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Micky Ward

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For the rugby union player, see Micky Ward (rugby union).
Micky Ward
Ward in March 2011
Born
George Michael Ward Jr.

(1965-10-04) October 4, 1965 (age 59)
Lowell, Massachusetts, U.S.
Other names"Irish"
Statistics
Weight(s)Light welterweight Welterweight
Height5 ft 8 in (173 cm)
Reach70 in (178 cm)
StanceOrthodox
Boxing record
Total fights51
Wins38
Wins by KO27
Losses13

George Michael Ward Jr. (born October 4, 1965), often known by his nickname, "Irish" Micky Ward, is an American former professional boxer who competed from 1985 to 2003. He challenged once for the IBF light welterweight title in 1997, and held the WBU light welterweight title in 2000. Ward is widely known for his trilogy of fights with Arturo Gatti, two of which received Fight of the Year awards by The Ring magazine, as well as his devastating left hook to the body and his relentless pressure fighting style. From 2001-2003 Ward featured in 3 straight Fights of the year. Ward was portrayed by Mark Wahlberg in the 2010 film The Fighter, which was based on his early career. After retirement he has become a philanthropist.

Ancestry/Early life

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His maternal great-grandmother Annie Greenhalge (Carroll) was born in Ireland, the daughter of Michael and Mary (Flood) Carroll. His maternal great-great-great grandparents Peter McMahon and Ann Quinn were from County Tyrone, Ireland. They fled Ireland during the 1850s to escape from poverty and arrived in Boston, Massachusetts. They settled in the Acre neighborhood of Lowell, Massachusetts and worked as laborers and millworkers.[citation needed] Ward was born to his parents Alice and George Sr. He grew up in Lowell with his brother Dickie along with 7 sisters. Besides boxing Ward also played a variety of other sports growing up such as baseball as well as earning a reputation as a formidable free safety on the gridiron and establishing himself as a worthy wrestler on the mats, even winning a Lowell city tournament in junior high.[1] Ward would attend Lowell High school.

At the age of 12 Ward would sit ringside when his brother Dickie fought Sugar Ray Leonard.[2] Ward would later credit his brother as one of inspirationtions for starting his boxing career. Dickie would also serve as Wards trainer for his entire career.[3]

Amateur Career

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In 1972 at just the age of 7 Ward would complete in his first amateur bout this would be the start of a very successful amateur career. In 1977, at the age of eleven he entered and advanced to the finals of the New England Junior Olympics, before dropping a close decision to a fighter from Lynn in the championship. However he would end up winning the tournament the following year in 1978. With brother Dicky by his side Ward would continue to climb up the Amateur rankings. As in 1980 he would capture gold in the 90-pound division at Silver Mittens after finishing runner up in 1978 and 1979. Then in 1983, he fought and won the New England AAU tournament earning a trip to Lake Placid, New York for the regional finals. There, he met and befriended a 16-year old phenom, Mike Tyson, who was competing in the tournament’s heavyweight division.[1] On top of this Ward was also a three-time New England Golden Gloves champion boxer.[4] He would finish with a amateur record of 62-10.

Professional career

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Early Career

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Ward would have his first pro bout on June 13th 1985 in Lawrence, Massachusetts defeating David Morin by TKO in the first round. He would then win his second fight in his home town of Lowell getting a 4th round TKO victory of Greg Young. Coming off back to back knockout wins in his home state of Massachusetts Ward would then travel down to Atlantic City to meet matchmaker Teddy Brenner.[5] This would lead to Wards next 7 fights all taking place in Atlantic City. Ward would win all 7 fights 5 of them coming by way of KO.[6] His time in Atlantic City would help aid the progression of his career due to the visibility he received on national television through ESPN’s Top Rank Boxing program as they dubbed Atlantic City there home base for their weekly Saturday night fights. (Ward would end up becoming having a record 28 fights on ESPN).[1] However for his 10th pro fight Top Rank boxing would follow Ward back to his home town of Lowell. Where he would face a fellow top prospect out of Massachusetts John Rafuse which would result in a 8 round unanimous decision for Ward. Following two more convincing wins bringing his record to 12-0. Ward then got the call to be on the undercard for the April 6th, 1987 ‘Fight of The Century also marking the first time he would head out west to fight in Las Vegas.[1] Ward would make the most of this opportunity beating Kelly Koble via TKO in the 4th round. He would then return to Atlantic City for his next bout vs Derrick McGuire once again winning by TKO in the 4th round improving to 14-0. During his next fight he would come up short to Edwin Curet by split decision losing his first pro fight. He would recovery nicely though after getting a first round TKO of Joey Ferrell in his next fight. He would then pick up back to back unanimous decision victories over Joey Oliver’s and David Silva. He would drop his next fight to Mike Mungin via unanimous decision but would then score a 3rd round TKO of Francisco Tomas da Cruz in his following bout. After accumulating a 19-2 record Ward would earn his first title shot when he would fight Frankie Warren for USBA light welterweight title but he would fail to capture the title losing a unanimous decision. After this Ward would win his next two fights However, his career leveled off, and after some though match making he would end up losing his next four fights in 1990/91. Ward would then make the decision to go into his first retirement from boxing to focus on being a father to his daughter Kasie and to work and live a regular blue-collar life.[7][1]

