Russian-born opponent confirmed for Joe Ward's return to the ring

Moate boxer Joe Ward has learned the identity of his opponent for his long-awaited return to the ring next month.

The local light-heavyweight will face Russian-born Artjom Kasparian at Dublin's 3Arena on Saturday, August 8.

His opponent for the 10-round contest was announced by the event's organisers Zuffa Boxing, the promotional company co-founded by Dana White, the chief executive of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

The fight will be part of the undercard of a boxing show headlined by the clash between Monaghan's Aaron McKenna and Italy's Etinosa Oliha for the vacant IBF world middleweight title.

The night of boxing from Dublin will be broadcast live on Sky Sports in Ireland and the UK, and will be streamed exclusively on Paramount+ in the US and Canada.

Ward's opponent, Kasparian, grew up mainly in the Netherlands but is now settled in England, from where he has put together an unbeaten, 14-0, professional record, with 12 of the wins coming by knockout.

Ward has a professional record of twelve wins and one defeat (eight KOs). His last bout was in Dublin's National Stadium in October 2024, when he defeated Ukraine's Dmytro Fedas, winning every round before his opponent failed to come out for the seventh.

The 32-year-old has endured a frustrating couple of years, in which a number of scheduled bouts failed to materialise through no fault of his own. He's hopeful the contest on August 8 will mark the start of a new chapter in his career.

The co-main event on the night sees unbeaten Cork native Callum Walsh face experienced English southpaw Tyler Denny in a 10-round middleweight clash.

It's the first time a Zuffa Boxing event is being staged in Ireland, and Ward's fight will be the first of a four-fight deal he's signed with the company.

Tickets for the event, priced from €47.80 to €161.50, are currently on sale through Ticketmaster.