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ROUND 9
Jun 15, 2023 22:49:05 GMT -5
Post by bWo on Jun 15, 2023 22:49:05 GMT -5
It was the Mohegan Sun Arena. The date was May 18, 2002. Boxing fans would be given a fight that started an incredible 3 fight feud, and saw the beginning of a truly amazing friendship. Arturo "Thunder" Gatti stepped into the ring with "Irish" Mickey Ward. Gatti was an up and down fighter with amazing potential but a love for the "party life." He had the heart of a lion and was light speed quick. Mickey Ward was a career brawler who continued working as a construction worker between fights. His signature punch was a left hook to the body (liver) which leaves you with little or no control of your body. Gatti would learn that lesson in this fight.
Gatti was battling his way back into contention in the welterweight division. Mickey Ward was nearing the end of his career and stated that he would retire if he lost this fight. Not only would Ward fight again, but these 2 warriors would produce one of the most epic trilogies the sporting world has ever seen. No titles on the line. Just 30 rounds of pride.
Round 9 of their first fight is regarded as one of the greatest rounds in boxing history. I was watching this fight live on tv and I still get the same chills watching it now. Ward in the red and white Gatti in the Blue and white.
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ROUND 9
Jun 15, 2023 22:57:11 GMT -5
Post by bWo on Jun 15, 2023 22:57:11 GMT -5
Gatti - Ward 1
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ROUND 9
Jun 15, 2023 23:16:58 GMT -5
Post by bWo on Jun 15, 2023 23:16:58 GMT -5
The two would meet again 6 months later at the "Boardwalk Hall" in Atlantic City, New Jersey. This fight was a brawl, but Arturo Gatti was quicker to the punch in almost every instance. It was a war, but it wasn't close. Arturo Gatti made a statement in this fight, to the point that announcer Jim Lampley commented, "a win this dominating makes you wonder if a third fight is even necessary?"
Gatti - Ward 2
Showing nothing but admiration for his opponent once again, Arturo Gatti commented, "I used to wonder what it would be like to fight my twin. Now I know."
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ROUND 9
Jun 15, 2023 23:31:35 GMT -5
Post by bWo on Jun 15, 2023 23:31:35 GMT -5
Seven months later Arturo Gatti and Mickey Ward were back at the "The Boardwalk Hall" in Atlantic City, New Jersey for the final chapter of the trilogy. This fight was more like the first than the second, and was made more interesting in the 4th round when Gatti would break his right hand landing a punch to Ward's hip. The war was on, and a war it was.
There was no other option. There was no other way. These two had business to settle, and a broken hand wasn't going to get in the way.
Gatti - Ward 3
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ROUND 9
Jun 15, 2023 23:41:09 GMT -5
Post by bWo on Jun 15, 2023 23:41:09 GMT -5
Arturo Gatti would fight on. As per his word, Mickey Ward retired his gloves. The bond these 2 men formed was amazing. They went from this, TO THIS Yes. Straight out of a Rocky, that's Mickey Ward working as one of Arturo Gatti's trainers. The story was amazing, but all good things...........
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ROUND 9
Jun 16, 2023 0:00:32 GMT -5
Post by bWo on Jun 16, 2023 0:00:32 GMT -5
On July 11, 2009, Arturo Gatti was found dead in a hotel in Ipojuca, Pernambuco, Brazil, where he was on holiday with his Brazilian wife, Amanda Rodrigues, and their 10-month-old son. He was 37 years old. Given his wide open boxing style CTE has long been a topic of discussion with Gatti.
There are many theories surrounding his death. Rather than dwell on the circumstances I always looked towards Mickey Ward for closure. When Micky Ward attended the funeral he passed by Arturo's coffin, he gave it one more tap and tearfully said, “See old friend, I got the last hit.”
It was a story for the ages. I was glad to have followed and in some ways been apart of it.
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