The hiatus

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During Ward's time away from the sport, he used some of the funds from his day job on a road-paving crew to have surgery on his right hand, which had given him problems during several bouts. The surgery used some of the bone from Ward's pelvis to strengthen and fuse the bones in his hand.[7] Ward would find himself back in a boxing gym when Lowell police chief Mickey O’Keefe asked Ward just to swing by the gym and work out with him a little. “ It was a no pressure offer so I did. As soon as I got back in there it felt good. I did miss it. Slowly I started getting in there a little more and more and before you knew it we were training somewhat regularly.”[1] During the training O’Keefe implemented a host of strength based drills and exercises. The results gave Ward a new level of raw strength and confidence helping lead him to his eventual return to the ring. Besides Wards physical changes there was a second noticeable change as well. Before his retirement in 1991, Ward’s style was similar to his brother Dickie’s. Lots of boxing, lots of movement. With the new physique and his increased power, he now wanted to refine his approach in the ring. Ward stated “I wasn’t going to be dancing anymore I was going to move forward and punch with intention.”[1] So when Wards long time head trainer his brother Dickie got released from jail Ward was finally ready to make a come back.[8]

The comeback

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Ward would end up making a successful comeback having his first bout in nearly 3 years on June 17th 1994. Where he would get a 5th round TKO vs Luis Castillo. From here Ward would go on to win his next 4 fights all coming by KO/TKO. This would lead to him earning a shot at the WBU Intercontinental light welterweight title Vs undefeated 31-0 Louis Veader. The bout would take place at the FleetCenter in Boston Massachusetts. Ward would end round dropping Veader with a left hook to the body in the 9th round winning the title by TKO. Ward would grant Veader an immediate rematch 3 months later successfully deafening the title winning by unanimous decision.[9]

Coming off back to back big wins Ward was then scheduled to fight Julio Cesar Chavez on December 6th, 1996. The bout would be the biggest of his career. But then on December 1st, five days before the fight, Chavez pulled out of the match, claiming he hurt his hand while training. So instead he took a last minute replacement fight vs Manny Castillo the fight would be a 10 round slugfest but Ward would ultimately win via split decision.[1]

During his next fight a 1997 match that would come to typify the exceptional power of Ward's left hook to the body, he scored a 7th-round knockout against the then-undefeated 16-0 Mexican Alfonso Sanchez in a fight that Ward, up to then, was clearly losing on points. Shortly before the punch, Emanuel Augustus said the fight should be stopped (which referee Mitch Halpern had threatened to do if Ward didn't "show [him] something"); afterwards HBO boxing commentator Larry Merchant called it one of the most extraordinary things he'd ever seen in boxing.[10]

Ward's left hook to the body later resulted in a first-round knockout of Steve Quinonez, and a nine-count knockdown of Arturo Gatti in their first fight.

After going on a 9 fight winning streak since his comeback Ward earned a 1997 IBF Light Welterweight Championship fight against champion Vince Phillips, but did not win the championship, as the fight was stopped in the third round due to cuts,[6] and Phillips was awarded the bout via TKO. This would be the only stoppage loss of Wards entire career. One year later, after coming off a KO victory over Mark Fernandez Ward again would come up short in a title fight, as he lost a 12-round decision against Zab Judah.[6] Judah would later credit Ward as the toughest fight of his career.[11] After this Ward would string together back to back wins. Beating Jose Mendez by 3rd round TKO and forcing a 5th round RTD of Jermal Corbin. Coming off back to back wins Ward found himself back in another high caliber match up vs Reggie Green who took at the time WBA light welterweight champion Sharmba Mitchell to a majority draw in his previous fight. Green dominated most of the early rounds leading on the score cards going into the final round. But once again Ward showed his grit and slowly climbed back into the fight and ended up getting the TKO in the 10th round with just 30 seconds left in the fight. The bout would become an instant classic and would finish runner up for 1999 fight of the year.[1]

