Hat-trick hero Ward courted by pro game

Newly crowned European Elite champion Joe Ward is being targeted by pro promoters in the countdown to the World Elite Championships which begin in Hamburg, Germany, on August 25.

Ward claimed his third European gold medal in Kharkiv, Ukraine, on Saturday, beating Russia’s Muslim Gadzhimagomedov on a unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27, 29-28, 29-28) at the Lokomotiv Sports Palace.

An offer is on the table for the three-time European Elite champion and World Elite silver and bronze medallist to switch to the professional ranks.