Today in Boxing History: Gatti Beats Micky Ward in Rematch

Happy Thanksgiving! On this day in 2002, Arturo Gatti won a ten-round decision over Micky Ward in Atlantic City. It was the second bout of their classic trilogy.

Both Gatti and Ward seemed to be on the last legs of their careers when they first met in May of 2002. Ward had gone 8-3 since losing his only his title shot to IBF Light Welterweight champ Vince Phillips in 1997. Gatti had lost four of his last nine bouts since vacating his IBF Super Featherweight belt to challenge in higher weight classes.

However, both had much more left in the tank than we realized. Their first bout was a showcase of nonstop brutality as both fighters relentlessly attacked each other for ten straight rounds. In the end, Ward won a majority decision.

For the rematch, Gatti employed a different tactic. He boxed more and relied less on brawling. In the third round, Gatti sent Ward to the canvas with a lead right. Although Ward regained his feet and finished the fight, Gatti was able to the control its pace. The final scorecards read 98-91, 98-91, and 98-90 all in favor of Gatti.

The two met for a classic rubber match in June of 2003, with Gatti winning a much closer decision.