After coming off his big win vs Green, Ward traveled to London in March of 2000 to take on the undefeated 22-0 WBU Light Welterweight Champion, Shea Neary, the fight was a high-paced, action-packed slugfest. But Ward would take over during the 8th round knocking Neary down then earning a TKO soon after win the WBU world title.[6] Ending Neary’s four year reign. Ward, however, never defended the title. In his next fight Ward would end up in a contenders bout Vs Antonio Díaz this would result in a close unanimous 95-94 decision loss for Ward. He would then bounce back with an impressive round 1 KO of Steve Quinonez in his next fight. Wards following fight which seen him get a ten-round unanimous decision victory over Emanuel Augustus (then known as Emanuel Burton) was voted The Ring magazine's 2001 Fight of the Year as well as ESPNs 2001 Fight of the Year.[12] The fight has been described as thirty minutes of chaotic, intense, non-stop carnage with both fighters throwing punches to the point of exhaustion. Ward would score a knockdown in the 9th round with a left hook to the body.[13] Ward would face Jesse James Leija in his next fight he would lose the bout somewhat controversially by a split TD after Leija was cut from an accidental head clash.

Ward vs. Gatti trilogy

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On May 18, 2002, Ward faced the opponent with whom he became most identified, Arturo Gatti little did both men know that it would end up being one of the best bouts of all time.[14] The fight was a wild one, highlighted by the intensity and the back-and-forth nature of the fight but a ninth round Ward knockdown of Gatti via a vicious left hook to the body proved to be the difference, with Ward winning a majority decision. The fight was later named the 2002 Ring magazine fight of the year as well as the Boxing Writers Association of America fight of the year. The bout has also been acclaimed as the “Fight of the Century” by boxing fans and writers. The 9th round of the fight has also been referred to as the Round of the Century by Emanuel Steward and other boxing writers.[15] It was also awarded the The Ring magazine Round of the Year. Both fighters needed care in a trauma center after the match.

The two agreed to an immediate rematch, and in November, Gatti was able to win the second wild fight, knocking Ward down in the third round, although he survived to finish the fight. Gatti paid tribute to Ward's tenacity after the fight, saying, "I used to wonder what would happen if I fought my twin. Now I know."[7]

They then agreed to a third straight fight, and again, the fight was back and forth. Gatti pounded Ward with punch after punch early on, but Ward fought back and managed a sixth round knockdown of Gatti. Before Gatti could get up, or the referee's count could hit ten, the bell sounded to end the round. Gatti was able to come back and win the fight via a unanimous decision. Again, both men needed a trip to the hospital, due to the injuries they suffered.[7] The fight was named the 2003 Ring magazine fight of the year, the third straight for Ward.[16] Ward was the first fighter to achieve this since Rocky Marciano and Carmen Basilio each did so in the 1950s.

Ward made approximately $3 million in earnings for his trilogy with Gatti; the most lucrative fights of his career.[17]

Gatti vs Ward I & III are also part of HBO's 10 best fights of the decade.[18]

Ward would ultimately retire at after his 3rd fight with Gatti in 2003. By the end of the trilogy Ward and Gatti ended up creating a strong friendship. When asked about his bond with Gatti this is what Ward had to say. “We were more than fighters we were brothers. Every punch we threw at each other brought us closer. Losing him was like losing a part of myself.”[19]

Wards fights with Gatti are still looked back on fondly by many fans and writers to this day, and is listed as one of the greatest trilogy’s of all time.[20]

As for Ward himself he is still remembered today for his unmatched heart, grit, brutal fights and devastating left hook to the liver usually set up with a tap to the head that won him many fights. After setbacks in his professional and personal lives, Ward was able to rise to the top of the boxing world due to his determination and undying desire. He was a man of the blue collared people of Lowell and took them all on an incredible journey.[8]

Life after boxing

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Ward still lives in Lowell, where he is part owner of both a boxing gym as well as an outdoor hockey rink.[21] Ward is married to Charlene Fleming, his longtime girlfriend, who is also a former athlete. He manages the boxing gym he owns with his half-brother and former trainer, Dicky Eklund, who trains new boxers entering its academy.[22]

Even after retirement Ward would still go back to his old blue collar job of paving roads stating once stating “I was going crazy not working”.[23] He has also trains a couple of different fighters on and off. Some of these Include Joan Guzman, Charles Rosa as well as being Arturo Gatti’s head trainer for his last fight.[24][25] On top of this Ward has become a motivational speaker.[26]

He would be honored by the Irish American community when he was given the Irish American Hero Award in 2006.[27] He would later be named to Irish Americas top 100 in 2011.[28]

Ward would be awarded the James A. Farley Award in 2010. For his lifelong Honesty and integrity in the sport of boxing.

