The Fighter, the unimaginatively titled boxing film starring Mark Wahlberg as junior welterweight Micky Ward, will be released in December of this year. Ward is best known for his exciting trilogy against Arturo Gatti, but unfortunately, it will not be included in the film.
Two of Ward's three battles with Gatti were awarded "Fight of the Year" by Ring Magazine. The first was the best, though, with many calling it the "Fight of the Century," and its 9th round dubbed "Round of the Century" by commentator Ernie Shavers. The matchup was intriguing because of its contrast in styles: Ward, the tough body puncher who would march straight in, taking punishment while waiting to land a shot, and Gatti, the faster, more mobile "boxer" of the two. The two men fought at a frantic, desperate pace, both taking a beating and showing great heart. As a viewer, you come away appreciating both fighters. There are more skilled boxers out there, but none have been in fights this entertaining. During the trilogy, the two men became great friends, until Gatti's untimely death (murder?), still under investigation.
Here's a link to the first fight in its entirety:
And for you immediate gratification types, here's the 9th round:
Unbelievable. Excluding these great battles from a film about Ward would seem to diminish its potential, but I'll withhold judgment until I see it.
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