Micky Ward vs. Arturo Gatti I
Date / site: May 18, 2002 / Uncasville, Conn.
Result: Ward MD 10
The Gatti-Ward trilogy should be viewed as a single entity, a 30-round war that was more about inner fortitude than boxing skill. All three must be seen but, perhaps, the first installment – the 2002 Fight of the Year — was the best. Gatti and Ward fought in the proverbial phone booth, unable to escape the other’s debilitating punches for more than a few seconds at a time. The ninth round was epic and a microcosm of the series. Gatti was hurt, almost out, but he miraculously survived and somehow turned the tables. Ward won a decision but, really, there were no losers.