Ward on course for third European boxing title in Ukraine

Westmeath southpaw Joe Ward is on course for his third European title in Kharkiv, Ukraine, but Antrim’s Brendan Irvine and Kurt Walker had to settle for bronze after losing their semi-finals yesterday.

Ward, the defending champion and No 1 seed in the light-heavy class, beat Italy’s Valentino Manfredonia in yesterday’s 81kg semi-final on a comprehensive unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27, 30-25, 30-27).

The Rio Olympian said before the fight that if he performed, the Brazil-born Azzurri orthodox didn’t have a chance. He delivered yesterday, though Manfredonia was limping after the first round from a leg injury.