![\"8](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/0024d103-614.jpg\"\/)
\nCallum Walsh (left) got the better of Tyler Denny<\/p>\n
Joe Ward recovered from a slow start to defeat Artjom Kasparian on the undercard of Aaron McKenna’s world title fight at the 3Arena in Dublin.<\/p>\n
Now 32, Ward finally had the opportunity to box on a major show on Irish shores and it certainly delivered in terms of entertainment.<\/p>\n
Entering what was just a 13th fight in seven years since turning professional, the Moate man described it as the beginning of the last chapter of his career. Defeat would undoubtedly make it a short one.<\/p>\n
The early signs were not good as he struggled to settle into the contest with Ward out on his feet in the fourth due to sustained pressure from his opponent.<\/p>\n
Ward was unable to cope with the volume of punches from Kasparian and it looked all over as a concerned Irish crowd watched on, mostly due to how little it appear the Irishman had in the tank.<\/p>\n
The decorated amateur had not fought since a National Stadium card in October 2024 and it told in terms of fight fitness.<\/p>\n
Despite coming into the fight in arguably the best shape in years, four rounds in it appeared the end was nigh due to the inactivity catching up with him.<\/p>\n
But Ward hung on until the bell and from there his class, as well as a resolute chin, decided the fight.<\/p>\n
Kasparian had come into tonight with an impressive record of 12 knockout wins in 14 fights, with no defeats, making Ward\u2019s ability to deal with him even more impressive.<\/p>\n
It was the English-based fighter\u2019s turn to gas out in the second half of the 10-round contest as Ward finally found some rhythm and picked off his opponent.<\/p>\n
The left hook continually delivered the goods for Ward and now it was Kasparian who looked like he would be the one to hit the canvas.<\/p>\n
The 2016 Olympian found plenty in reserve to finally show the talent which brought such an excellent amateur career.<\/p>\n
Having likely lost the opening four rounds, Ward won 97-93 on two cards and 96-94 on the other to take the win and carve out another major opportunity in the future in this twilight of his pro journey.<\/p>\n
\nCallum Walsh (left) got the better of Tyler Denny<\/p>\n
Callum Walsh took another step forward on his way to a major bout by defeating England’s Tyler Denny in an unanimous decision in the chief support bout.<\/p>\n
Walsh has been a staple of the Zuffa Boxing roster since inception as he fought at the venue for a second time, having been based in America for all other 14 of his fights.<\/p>\n
Cork fighter Walsh was in control from the vast majority of the contest, although he was judged to have come in contact with the canvas early in the first round.<\/p>\n
He responded superbly to floor Denny in the second and an early night looked likely.<\/p>\n
But the remainder of the fight was far from clean and left the crowd, and Walsh, frustrated.<\/p>\n
Denny was very much in the contest, with Walsh doing enough to shade rounds.<\/p>\n
The most interesting moment of an uneventful bout was when both fighters were deducted a point at the same time, Walsh for holding and Denny for punching to the back of the head.<\/p>\n
Walsh responded to that later in the eighth round by unsteadying Denny with a nice combination, including a powerful left.<\/p>\n
The scorecards read 98-91, 98-81 and 96-90, with victorious Walsh revealing afterwards that he suffered a hand and eye injury, the latter sustained in the second round.<\/p>\n
It remains to be seen if he moves toward a title bout or a potential all-Irish clash.<\/p>\n
![\"Dublin](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/0024d0fc-614.jpg\"\/)
\nStevie McKenna won in the first round<\/p>\n
Earlier Stevie McKenna produced one of the moments of the night with a thundering right hook against Owen O’Neill, which led to the end inside the first round.<\/p>\n
McKenna, brother of Aaron who was headlining the show, entered the arena to a rapturous reception from the large crowd that has travelled from Monaghan.<\/p>\n
He completely outclassed O\u2019Neill who was sent flying into the air with a right hand.<\/p>\n
The towel came in from the corner with less than 70 seconds gone in the fight.<\/p>\n
McKenna called out Walsh in the aftermath of the victory.<\/p>\n
Derry\u2019s Connor Coyle had a hard-fought victory over American Mark Beuke in a 10-round middleweight contest.<\/p>\n