JUERGEN Uldedaj outboxed and comprehensively stopped Steven Ward at 2-46 in spherical 5 of their cruiserweight conflict this night. Headlining in Dubai, Ward’s short-notice jaunt resulted in devastating defeat because the affected person winner stepped off, used the jab and went dwelling with the (beforehand vacant) IBF Worldwide title.
Ward struggled within the opening spherical as Uldedaj landed the left jab repeatedly. The Belfast man was harm with a left hook as nicely, earlier than focusing on the physique with proper fingers. Steven regrouped early within the second however a late Uldedaj surge turned the tide.
Ward ended the third with a lower to the left eye. This was a priority given Ward’s historical past of slicing. Uldedaj’s proper hand was a extra urgent concern for his longevity.
Jamie Moore was in Ward’s nook, and so they had a second lower to cope with in spherical 5. Ward determined to go for broke, launching hooks. The best eye was horrifically slashed and pouring blood. Uldedaj preferred what he noticed and piled on the strain. The ref jumped in as Ward lay susceptible on the ropes, attempting to duck away and throw determined hooks.
Jamie Moore and the physician had been additionally hovering. TV replays confirmed that the heads had clashed to additional open the injuries. Uldedaj improves his file to 18-1 (7 KOs), whereas Ward falls to 14-3 (4 KOs).
