at the First Direct Arena in Leeds.
The former British champion floored the South African with a third round right hand and won a unanimous decision despite finishing the contest with his left eye shut after Malinga rallied in the middle rounds.
“Malinga was unbelievably tough but I just wanted it more,” Hall said.
“I got a bit carried away and started loading up on my punches when I dropped him, whereas a more experienced fighter would have been more patient.
“But I’ve learned from that and you will see a totally different Stuart Hall in this next fight.”
Teesside boxers Arman Asad, Anees Saghir, Marley Devitt and Jahmal Weaver will be in the red corner on Sunday when the Tyne, Tees and Wear face Yorkshire in the England Youth Championships pre-quarter finals at Sherburn Leisure Centre.
Pallister Park’s Devitt has the toughest task after winning the TTW title lightweight title on a split decision against Cory O’Neill (Forest Hall) on the Bilton Hall club show in Jarrow.
He faces 2013 Junior World Championships quarter-finalist Dalton Smith from the Steel City gym in Sheffield.
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