JUERGEN Uldedaj comprehensively outpointed and stopped Steven Ward 2-46 in the fifth round of their cruiserweight clash tonight. Headlining the Dubai title, Ward’s brief stint ended in a crushing defeat as the patient winner stepped up, landed the jab and returned home with the previously vacant IBF International title.
Ward struggled in the opening round as Uldedaj continued to land left punches. The Belfast man also hurt with a left hook, before aiming for a right hand to the body. Steven rallied early in the second round but a late attack from Uldedaj turned things around.
Ward ended the third round with a cut above his left eye, which is a concern given Ward’s history with cuts. Uldedaj’s right hand is a more pressing concern for his longevity.
Jamie Moore was in Ward’s corner, and they had to deal with a second cut in the fifth round. Ward decided to throw a hard hook. His right eye was cut horribly and bleeding. Uldedaj liked what he saw and turned up the pressure. The referee stepped in as Ward lay prone on the ropes, trying to duck and throw desperate hooks.
Jamie Moore and the doctor were also hanging around. TV replays showed that the heads of the two collided, opening the wound further. Uldedaj improved his record to 18-1 (7 KOs), while Ward dropped to 14-3 (4 KOs).
