MATCHROOM BOXING AND DAZN PRESENTER JAMIE WARD CELEBRATES COVETED SJA AWARD FOR ‘ONES TO WATCH – BROADCAST ON AIR’

Matchroom Boxing and DAZN presenter Jamie Ward last night scooped a prestigious Sports Journalism Association award at a star-studded ceremony in London.

The SJA Awards is renowned as the ‘Oscars’ of UK Sports journalism and broadcasting, and took place at the famous London Palladium.

Ward, who joined Matchroom in 2019, has hosted some of the biggest press conferences and events over the past year – including both of last year’s Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor Benn fights.

The 29-year-old presents the build-up to this weekend’s Conah Walker vs Sam Eggington battle in Wolverhampton – live worldwide on the Global Home of Boxing, DAZN.

And on Monday night in the capital, he collected the coveted ‘One to Watch – Broadcast on Air’ prize.

The SJA judges said: “Jamie was at the heart of boxing’s biggest stories in 2025, from covering Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor Benn for Matchroom Boxing to delivering a memorable, heartfelt eulogy for Ricky Hatton.

“Through his podcast Flash Knockdown and YouTube series Ordinary People, he has built a growing audience by bringing fans closer to fighters beyond the ring, driven by his natural, engaging presence.”

Ward was quick to pay tribute to his bosses at Matchroom, thanking them for the opportunities they have provided him, as he looks forward to some huge fight nights ahead – starting this week for a sold-out event in Wolverhampton.

“Thank you to the SJA and big congratulations to all the other nominees on a great year in their respective sports,” said Ward.

“My advice to anybody with a dream to work in sports broadcasting is go for it! I am so privileged to do the job I do – I love boxing and to be able to share just one per cent of the special moments I have with fighters in post-fight interviews, from making their debut, to winning an area title or becoming World Champion, is a responsibility I absolutely adore.

“I want to thank everybody at Matchroom and DAZN for every opportunity. Particularly my producer Jim Bentley, for being such a terrific mentor, and my wingman and great friend – former IBF Champion of the World, Darren Barker. The team make the job fun for me – and, of course, I have to thank Eddie Hearn, Frank Smith and Katie Hearn for always backing me on the biggest stages.

“2026 is already shaping up to be another great year for the sport and I’m excited for what is to come – starting this Saturday in Wolverhampton for Walker vs Eggington, live on DAZN.”