Arturo “Thunder” Gatti vs. “Irish” Micky Ward 1

Gatti vs. Ward 1 is undoubtedly one the most outstanding and inspirational bouts ever fought; although evenly matched, they each inevitably took over the perspective roles of the “boxer” and the “fighter”. Interestingly enough, as the fight progressed Arturo Gatti slowly diluted out of his role from the “boxer” into (his natural habitat) the role of the “fighter”.

In my previous post we learned of the two different roles fighters naturally assume and the connotative difference between the “boxer” and the “fighter”(credited to Roy Jones Jr.). I don’t mean to be disrespectful of Arturo Gatti or Micky Ward (may Arturo Gatti rest in peace) but these two guys were among the worst boxers to ever participate in the sport; I am solely referring to their boxing ability, not their hearts, which are evidently heroic.

In every single fight they have each fought they’ve always naturally assumed the role of the “fighter” (the one with lesser skill and intellect than their opponent(s)). What is so fascinating and satyr about this fight is how natural Gatti initially asserts the role of the “boxer”, setting the tempo and yet losing the fight to Ward the “fighter” by a way of majority decision. We learned in lesson 1 that the “fighter” (although the less skilled), doesn’t necessarily lose the fight every time; Micky Ward exceptionally took on the role of the “fighter” (he has had plenty of experience in doing so, as he fought nearly all of his fights as the “fighter”), keeping pressure on Arturo, closing the distance, always countering Gatti’s punches and in the end was awarded the victory by a very correct decision from the judges.

Gatti threw and landed more punches during the fight, however he never really injured Ward; the bout was ultimately even until Ward scored the tie-breaker knock-down. In round 9 Micky Ward landed a devastating left hook to Arturo Gatti’s torso, the punch was powerful and precise, the force penetrated Gatti’s liver, sending Gatti to the canvas; Arturo was down on one knee for 7 seconds before he was able to stand up again. Prior to that knock-down both men traded dramatic punches with one another but nothing seriously damaging.

Earlier in the bout Gatti more prominently tried to maintain the role of the “boxer”, seeking the smart moves, getting close, throwing punches then moving away. As the fight dragged on and Micky’s punches began accumulating damage Arturo exhausted most of his strength and resorted to what he was most familiar with; standing still in front of Ward, throwing punches without even attempting to avoid Mickey’s counter punches.

Both Gatti and Ward have long records for extremely bloody fights dictated by relentless exchanges of punches. They were always the ones taking more punches than they threw or that of an equivalent amount.

Similar to Arturo Gatti, Micky Ward is courageous, slow but not very smart. Ward maintained his poise as the “fighter” through out the entire bout, pressuring Gatti, closing the distance and throwing rapid punches. Near the final rounds of the fight Gatti exhausted himself through previous exchanges and planted himself in front of Micky; instead of sticking to the role of the “boxer” and moving around, picking precise punches like he should have.

Arturo Gatti and Micky Ward both fought with tremendous heart, unyielding personalities, and poor boxing ability i.e bad habits such as poor head, body movement and foot work; resulting in an intense, war-like brawl. As brutish as their styles maybe Gatti and Ward made it work for them in their entertaining, famous and successful careers as professionals. Arturo “Thunder” Gatti vs. “Irish” Micky Ward 1 might be the only fight I can pull from memory that exemplifies a fighter starting out as the “boxer” and ending up as the “fighter”; however you can also argue that Arturo never really relieved himself of the role of the “fighter”, Micky just sucked so much that he made Arturo look good, as if he were the “boxer”.

Here is the link to the fight, enjoy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8KibWd2S7Y