RSSMicky Ward
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Ward to Train Gatti for July 14 Bout
Yes, the title is correct people…
Micky Ward, the man that Arturo Gatti went to war with on three separate occasions, will train Gatti for his return bout on July 14th in Atlantic City.
The change comes months after Gatti fired his previous trainer Buddy McGirt as part of the aftermath of Gatti’s brutal knockout loss to WBC Welterweight Champion Carlos Baldomir in July of last year.
In a recent interview with the Atlantic City Press, Ward stated that he was completely shocked when he got the call to train Gatti. He also said that he thinks he will be able to do a good job since he knows Gatti’s style so well:
“I was a little shocked when he called to ask me to come on, but I’m looking forward to it. It’s a good match because we both give 110 percent at anything we do. I’m trying to give the same effort at training that I gave in the ring,” Ward said. “I know Arturo’s style. I know what makes him tick. I think Arturo has something left, more than he showed in his last fight (vs. Baldomir).”
“Nobody understands that we became pretty close friends after trying to kill each other in the ring. We have great respect for each other and a good friendship. Arturo’s a great guy and a great fighter and I’m just hoping to help get him back on track.”
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Damon, Wahlberg to Star in Movie About Micky Ward
Variety Magazine is reporting that Matt Damon and Mark Wahlberg have been chosen by Paramount Pictures for the leading roles in the upcoming movie, The Fighter, which will chronicle the life of former welterweight contender Micky Ward.
I’ll try to have more on this when the information becomes available…
Update 2/16/07:
The Sweet Science has more on this…
Damon and Wahlberg will take the roles pending on the approval of the final script. I’m guessing since the information was released that they would take part in the movie that it’s most likely going to be approved. Wahlberg will be playing Ward and Damon will be playing his trainer and half-brother, Dick Ecklund.
Even more…
Paramount Pictures recently green-lit the film and production is scheduled to begin this summer in Boston. The film chronicles the two brothers growing up in Lowell, Massachusetts and goes through Ward’s success and immortalization as a fighter.
Ecklund was a journeyman fighter who sent Sugar Ray Leonard to the canvas in 1978. His career was derailed by drug addiction and a prison sentence. Upon his release, he convinced his younger brother, Ward – who had retired from boxing at 26 after losing four straight – to get back in the ring. Under Ecklund’s tutelage, Ward won the WBU Light Welterweight title and engaged in one of the greatest fight trilogies in history with Arturo Gatti.