Double
up on the cutmen!
Arturo Gatti vs. Micky Ward - Fight of the year - Part II
Interview with Irish Micky Ward by Jeanette K
Photo-Miles Mitchell
Fight of the year part two unfolds in Atlantic City on November 23rd when warriors Micky Ward and Arturo Gatti rematch. To question being on the receiving end of anything less than another gut wrenching epic battle is simply rhetoric. To paraphrase Michael Buffer, let’s get ready to rumble!
Gentleman of the sport, Micky Ward takes a time-out from training to chat about this highly anticipated rematch.
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J - Did you review your fight with Gatti and do you see anything you can do differently to ensure a win and take less punishment in the rematch?
Micky Ward - Yes, I plan on using a lot more head movement, using my jab more and will come out starting much faster this time around. I gave a few rounds away in the first fight by starting too slow.
J - Did you underestimate Gatti at all the first time around?
Micky Ward - Not at all. Gatti is a proven warrior, a proven tough guy, and a former world champ. I was fully prepared.
J - How did your arm injury affect you in the first fight?
Micky Ward - I ruptured a bicep about 2 weeks before the fight and underwent therapy but it had no effect at all on my performance in the ring. I didn’t even feel it.
J - Had you been working on strengthening your right hand? You’ve been mostly a left hooker but seem to have brought your right in a lot.
Micky Ward - Yes, I’ve been working a lot on my right hand and will be brining it in a lot more in this fight.
J - Will you go straight to the body more if you hurt Gatti again?
Micky Ward - Most definitely. I’ll be starting off faster and will be going to the body and landing a lot harder from the get go. I will make it a rougher fight for him than the first.
J - Having been in the ring already with Gatti, do you have a prediction for your rematch?
Micky Ward - Not at all. I predict a good fight and will be in great shape but in this game you never know. All that matters to me is that I give my best and am happy with my performance. I never predict anything and just let things happen. I am preparing myself to win.
J - In our first interview you said your game plan was to pressure Gatti out of boxing. Is that what’s on your agenda this time around as well?
Micky Ward - Yes. I plan to do just that but will box as well when I have to. I will be pushing forward and get him to fight my fight.
J - Did Gatti ever hurt you in the first fight?
Micky Ward - No. Truthfully he didn’t. He’s very strong but he never caught me flush or clean. That’s not to say he can’t hurt me in this next fight so I’ll be sure to keep my gloves high to block his punches.
J - Is Gatti the hardest puncher you have faced?
Micky Ward - Gatti’s a really hard puncher but I really can’t say. I have faced a lot of big punchers and been in some tough fights but he’s right up there with them.
J - You previously mentioned if you lost you would retire. Is that your resolve for the rematch as well?
Micky Ward - I’ve turned 37 and have to be realistic but we’ll see what happens. I’m really confident that I can win this fight so I am not even looking down that avenue yet.
J - If you win, whom are you looking to?
Micky Ward - If things go well for me and I win I’d definitely like to fight Kostya Tszyu. Whatever happens in that fight, win, lose, or draw; that would be it for me.
J - Do you feel the pressure is on to go in for the knockout since your rematch is in Gatti’s backyard and also because the last fight unfolded so closely?
Micky Ward - Not at all. As long as I fight as hard as I can and do my thing there’s no pressure at all. The pressure is on Gatti since I won the first fight. I have fought in Atlantic City over twenty times and more times than Gatti. He’s from Jersey and I am sure there will be a lot of support for him but I have no concerns. The people of Atlantic City are very fair.
J - Your last title fight was in 97’ against Vince Phillips. Do you feel your career complete without having won a major title?
Micky Ward - Through my entire career I have had a lot of critics who said I wouldn’t amount to anything in this sport. Even through retiring and returning they still said I wouldn’t do anything but I have proven them wrong and satisfied that I’ve done really well for myself.
J - What do you think of the legitimacy of the sanctioning bodies?
Micky Ward - I don’t get into it. The ratings I follow mostly are from the writers. There is a lot of junk behind all the wbc, wba, ibf ratings. I really don’t believe it all and factor in what I read with my own opinion.
J - What are your thoughts about the Vegas odds on your rematch since they have you coming in as the underdog again even though you won the first fight?
Micky Ward - Really? I’m surprised. Well, no pressure on me. My whole career I don’t think I have ever been a favourite. Not once do I remember being a favourite in Vegas or anywhere else for that matter. I wasn’t aware of that but could care less.
J - Well, perhaps put some money down on yourself then.
Micky Ward - Good idea! Laughing
J - The fans adore you but when you see the condition of guys like Ali and McLellan does it ever make you reluctant to continue?
Micky Ward - Through all the fights and wars the consequences are always at the back of my mind but boxing is what I’m meant to do. This is my last year in it and perhaps my last two fights coming so I want to make the best of it. My thoughts are fully concentrated on this fight. This is the game of boxing and what it’s all about but god willing I’ll be ok.
J - If the Roy Jones vs. Johnny Ruiz fight materializes whom would you pick to win?
Micky Ward - I’m not sure right now. Johnny’s my hometown buddy and I’ll be rooting for him. I will tell you one thing; no one gives Johnny enough credit! He is very awkward and can give an opponent a very hard time. He will handle himself very well if they meet.
J - Thanks for your time Micky. It’s been a privilege. All the best!
Micky Ward - You’re welcome!
2002 boxingladiators.com
Questions/comments - Jeanettek7@yahoo.com