In his 2012 autobiography, Ward revealed that he had been sexually abused as a child by a friend of Dicky's, another boxer referred to only by his nickname, "Hammer". The abuse began when Ward was nine years old and continued for approximately three years, until he gained the confidence to confront his attacker. Ward would eventually face off against Hammer in one of his first amateur bouts, winning by unanimous decision.[29]

Ward has also become a strong proponent of brain trauma education. He has been very open with his own experiences with the condition along with doing work with the Concussion Legacy Foundation.[30] On top of this he has pledged his brain and part of his spinal column to Boston University to help further the study of CTE to help future boxers and other athletes.[31]

Ward would get to drop the ceremonial puck at a Boston Bruins game on February 11th 2011. Later that same year would he would throw out the ceremonial first pitch at a Boston Red Sox game on September 21.[32]

In 2019 Ward would be inducted into the Atlantic City boxing Hall of fame.[33]

In 2021 with the help of his nephew Ward would launch his own apparel line named Micky Ward Apparel CO. Offering a wide variety of items from gym wear, everyday clothing and golf accessories.[34]

Ward was inducted into the National boxing Hall of Fame in 2024.[35]

Charitable efforts

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In 2003 Ward ran the Boston Marathon to raise money for the charity Kids in Disability Sports (K.I.D.S.) 3 years later in 2006 Ward would once again run the Marathon to raise money for the same organization.[36]

Moved by the impact he was able to make in helping out the non-profit, he started his own charity named team Micky Ward charities to help facilitate similar efforts on a larger and more frequent scale for children in need. On top of this the charity provides financial assistance to children and families in need to help improve their everyday quality of life as well as helping local community and youth.[37] They raise money through various events such as Wards annual golf tournament in June, his fall motorcycle rally and a 5k called Micky’s run.[1]

The charity also donates money to local food pantries.[38]

In 2011 Ward would guest Bartended at a local bar to help raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.[39]

In 2013 Ward would hold a motorcycle rally through Milford to help raise money for the Boston Marathon bombing victims and heroes.[40]

In 2020 Wards boxing gym would host an event to help raise money for the charity punch for parkinson's.[41]

[edit]

The story of Ward's comeback and rise to fame was made into a 2010 feature film, The Fighter, starring Mark Wahlberg and Christian Bale as his brother Dicky (Whalberg was nominated for the Golden Globe for Best Actor) as Ward. The movie would see critical acclaim being nominated for several Academy Awards and winning a ESPY for ‘Best Sports Movie. In 2011, Wahlberg confirmed to Spike TV that The Fighter 2 is in the works, which will focus on the legendary fight trilogy between Ward and Arturo Gatti.[42]

Lowell hip hop artist D-Tension released the song, '’One Hit to the Body'’ which Micky used as his ring entrance music for the On May 18, 2002 Ward-Gatti bout.

Philadelphia hip hop group Jedi Mind Tricks released two remixes to their single, Animal Rap from their third album Visions of Gandhi (2003), dubbed the "Micky Ward Mix" and "Arturo Gatti Mix".

The album The Warrior's Code by Dropkick Murphys features Ward on the cover, and he is also the subject of the title song. A live recording of the song is heard in The Fighter.[43][44]

Ward´s life is chronicled in a biography by Bob Halloran entitled Irish Thunder: The Hard Life and Times of Micky Ward.[9]

Video games

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The game Fight Night Round 3 (2006) features Ward and Gatti on the cover (PS2 and Xbox versions only).[45]

The boxing game Undisputed features Wards boxing gym as a playable arena.[46]

Video game appearances
Year Title Role
2006 Fight Night Round 3 Playable character
2023 Undisputed Playable character

Titles and Achievements

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Pro titles

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  • WBU light welterweight champion
  • WBU Intercontinental light welterweight champion

Amateur titles

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  • New England Golden Gloves champion 1980
  • New England Golden Gloves champion 1981
  • New England Golden Gloves champion 1982
  • New England Junior Olympics champion 1978
  • Silver Mittens 90-pound division champion 1980
  • New England AAU tournament champion 1983

Fights of the year

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Other boxing awards

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  • Atlantic City boxing hall of fame (class of 2019)
  • National boxing hall of fame (class of 2024)

Non boxing achievements

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Boxing style

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Ward a perennial underdog with an unmatched heart was known for known for his relentless pressure fighting style, power and shots to the body.[49] This includes his devastating left hook to the liver that was usually set up with a tap to the head. He had the ability to withstand lots of punishment while waiting to land the shot suddenly dropping opponents as seen in his fight with Alfonso Sanchez. On top of this Wards fights were known to be action packed and brutal as see in his trilogy with Arturo Gatti.[50]

