WHAT IF WARD CHANGES THIS TIME?

By Frank Lotierzo
GlovedFist@Juno.com

07.06 - In their first fight, we got exactly what we expected from Arturo Gatti and Mickey Ward, a toe-to-toe slugfest! In fight one, both fighters met at ring center and traded punches for ten rounds. The fight was extremely close with each fighter taking turns in having the upper hand; a case could've been made for either side, but the judges said Ward.

In the second fight, Gatti did the unimaginable: he boxed. Yes, in the rematch Gatti changed his style and fought his natural instincts of going to war. He fought a brilliant fight and totally out boxed Ward, using the ring and his underrated boxing ability. Gatti has faster hands and better mobility than Ward and utilized them to his advantage. By keeping the fight at a distance, he rendered Ward virtually ineffective. Ward must've been surprised by this tactic, because he didn't change a bit from the first fight. He continued to press Gatti trying to get inside while he was being outscored. Gatti avoided temptation to trade and went on to win a comfortable decision by the scores of 98-91, 98-91 and 98-90.

What If Ward Changes this time?

By Gatti changing his style in the rematch, which is rare for most aggressive/attacking fighters to do, Ward must have been thrown. He wasn't expecting to go looking for Gatti. This provided Gatti a huge edge throughout and enabled him to dictate the pace and tone of the fight.

What if Ward turns the tables on Gatti, as some in his camp have suggested? Suppose Ward moves away from Gatti and fights from behind his jab? What does Gatti do? Gatti clearly was dictating while Ward was coming after him. But, what if Ward doesn't follow? If Gatti has to be the aggressor, will he be able to get in and get out, or will he go for the big shot if he thinks he has Ward on the run.

If Ward can change in this fight like Gatti did in the rematch, he may turn the tide back in his favor. Maybe this is a good strategy for Ward to employ this time. Ward can always fall back on what he has done best throughout his career, brawl, if Gatti doesn't oblige by pursuing him. Could this be the best way for Ward to hit Gatti with a big shot? Surely Gatti will be tempted to go after Ward if he's moving away. Maybe if Ward can lure Gatti to come after him, he can hit him more solidly and turn the fight into a slugfest, but on his terms. If Ward can pick his spots, it may force Gatti to readjust his battle plan. This may be the way for Ward to go since it's quite apparent that if he fights the same fight as last time, Gatti wins another decision. This fight will most likely come down to wills again, especially if Ward changes this time.

What if Ward moves away drawing Gatti to come to him this time? Wouldn't that be interesting?