Joe Ward rescues career with valiant Artjom Kasparian win as Stevie McKenna and Sam Hickey take stunning one-punch finishes

Joe Ward staved off disaster, beating Artjom Kasparian on a unanimous decision after 10 ferocious rounds at the 3Arena in Dublin.

Ward was a true amateur boxing sensation. At 17, all the way back in 2011, he became Ireland's youngest ever senior European gold medallist.

Though he became an Olympian, misfortune dogged his amateur career, and his pro start was even worse. He dislocated his knee and lost his professional debut.

This fight at the 3Arena in Dublin was his first since 2024 and his ticket back to the big-time

Ward did begin like he'd never been away. He peppered Kasparian with sharp southpaw punching, popping shots into the body and the head. The Manchester-based hitter even picked up a nick by his right eye.

Kasparian stayed in front of his opponent though and in the third round consecutive right hooks to the jaw tested out Ward's chin and the visitor would then test the home hero to his limit.

Kasparian refused to take a backwards step. Ward's arms began to look tired and he leaned on in a clinch.

Kasparian's solution was to keep on throwing and keep hitting out with heavy shots.

The visitor got himself onto the front foot at the start of the fourth round, landing a double jab and snagging Ward as he stepped in.

Ward rapidly tired, punching with just his arms, his feet rooted to the spot, his head available to be hit. That is not the place to be against a big puncher like Kasparian.

Kasparian kept up a strong assault through the middle rounds of the fight. He was, at times, pummelling Ward and it looked like the Irishman was on the brink of disaster.

But, as well as talent, Ward has heart. He pulled it back, and brought in strong backhands to repel Kasparian in the seventh round.

Ward pounced on the opportunity, getting a second wind. He bounced a one-two off Kasparian's head in the eighth round and started to dictate the action.

Under pressure Kasparian almost fell through the ropes and the crowd wildly cheered for Ward.

In the ninth round, Ward screwed his right in and slammed his left down again. Kasparian, though, hacked at him with left hooks.

Ward popped in a clean, accurate left cross and Kasparian staggered back a step. He harried Kasparian with a sustained combination before the round was up.

Kasparian banged in a one-two but Ward, marked under his right eye, managed to trade with gusto. Kasparian tried to reel away, but Ward kept on throwing, catching him.

Fiercely determined Kasparian slugged back, but Ward answered in kind and raised both arms in the air at the final bell.

He stormed out to meet Owen O'Neill, loomed over his opponent, and slung out heavy punches. O'Neill hopped backwards, hoping to ride out the storm. But McKenna did not relent. He stayed on his prey, whacking him with a massive left hook and continuing to strafe him with wide-arm punches.

O'Neill was left with little option but to tuck up beneath the onslaught. That though was just an invitation for trouble. A one-two from McKenna lanced down and a right cross sent O'Neill flying off his feet, crashing down on the canvas. He had to be stopped there and then in the first round.