Professional boxing record

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51 fights 38 wins 13 losses
By knockout 27 1
By decision 11 12
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
51 Loss 38–13 Canada Arturo Gatti UD 10 Jun 7, 2003 United States Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
50 Loss 38–12 Canada Arturo Gatti UD 10 Nov 23, 2002 United States Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
49 Win 38–11 Canada Arturo Gatti MD 10 May 18, 2002 United States Mohegan Sun Arena, Montville, Connecticut, U.S.
48 Loss 37–11 United States Jesse James Leija TD 5 (10), 3:00 Jan 5, 2002 United States Freeman Coliseum, San Antonio, Texas, U.S. Split TD after Leija was cut from an accidental head clash
47 Win 37–10 United States Emanuel Augustus UD 10 Jul 13, 2001 United States Casino Ballroom, Hampton Beach, New Hampshire, U.S.
46 Win 36–10 United States Steve Quinonez KO 1 (10), 3:03 May 18, 2001 United States Foxwoods Resort Casino, Ledyard, Connecticut, U.S.
45 Loss 35–10 Mexico Antonio Díaz UD 10 Aug 19, 2000 United States Foxwoods Resort Casino, Ledyard, Connecticut, U.S.
44 Win 35–9 United Kingdom Shea Neary TKO 8 (12), 2:55 Mar 11, 2000 United Kingdom London Olympia, London, England Won WBU light welterweight title
43 Win 34–9 United States Reggie Green TKO 10 (10), 2:40 Oct 1, 1999 United States Icenter, Salem, New Hampshire, U.S.
42 Win 33–9 United States Jermal Corbin RTD 5 (10), 3:00 Jul 16, 1999 United States Casino Ballroom, Hampton Beach, New Hampshire, U.S.
41 Win 32–9 United States Jose Luis Mendez TKO 3 (8) Mar 17, 1999 United States The Roxy, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
40 Loss 31–9 United States Zab Judah UD 12 Jun 7, 1998 United States Miccosukee Resort & Gaming, Miami, Florida, U.S. For vacant USBA interim light welterweight title
39 Win 31–8 United States Mark Fernandez KO 3 (8), 1:57 Apr 14, 1998 United States Foxwoods Resort Casino, Ledyard, Connecticut, U.S.
38 Loss 30–8 United States Vince Phillips TKO 3 (12), 2:49 Aug 9, 1997 United States The Roxy, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. For IBF light welterweight title
37 Win 30–7 Mexico Alfonso Sanchez KO 7 (10), 1:53 Apr 12, 1997 United States Thomas & Mack Center, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
36 Win 29–7 United States Manny Castillo SD 10 Dec 6, 1996 United States Lawlor Events Center, Reno, Nevada, U.S.
35 Win 28–7 United States Louis Veader UD 12 Jul 28, 1996 United States Foxwoods Resort Casino, Ledyard, Connecticut, U.S. Retained WBU Intercontinental light welterweight title
34 Win 27–7 United States Louis Veader TKO 9 (12), 1:28 Apr 13, 1996 United States FleetCenter, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. Won WBU Intercontinental light welterweight title
33 Win 26–7 United States Alex Ortiz TKO 1 (6) Mar 15, 1996 United States Wonderland Greyhound Park, Revere, Massachusetts, U.S.
32 Win 25–7 Puerto Rico Alberto Alicea TKO 3 (8) Jan 26, 1996 United States Wonderland Greyhound Park, Revere, Massachusetts, U.S.
31 Win 24–7 United States Edgardo Rosario TKO 1 (4) Dec 30, 1995 United States Wonderland Greyhound Park, Revere, Massachusetts, U.S.
30 Win 23–7 United States Genaro Andujar KO 3 (10) Sep 10, 1994 United States Memorial Auditorium, Lowell, Massachusetts, U.S.
29 Win 22–7 United States Luis Castillo TKO 5 (10) Jun 17, 1994 United States Sheraton Inn, Lowell, Massachusetts, U.S.
28 Loss 21–7 United States Ricky Meyers UD 10 Oct 15, 1991 United States Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
27 Loss 21–6 United States Tony Martin UD 10 May 2, 1991 United States Etess Arena, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
26 Loss 21–5 United States Charles Murray UD 12 Oct 18, 1990 United States Community War Memorial, Rochester, New York, U.S. For vacant USBA light welterweight title
25 Loss 21–4 United States Harold Brazier UD 12 Apr 26, 1990 United States Resorts International, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S. For IBF Inter-Continental light welterweight title
24 Win 21–3 United States David Rivello SD 10 Feb 3, 1990 United States Hynes Convention Center, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
23 Win 20–3 United States Clarence Coleman TKO 5 (10), 2:50 May 23, 1989 United States Showboat, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
22 Loss 19–3 United States Frankie Warren UD 12 Jan 15, 1989 United States Circus Maximus Showroom, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S. For USBA light welterweight title
21 Win 19–2 Brazil Francisco Tomas da Cruz TKO 3 (10), 0:45 Dec 13, 1988 United States Resorts International, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
20 Loss 18–2 United States Mike Mungin UD 10 Sep 9, 1988 United States Resorts International, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
