Promoters, Wake Up And Give Micky Ward What He Deserves!

By Ross Enamait - RossBoxing.com

26.06 - I am one of the guys that constantly preach about the greatness of boxing. I'm quick to tell you all the positives that the game has; how its helped me, all the people that this game has positively influenced, kids it has kept off the streets, etc. To be fair, I suppose that I must also write of the negatives, because clearly some exist?

Last night I read that Irish Micky Ward would be returning to his day job until preparations begin for his next bout. He is an old-fashioned, honest, hardworking guy that will return to his job with a local paving company in his home of Lowell, Mass. For those reading this article, I am writing with the assumption that you have seen Micky Ward in action, most notably his Fight of the Year (possibly of all-time!!) with fellow warrior Arturo Gatti. If you have not seen this bout, do yourself the favor of picking up a copy! A quick summary for those that have missed out, Ward is a guy that would throw punches if placed in front of a grizzly bear. He's got the heart of a lion? and then some!

So you ask, what is the negative here? Isn't Micky Ward great for the sport? My answer is of course he is good; make that GREAT for the sport. When I watch Micky Ward fight, it makes me want to get up and do my roadwork or go to the gym to spar. How can the sport of boxing let this guy down to the point that he must return to his job in Lowell? I realize that this guy has been blessed with the heart and work ethic that most cannot comprehend. I'm not here to criticize his job because I'm sure he works with a great bunch of guys and enjoys his work. What I am here to debate is why Micky Ward has yet to earn a million dollar payday?

Micky Ward has entertained fight fans far beyond the great majority of boxers today. His bout with Arturo Gatti was legendary and yet he walked away witha mere $500,000. While this amount is far more money than I've ever seen, it is not even close to the paydays that plenty of name fighters have earned for far inferior fights. Ward puts it all on the table in every bout. He goes toe-to-toe with the best and NEVER backs down. I find myself yelling at the TV when I watch Micky fight. I cheer him on and start throwing punches from the couch.

I'm sure that I'm not alone with these thoughts. Micky Ward deserves to be rewarded for the countless thrills that he has given all fight fans. He deserves to be financially compensated to the point where he can live his life without the hassle associated with the 9-5 work day. This is a guy who is nearing the end of his career at age 36. He deserves the opportunity to focus his efforts and time 100% on boxing. All the other big name fighters that he will contend with are not out there laboring away all day.

My hat goes off to Micky Ward. He is the classical definition of a MAN. He will work hard at whatever the task at hand. I respect him more than words could explain. If Micky Ward does not earn at least a million dollars in his next bout, the promoter responsible should be convicted of a crime.

Quickly compare Gatti vs. Ward to Lewis vs. Tyson. Which fight did you get more excitement and thrills from watching? Which fight have you popped back in your VCR and watched over and over again? How many times have you watched round 9 of the Ward fight? I would pay more to watch round 9 than I would to watch the entire Tyson-Lewis bout. Why then have so few people actually heard of and followed Micky Ward? His standup and bang away style is nothing new. I realize that I may be more familiar with him considering I grew up in New England but either way, this guy deserves the spotlight and dollars that are associated with it. This is the guy that is always a gentleman both inside and outside of the ring. This guy embodies the true greatness of boxing. Anyone who criticizes this game should watch a tape of Micky Ward. Following the fight, watch how he conducts himself in the post-fight interview. This guy demonstrates his class and goodwill over and over again.

To all the promoters, wake up and give Micky Ward what he deserves.