JUERGEN Uldedaj outboxed and comprehensively stopped Steven Ward at 2-46 in round five of their cruiserweight clash this evening. Headlining in Dubai, Ward’s short-notice jaunt ended in devastating defeat as the patient winner stepped off, used the jab and went home with the (previously vacant) IBF International title.
Ward struggled in the opening round as Uldedaj landed the left jab repeatedly. The Belfast man was hurt with a left hook as well, before targeting the body with right hands. Steven regrouped early in the second but a late Uldedaj surge turned the tide.
Ward ended the third with a cut to the left eye. This was a concern given Ward’s history of cutting. Uldedaj’s right hand was a more pressing concern for his longevity.
Jamie Moore was in Ward’s corner, and they had a second cut to deal with in round five. Ward decided to go for broke, launching hooks. The right eye was horrifically slashed and pouring blood. Uldedaj liked what he saw and piled on the pressure. The ref jumped in as Ward lay prone on the ropes, trying to duck away and throw desperate hooks.
Jamie Moore and the doctor were also hovering. TV replays showed that the heads had clashed to further open the wounds. Uldedaj improves his record to 18-1 (7 KOs), while Ward falls to 14-3 (4 KOs).