Steve Ward

Stephen Ward (born 12 August 1956) He was first confirmed as such in 2011 at age 54. Born in Nottingham and now living in nearby Mansfield, in 2012 Ward was given a civic reception by the mayor of Nottingham at Nottingham Council House to recognise his achievements.

Fighting career Ward boxed as an amateur from 1967–1977. He then successfully defended the title against Pete McJob in March 2011, and again with a unanimous points decision against Keifer Bentley in June 2011.

Ward received the 2012 Sportsperson of the Year accolade at Mansfield's Sports Recognition Awards, a local yearly ceremony, in recognition of his world record and EBF title at Cruiserweight.

Ward suffered a hand injury on top of the work accident affecting one leg, and became a boxing coach to youngsters.

He lost the distinction of world's oldest professional in 2015, when an older fighter, American Mike Palmer, competed in a professional bout, but regained it later that year when he fought professionally at 59,

He retired in 2017 after losing the WBC veteran heavyweight championship title to Andreas Sidon.

In 2019, The Champ of Champs, a documentary film was produced featuring Ward's long involvement in boxing and fight-back against serious injury. In January 2021, the fight, a veteran’s version of the world championship, was announced for May, before Ward's 65th birthday.