19 Win 18–1 United States Marvin Garris TKO 2 (10) Jul 9, 1988 United States Sands, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
18 Win 17–1 United States David Silva UD 10 May 19, 1988 United States Resorts International, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
17 Win 16–1 United States Joey Olivera UD 10 Feb 19, 1988 United States Bally's Las Vegas, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
16 Win 15–1 United States Joey Ferrell TKO 1 (10), 2:36 Jan 15, 1988 United States Resorts International, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
15 Loss 14–1 Puerto Rico Edwin Curet SD 10 Sep 25, 1987 United States Resorts International, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
14 Win 14–0 United States Derrick McGuire TKO 4 (8), 2:33 Aug 25, 1987 United States Bally's Park Place, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
13 Win 13–0 United States Kelly Koble TKO 4 (8), 3:00 Apr 6, 1987 United States Caesars Palace, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
12 Win 12–0 United States Hilario Mercedes SD 8 Feb 24, 1987 United States Resorts International, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
11 Win 11–0 Argentina Carlos Brandi KO 2 (10), 2:55 Oct 24, 1986 United States Memorial Auditorium, Lowell, Massachusetts, U.S.
10 Win 10–0 United States John Rafuse UD 8 Aug 29, 1986 United States Memorial Auditorium, Lowell, Massachusetts, U.S.
9 Win 9–0 United States Rafael Terrero TKO 2 (6), 1:12 Jul 4, 1986 United States Resorts International, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
8 Win 8–0 United States Ken Willis PTS 6 Jun 15, 1986 United States Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
7 Win 7–0 United States Luis Pizarro TKO 3 (6), 2:39 May 30, 1986 United States Harrah's at Trump Plaza, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
6 Win 6–0 United States Darrell Curtis TKO 5 (6), 2:05 Apr 18, 1986 United States Harrah's at Trump Plaza, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
5 Win 5–0 Puerto Rico Jesus Carlos Velez KO 6 (6), 2:02 Feb 21, 1986 United States Harrah's at Trump Plaza, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
4 Win 4–0 United States Mike Peoples UD 4 Jan 24, 1986 United States Resorts International, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
3 Win 3–0 United States Chris Bajor TKO 3 (4), 1:17 Jan 10, 1986 United States Resorts International, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
2 Win 2–0 United States Greg Young TKO 4 (4), 1:45 Aug 27, 1985 United States Memorial Auditorium, Lowell, Massachusetts, U.S.
1 Win 1–0 United States David Morin TKO 1 (4), 1:20 Jun 13, 1985 United States Roll-On-America Skating Rink, Lawrence, Massachusetts, U.S.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j A Warrior’s Heart, The Irish Micky Ward Story https://bostonmanmagazine.com/a-warriors-heart-the-irish-micky-ward-story/#:~:text=With%2520brother%2520Dickie%2520by%2520his,%E2%80%9CDickie%2520Eklund's%2520little%2520brother.%E2%80%9D
  2. ^ Lowell Sun flash back to way sugar Ray Lenard met the pride of Lowell https://www.lowellsun.com/2019/02/15/flashback-40-years-when-sugar-ray-came-to-meet-the-pride-of-lowell/
  3. ^ The Complexity Of Dickie Eklund https://www.boxing247.com/weblog/archives/134408
  4. ^ Boxing 24/7 Irish” Micky Ward: One Of Boxing’s Most Beloved Ring Warriors https://www.boxing247.com/boxing-news/irish-micky-ward-one-of-boxings-most-beloved-ring-warriors-2/159803
  5. ^ Youtube Micky Ward interview with Mike Herren at podcast city https://www.youtube.com/live/NvOj-U_pjYc?si=O61AWuZdP7AqKdQm
  6. ^ a b c d Boxing record for Micky Ward from BoxRec (registration required)
  7. ^ a b c d Lidz, Franz. "Uncommon Valor", Sports Illustrated, June 16, 2003
  8. ^ a b Lowell's Micky Ward: Blue Collared Boxing Champion https://bleacherreport.com/articles/628006-lowells-micky-ward-blue-collared-boxing-champion
  9. ^ a b Micky Ward Prince marketing https://www.princemarketinggroup.com/gallery/micky-ward/
  10. ^ sweetfights. "Micky Ward vs Alfonso Sanchez Amazing Knock Out Body Punching" – via YouTube.
  11. ^ Zab Judah picks his toughest opponent and it's not Floyd Mayweather or Miguel Cotto https://www.dazn.com/en-GB/news/boxing/zab-judah-picks-his-toughest-opponent-and-its-not-floyd-mayweather-or-miguel-cotto/jj34ukvjtr351uyj5n8dhin72
  12. ^ Quinones, Rafael Garcia. "Revisiting the Fight of the Year for 2001: Micky Ward vs. Emanuel Burton", BleacherReport.com, January 9, 2010
  13. ^ Micky Ward recalls his standout fights https://www.espn.com/sports/boxing/news/story?id=5944464
  14. ^ Top 10 boxing matches amid a lifetime's worth of outstanding and memorable bouts https://sports.yahoo.com/top-10-boxing-matches-amid-a-lifetimes-worth-of-outstanding-and-memorable-bouts-200328574.html
  15. ^ Gatti-Ward I: ‘Fight of the Century https://grantland.com/features/on-10-year-anniversary-gatti-ward-rewatching-one-greatest-boxing-matches-all-time/
