SUPER-MIDDLEWEIGHT Johnny Ward says he is ready to ‘make statement’ as he returns to the ring for the first time in almost two years this weekend.

The 21-year-old, who is from Chippenham, will star on Neilson Boxing’s Fight Town show in Bracknell on Saturday, November 27th.

Ward has a record of 2-0 as a professional, with his last win coming back in November 2019 at the Oasis Leisure Centre in Swindon.

Despite the lengthy lay-off, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Ward has been busy during his time away as he has switched coaches and moved to London, while still training throughout the pandemic.

The tricky prospect is now trained by Roger Lee, younger brother of former world champion Andy, and believes he will reap the benefits of his new set-up next month.

“My problem has always been my head, and I never realised how good I was,” he said.

“When I went to London in the beginning I was sparring people in and around my level.

“Then I went to sparring guys like Billy Joe Saunders and John Ryder.

“After that, I went back to sparring people around my level they were lucky to last four rounds with me.

“I’m coming of age, I’ve built into my body and when I hit people I’m hurting them. Now I know how good I am and people are going to be in a lot of trouble.”

In addition to sparring with the likes of Billy Joe Saunders and John Ryder, Ward has also been working with current Southern Area champion Germaine Brown, who has also featured on a Neilson Boxing show.

Promoter Mark Neilson says the super-middleweight is certainly one to watch, and said he was looking forward to seeing to seeing the adjustments made since his last appearance in Wiltshire.

“Johnny looks good, he sounds good, he’s hard hitting and he has a great following so I’m excited to have him back.

“He’s changed his coaching set up and is now working with Roger who has an enormous amount of experience, and was working under Emmanuel Steward for all those years too with his brother over in America.

“Recently he has been training with Tyson Fury, Tommy Fury and Joseph Parker so he’s in fantastic company.”