Mansfield boxing veteran, 59, aims to snatch back Guinness World Record

Mansfield boxing veteran Steve Ward is a man on a mission - to retain his world record crown.
Steve Ward.Steve Ward.
Steve Ward.

The 59-year-old has penned in a fight for December as he aims to snatch back the title that was taken from under his nose earlier this year.

Ward was recognised by the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s oldest active professional boxer.

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That was until February, when American Mike Palmer snatched the record away from Steve aged 57 years and 327 days.

Now though, Steve is aiming to pip his counterpart from across the pond as he looks to regain his crown.

“The record is coming back to England,” a defiant Steve told the Chad.

“I train every day for about three hours at a time.

“Make no mistake, I’m taking this very, very seriously.

“This is the home country of boxing so it’s got to come back.”

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His quest to win the honour again sees him face Jody Meikle at Shirebrook’s Kissingate Leisure Centre on December 12.

Ward was narrowly out-pointed in his last outing in November 2014 against Leicester’s talented Arek Drezek, losing narrowly on points.

But, the Team Body and Soul fighter is determined to correct that against Meikle.

And despite his upcoming foe being a full 24 years his junior, Ward is still confident he can get the job done and bring the record back to Nottinghamshire.

He added: “I watched Jody fight recently.

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“He’s not an easy opponent and infact he won the MBC English Cruiserweight belt so that shows how good he is.

“He’s 24 years younger than me but I’m hungry for this.

“I’ve had all the relevant tests such as cardio and fitness and they came back saying I had the body of a 24-year-old.

“I should hope so after training for the past 50 years!”

Tickets for the show can be bought by phoning Steve on 07814 527921.