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May 18th, 2002. Former IBF Super Featherweight Champion Arturo “Thunder” Gatti takes on “Irish” Micky Ward in the first chapter of their legendary trilogy where fighters waged war against one another for 30 rounds across a 35 month period.
Prefight records; Gatti 34(28)-5, Ward 37(27)-11.
Going into the fight, Ward had notable wins over Emanuel Augustus & Reggie Green.
On the other hand, the former world champion Gatti had beaten a number of top oppositions such as Joey Gamache, Terron Millett, Gabriel Ruelas, Wilson Rodriguez, Tracy Harris Patterson & Calvin Grove.
For the first 2 rounds, Arturo Gatti effectively utilized movements and his better hand speed to outbox Micky Ward who applied continuous pressure in attempts to cut off the ring against him.
After the half way mark of the 3rd frame, the bout began to turn more and more into a slugfest as Ward was able to close the distance. From this point on, the pace became increasingly furious as both men started to trade bombs till the final bell.
Gatti lost a point in the 4th for a low blow that sent Ward to the canvas. The deduction turned out to be a crucial factor to the outcome of the fight.
From the 5th to 8th rounds, both fighters had nearly equal amount of success as Gatti reverted to boxing on his toes while Ward’s pressure continued to pay dividends.
In the 9th frame, Ward decked Gatti with his patented left to the liver and it looked as though the fight would be over but in an unforgettable display of courage, Gatti not only survived a near knockout but managed to come back strong after rising to his feet from what looked like an inevitable stoppage.
Both fighters connected with a combined total of 110 power punches in the penultimate stanza.
The last round was an explosive finish as both men fought with nothing held back and showed unparalleled will to win. After the final bell, both fighters embraced to to ecstatic ovation of the crowd.
"I am humbled by watching these two guys take the punishment they are taking."
- Larry Merchant
After 30 minutes of unbelievable ebb and flow, Ward was awarded an MD10 with scores of 94-94, 94-93 & 95-94.
Had Gatti not lost a point earlier, the verdict would have been a draw.
6 months later, both fighters collide once again in a highly anticipated rematch.
The 9th round of Arturo Gatti vs Micky Ward I was also named as the Round of the year by Ring Magazine.
"This could be the round of the century."
- Emanuel Steward following Round 9.
Both Ring Magazine and the BWAA named Arturo Gatti vs Micky Ward I as their Fight of the Year.
"We told you it might be a candidate for fight of the year. We didn't know it might be a candidate for fight of the century."
- Jim Lampley
Please enjoy my highlight of this epic bout from the last decade, and I will be uploading the highlights of their second meeting in a few days so remember to SUBSCRIBE!
Keep your punches up, boxing heads.
