Monday, June 6, 2011

 Oldest active boxer: Stephen Ward sets world record (Video)

CHESTERFIELD, UK -- Steve Ward, 54, successfully defended his European Boxing Federation Midlands Cruiserweight title in Chesterfield - setting the new world record for the Oldest active boxer.

  Photo: Steve Ward, The World's Oldest Active Boxer.  
 ( enlarge photo )

  The previous Guinness world record for the Oldest active boxer was set by Australian fighter Dexter Dunworth who retired in 2008, aged 53.

 Guinness World Records also recognized The best-selling boxing videogame: Mike Tyson's Punch-Out!! (Nintendo, 1987), which has sold over 3 million units since its release for the NES.

  Ward, who turned professional in 1977, had 57 pro fights, winning 15 and losing 39, before retiring in 1987.

  He finished his career with defeats against three big-name opponents, champions Ensley Bingham (KO 5), Crawford Ashley (KO 2) and Frank Grant (KO 3).

  Ward also had a long amateur career, winning 136 out of 148 bouts, after starting out at the Nottingham School of Boxing as a lad.

   His comeback follows a 23-year retirement between 1987 and 2010. He is a driver for a concrete firm in Somercotes.

  He beat 32-year-old Manchester fighter Pete McJob over four rounds on Saturday to keep his belt and claim the record.

  Mr Ward told BBC Derby it was a dream come true: "It's something I can treasure for the rest of my life. It shows age is just a number."

  Stephen Ward, The World's Oldest Active Boxer (D.O.B 12.08.1956) said he had no plans to retire and now wanted a shot at a British title.