Ward, Armenta sign with MTK Global
MTK Global on Wednesday announced the signing of world-ranked star Thomas Patrick Ward.
The undefeated former British super-bantamweight champion Ward (26-0) is ranked no 3. in the world by the WBO, and made a big impression on his U.S debut in February.
Ward now takes the next steps in his career with MTK Global by his side, and he’s excited to push towards major fights after linking up with his new team.
ANOTHER BIG SIGNING! ?
? 26-0
? Ranked #3 in the world
? Former British champion@ThomasPWard_ joins @MTKGlobal ahead of world title run…
REACTION ➡ https://t.co/mxGi6rv5wP#TeamMTKGlobal pic.twitter.com/4wGS8mJgvd
— MTK Global ? (@MTKGlobal) May 22, 2019
Ward said in a press release: “I’m pleased to be teaming up with MTK Global because I believe they can get me the biggest and best fights out there, so I’m really looking forward to it.
“MTK Global are doing fabulous things and getting fighters the best opportunities out there for them and are doing the job right. Now that I’ve joined MTK Global I’m aiming for world titles. I want the biggest fights possible and I believe I can win world titles in multiple weight divisions.”
“I believe fans will see a lot more of me now and see me in big fights. I’m confident that MTK Global will deliver for me and produce good things. I’ve been under the radar for a bit, but now I’m going to be on the big stage and everyone will start to take notice and see what I’m all about.”
Ward’s trainer Neil Fannon added in the release: “We are very happy to be joining MTK Global. We have had other offers from different promoters but we feel like we have joined a team who will really look after us.
“We’re looking forward to it as we feel MTK Global has the power to guide us the final step on Tommy’s journey to a world title.
“Tommy walked into my gym at 16 and the talent was there for everyone to see. We have just brought him on steady and I’m pleased with his progress so far.”
MTK Global President Bob Yalen added in the release: “There’s a new star in the MTK Global universe because we think Thomas is a special talent.
“Not many fighters have achieved what he has in winning British and European titles and impressing on an American debut – all by the age of 25.
“We saw the hunger for boxing in the north-east at our recent #MTKFightNight and in Thomas we bring in one of the most talented boxers the area has produced in recent years.”
MTK Global also confirmed on Wednesday the signing of young Mexican Rafael Armenta as he embarks on his professional career.
The Sinaloa teenager is a five-time State champion and national bronze medalist and trains alongside the famous Montiel family, who have already produced a trio of world champions.
Armenta – brother of current pro ‘Roca’ Armenta – will compete in the lightweight division.
Armenta said in a pre: “I’m so proud to sign for the biggest management company in the world in MTK Global. With them and the Montiels behind me, I’m with the best.
“I believe I can go all the way in this sport and joining MTK Global means I can focus purely on being the best fighter I can be, knowing they’ll get me all the opportunities I need.
“I will represent Sinaloa and Mexico with pride and I believe MTK Global will guide me to a world title.”
MTK Global’s Latin American Operations Manager Mariana Caballero said: “We are delighted to bring Rafael to the team. The Montiels know boxing as well as anyone and they have always spoken very highly of Rafael’s talents.
“Mexico has a rich history in boxing. We are confident Rafael will add to that and even has the potential to go down as one of the greats.
“This signing further shows our dedication to aligning with the best young talent in the world and accelerating journeys to the top.”
Marquis Johns is a unknown humorist and avid boxing fan. His love for the sweet science goes back to when matches were 15 rounds and has been covering fights since closed-circuit pay-per-views. Everybody has a plan until they get punched in the mouth is not only a quote by Mike Tyson, it's also a pretty good reminder to keep your guard up.