  16. ^ Boehm, Mike."Arturo Gatti: Remembering Ultimate Blood and Guts Warrior", ProBoxing-Fans.com, n.d.
  17. ^ Aranda, Ramon. "Micky Ward to Attend Martinez-Dzinziruk Card" Archived 2011-07-07 at the Wayback Machine, 3MoreRounds.com, February 24, 2011
  18. ^ "HBO: Boxing: Ward vs. Gatti I highlights from the best fights of the decade on HBO.com". HBO. Archived from the original on October 8, 2017. Retrieved August 25, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20170822174923/http://www.hbo.com/boxing/inside/decades-best/article/fighter-of-the-decade.html
  19. ^ Facebook Ward reflects on Gatti friendship https://www.facebook.com/boxingtv1/posts/micky-ward-and-arturo-gatti-shared-a-profound-bond-both-as-fierce-competitors-an/1554606172420730/#
  20. ^ Dazn what are the greatest trilogy’s in the history of boxing https://www.dazn.com/en-US/news/boxing/what-are-the-greatest-trilogies-in-boxing-history/1g2up8ml0ji5d1kfk58v4160pb
  21. ^ Lem Satterfield, provided by (2011-01-07). "Surprised Micky Ward's 'Honesty And Integrity' Recognized". Sfgate.com. Retrieved 2011-01-28.
  22. ^ "The Fighter" – via www.imdb.com.
  23. ^ Lowell sun Micky Ward the fighter https://www.lowellsun.com/2005/07/29/the-fighter-15/
  24. ^ Former foes Gatti, Ward to share a corner https://www.espn.com/sports/boxing/columns/story?columnist=rafael_dan&id=2851021
  25. ^ Micky Ward – A warrior’s brainhttps://boxingnewsonline.net/micky-ward-a-warriors-brain/
  26. ^ Irish' Micky Ward, famed boxer who inspired a movie, visits Hanover Area https://sports.yahoo.com/irish-micky-ward-famed-boxer-022000593.html
  27. ^ Micky Ward and Pat Lynch To Receive Awards https://www.boxingscene.com/articles/micky-ward-pat-lynch-receive-awards
  28. ^ Micky Ward Irish America top 100 https://www.irishamerica.com/honoree/micky-ward/
  29. ^ Ward, Micky (2012). A Warrior's Heart. Berkley Books. pp. 47–55. ISBN 9780425247556.
  30. ^ Boxer Micky Ward Talks CTE and the Mental Health Effects https://fherehab.com/learning/micky-ward-mental-health
  31. ^ “Irish” Micky Ward Pledges Brain to BU https://www.bu.edu/articles/2010/%E2%80%9Cirish%E2%80%9D-micky-ward-pledges-brain-to-bu/
  32. ^ Micky Ward to Drop Ceremonial Puck Prior to Bruins-Red Wings Game, Appear on NESN During Intermission https://nesn.com/2011/02/irish-micky-ward-to-drop-ceremonial-puck-prior-to-bruins-red-wings-game-appear-on-nesn-during-interm/
  33. ^ Atlantic City Boxing hall of fame Boxingrecs https://boxrec.com/wiki/index.php/Atlantic_City_Boxing_Hall_of_Fame
  34. ^ Micky Wards announces apparel brand instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/CSh7GKqn1dL/
  35. ^ National boxing hall of fame class of 2024 https://nationalboxinghalloffame.com/class-of-2024
  36. ^ The Lowell sun Micky Ward's 'retirement' from marathons didn't last too long https://www.lowellsun.com/2006/04/16/micky-wards-retirement-from-marathons-didnt-last-too-long/
  37. ^ Facebook Team Micky Wards charities Mixhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/165973813429818/
  38. ^ Mickey Ward Charities donates $500 to food pantry https://www.milforddailynews.com/story/news/2009/12/17/mickey-ward-charities-donates-500/41306287007/
  39. ^ Micky Ward Serves Up A Knockout Punch For Charity At McGreevy’s https://patch.com/massachusetts/backbay/micky-ward-serves-up-a-knockout-punch-for-charity-at-mcgreevys
  40. ^ Milford Daily news Boxing legend Micky Ward rides through Milford https://www.milforddailynews.com/story/news/2013/09/08/boxing-legend-micky-ward-rides/41135986007/
  41. ^ Micky Ward helps punch out Parkinson's https://www.lowellsun.com/2020/11/06/z-list-micky-ward-helps-punch-out-parkinsons/
  42. ^ Aranda, Ramon. "Mark Wahlberg Confirms The Fighter 2 in the Works" on 1/14/2022 Archived 2012-07-24 at the Wayback Machine, 3MoreRounds.com, June 10, 2011
  43. ^ "The Warrior's Code. Dropkick Murphys". Dropkickmurphys.com. Retrieved 2011-01-28.
  44. ^ "Epitaph Records. Dropkick Murphys". Epitaph.com. Archived from the original on 2012-09-28. Retrieved 2011-01-28.
  45. ^ Adams, David. "Ward, Gatti for Fight Night Round 3 Cover" Xbox.IGN.com, December 12, 2005
  46. ^ YouTube Undisputed all arenas/venues https://youtube.com/4BzO2zKz5Go?si=cJmED7KhHircHd1g
  47. ^ Marines to present 1st Ted Williams award to boxer Micky Ward https://www.boxing247.com/news/tr0211.php#:~:text=Boxing%20News:%20Marines%20to%20present,great%20honor%2C%22%20Ward%20said.
  48. ^ Boxer Micky Ward honored with JFK National Award at annual St. Patrick's Committee Reception in Holyoke https://www.masslive.com/news/2016/03/photos_boxer_micky_ward_honore.html#:~:text=HOLYOKE%20%2D%20Boxer%20Micky%20Ward%20was,Grand%20Colleen%20and%20her%20court.
  49. ^ 23 Astonishing Facts About Micky Ward https://facts.net/celebrity/23-astonishing-facts-about-micky-ward/
  50. ^ Micky Wards biography AAE speakers https://www.aaespeakers.com/keynote-speakers/micky-ward

