Seemingly Tried to Kill Each Other, Arturo Gatti and Micky Ward’s ‘Love’ Leaves Nostalgic Jim Lampley With Tears

Boxing has never been a sport for the faint of hearts. Lethal punches, broken jaws, and swollen eyes are all part of this beautiful sport of boxing. Despite all the hardships that come with the sport, the people involved can’t stop loving it. Such is the story behind the legendary Arturo Gatti vs. Micky Ward trilogy fight, told by a teary-eyed Jim Lampley.

Gatti went toe to toe with Ward for the first time in May 2002, with the latter taking home the victory via a majority decision. The bout was nothing short of electrifying, where both fighters exchanged fierce blows every chance they got. In fact, the fight was later named the Ring Magazine Fight of the Year in 2002. However, there was another side to the fight, where the love for the sport overcame its competitive nature. In a recent interview with Boxing News, an emotional Limpley recalls the bond between the two boxers after the fight.

Jim Lampley says ‘this is a sport about love’

During the video, the interviewer asked Jim about the legendary trilogy between Gatti and Ward. Jim said for someone new to boxing, the sport may seem inhumane and brutal, where fighters are trying to harm each other. But as per Jim, the sport is about love and a unique form of passion. 

He added, “When you watch two fighters, think Arturo & Micky seemingly try to kill each other for 12 rounds. And then the bell rings at the end of the 12th, and they fall into each other’s arms.”

Jim explains that at that moment, the fighters relish the fact that they possess a deeper understanding of each other than anyone else. “They share something that’s so intense and so secret that it’s theirs and only theirs,” Jim told the reporter. 

Describing the bond between Arturo and Micky, Jim claimed the two fighters wanted to go to the hospital in the same truck. Explaining the reason behind the request, he told Boxing News, “Because at that point they are brothers or something closer than brothers.”  

Lampley on Terence Crawford

Lampley is a legendary boxing commentator. Even though he has not been as active as he once was, Lampley was impressed with Terence Crawford’s dominant victory over Errol Spence Jr. Recently, Lampley appeared in an interview with MMA Hour and described his thoughts on Crawford and his future bouts.

Lamley compared Crawford to Sugar Ray Robinson, claiming he was the best fighter in boxing right now. He described Crawford’s ability to balance himself and create counterpunches. Moreover, Lamley wondered if a Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford fight was to happen and Canelo beat Crawford, he could become the pound-for-pound best fighter in the world. 

Gatti and Ward’s trilogy battle was more than just a series of fights; it’s a testament to the love these fighters share for the sport of boxing. Lamley accurately reproduced the emotions behind a legendary fight that enchanted the entire boxing world. What’s your take on the fight? Do you agree with Lampley?

Also Read: “He Was as Loyal a Friend as You Could Have”: Boxing Promoter Joins Fans in Mourning Arturo Gatti on Late Legend’s 51st Birthday