Stephen Ward (born 12 August 1956)[2] is an English former professional boxer, notable for having held the accolade of being the oldest professional boxer in the world.[3] He was first confirmed as such in 2011 at age 54.[4] Born in Nottingham and now living in nearby Mansfield, in 2012 Ward was given a civic reception by the mayor of Nottingham at Nottingham Council House to recognise his achievements.[5]
Steve Ward | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | Steve Ward 8 December 1956 |
| Nationality |  United Kingdom |
| Statistics | |
| Weight(s) | Cruiserweight |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Boxing record | |
| Wins | 15[1] |
| Wins by KO | 1 |
| Losses | 41 |
Fighting career
editWard boxed as an amateur from 1967–1977.[2] His original professional boxing career lasted from 1977 to 1987. After an industrial accident injured his foot leading to complex regional pain syndrome, he was treated by a Hong Kong surgeon recommended by a fellow martial artist when training at a gym. He then resumed boxing training including running for up to 10 mi (16 km) and made a comeback in 2010 against Gregg Scott-Briggs to win the Midlands Area Cruiserweight belt.[6] He then successfully defended the title against Pete McJob in March 2011.[7]
Ward received the 2012 Sportsperson of the Year accolade at Mansfield's Sports Recognition Awards, a local yearly ceremony, in recognition of his world record and EBF title at Cruiserweight.[8]
Ward suffered a hand injury on top of the work accident affecting one leg, and became a boxing coach to youngsters.[9]
He lost the distinction of world's oldest professional in 2015, when an older fighter, American Mike Palmer, competed in a professional bout, but regained it later that year when he fought professionally at 59,[2] and was described as the oldest active boxer, after losing a fight in the third round against younger Jody Meikle at Chesterfield, attended by a Guinness World Records adjudicator on 12 December.[2]
He retired in 2017 after losing the WBC veteran heavyweight championship title to Andreas Sidon.[10][11]
In 2019, The Champ of Champs, a documentary film was produced featuring Ward's long involvement in boxing and fight-back against serious injury.[12][13][14]
In late 2020, Ward confirmed plans to fight again in 2021 against Jimmy Lloyd, in an attempt to gain a new world record, in a new sector called Gold Division, and claim a fourth Guinness World Record as the world's oldest boxer.[15] In January 2021, the fight, a veteran’s version of the world championship, was announced for May, before Ward's 65th birthday.[14]
References
edit- ^ https://boxrec.com/en/proboxer/809
- ^ a b c d Steve Ward reclaims title as oldest active boxer aged 59 Guinness World Records, 14 December 2015. Retrieved 17 December 2020
- ^ "Steve Ward, 59, regains world's oldest boxer title". BBC News. 13 December 2015.
- ^ "Boxer Steve Ward, 54, confirmed as world's oldest". BBC News. 18 May 2011.
- ^ World's oldest boxer Steve Ward gets civic reception BBC News Nottingham, 1 September 2011. Retrieved 20 January 2021
- ^ Veteran Steve's stunning return. Chad, 1 December 2020, p.105 Retrieved 20 January 2021
- ^ Derbyshire boxer Steve Ward, 54, 'world's oldest champ' BBC News Derbyshire, 23 March 2011. Retrieved 20 January 2021
- ^ Veteran boxer Steve Ward lands Mansfield's top sports title. Chad (local newspaper), 14 December 2011, p.87. Accessed 17 December 2020
- ^ "Injury ruins oldest boxer's final dream". Chad, 22 February, 2013, p.104 Accessed 8 September 2022
- ^ "World's oldest boxer Steve Ward, 60, loses last professional fight in title bout". 15 July 2017.
- ^ "World's oldest boxer Steve Ward, 60, says he battled injury in defeat to Andreas Sidon in his last fight". 17 July 2017.
- ^ Mansfield boxing legend Steve Ward documentary gets UK premiere this week Chad (local newspaper), 21 October 2019. Retrieved 17 December 2020
- ^ The Champ of Champs indieshortfest.com, October 2019. Retrieved 17 December 2020
- ^ a b Mansfield's world oldest boxer Steve Ward set to fight on Chad, 18 January 2021. Retrieved 20 January 2021
- ^ Veteran boxer Steve Ward preparing to fight for world title - at sea Chad (local newspaper), 1 October 2020. Retrieved 17 December 2020