Further reading

[edit]
  • Halloran, Bob. Irish Thunder: The Hard Life & Times of Micky Ward (Lyons Press, 2010) ISBN 978-0-7627-6986-5
  • Cooley, Will. "'Vanilla Thrillas': Modern Boxing and White-Ethnic Masculinity," Journal of Sport and Social Issues 34:4 (November, 2010), 418–437.
  • Raspanti, John J. and Taylor, Dennis. "Intimate Warfare: The True Story of the Arturo Gatti vs. Micky Ward Boxing Trilogy" [Rowman and Littlefield], (2016.) ISBN 978-1442273054
  • Ward, Micky with Layden, Joe. A Warrior's Heart: The True Story of Life Before and Beyond The Fighter [Berkley Books], (2013.) ISBN 978-0-425-24755-6
[edit]
Wikiquote has quotations related to Micky Ward.

Media related to Micky Ward at Wikimedia Commons

Sporting positions
Amateur boxing titles
Previous:
Unknown 		New England Golden Gloves champion
(3 times) 		Next:
Unknown
Regional boxing titles
Previous:
Vacant 		WBU Intercontinental light welterweight champion
April, 13 1996- November, 7 1996
Vacated 		Vacant
Title next held by
Junior Witter
Minor world boxing titles
Preceded by WBU light welterweight champion
March 11, 2000 – October 21, 2000
Vacated 		Vacant
Title next held by
Jason Rowland
Awards
Previous:
Erik Morales vs.
Marco Antonio Barrera 		The Ring Fight of the Year
vs. Emanuel Augustus
2001 		Next:
Micky Ward vs.
Arturo Gatti
Previous:
Micky Ward vs.
Emanuel Augustus 		The Ring Fight of the Year
vs. Arturo Gatti
2002 		Next:
Micky Ward vs.
Arturo Gatti III
Previous:
round 10 Bernard Hopkins vs.
Félix Trinidad 		The Ring Round of the Year
round 9 vs. Arturo Gatti
2002 		Next:
round 11 Acelino Freitas vs. Jorge Rodrigo Barrios
Previous:
Micky Ward vs.
Arturo Gatti 		The Ring Fight of the Year
vs. Arturo Gatti III
2003 		Next:
Erik Morales vs.
Marco Antonio Barrera III
Inaugural award BWAA Fight of the Year
vs. Arturo Gatti III
2003 		Next:
James Toney vs.
Vassily Jirov
Previous:
Mills Lane 		BWAA James A. Farley Award
for Honesty and Integrity
2010 		Next:
Klitschko brothers
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