Gatti vs. Ward – the battle continues

On June 7, 2003 the epic Arturo Gatti/Micky Ward fight trilogy culminated with both warriors trading vicious punches in front of a frenzied, sold-out Atlantic City crowd until the final bell.  Both fighters embraced, showing their mutual respect and admiration, and also relief—that they each had survived thirty of the most brutal, punishing and unforgettable rounds in boxing history.

Shortly afterwards Micky Ward announced his retirement while Arturo Gatti has since captured his second world title (WBC Super Lightweight Champion), and remains boxing's “pound-for-pound” most exciting fighter.

Following Gatti's recent (July 24th) dramatic and impressive second round knockout victory over the previously undefeated Leonard Dorin, the “human highlight film” has decided to once again take on his old nemesis Ward—in Micky's own backyard!

This war won't take place at Foxwood's or the Mohegan Sun, but rather at the beautiful and “peaceful” Andover Country Club in Andover, Massachusetts.
As with all true champions these once bitter rivals are now close friends, and share a special, sacred bond.

This coming Tuesday, September 7th, Micky Ward and Arturo Gatti have pledged to do battle – on the golf course!  Both avid golfers, Ward and Gatti will finally get to meet in their highly anticipated match which both fighters say has been long overdue.

“We were supposed to play last year when they (Golf Digest) did a story on us”, exclaimed Ward, “but Arturo was in training and was tired, I'm ready for next week!”

Ward and Gatti will highlight a great list of boxing and other sports celebrities who will be attending the Retired Boxers Foundation Inaugural Celebrity Golf Tournament.

Gatti will be traveling from New Jersey to participate in this event, while Micky Ward will serve as Honorary Chairman.  These efforts are what the Retired Boxers Foundation is all about – “fighters helping fighters”.

While talking about his golf game Ward stated, “my shot seems to hook a lot, while Arturo's has a tendency to slice.” Somehow most boxing fans would find that quite appropriate!

The “RBF”, founded by former middleweight contender and USBA Champion Alex Ramos, assists retired boxers with their toughest fight of all – live outside the boxing ring.

The 1st Annual Retired Boxers Foundation Celebrity Golf Tournament will begin with a  lunch served at 12:00 noon, followed with a 1:00PM shotgun start.

Also scheduled to attend are former greats:Tony DeMarco, Vinnie Paz, Reggie Johnson, Marlon Starling and Skeeter McClure, as well as current champion Jose Rivera, Lawrence Clay-Bey and Scottie Pemberton, plus former Boston Celtics, Patriots, Red Sox and Bruins stars.

For more information about playing or sponsorship please contact:

Hank Tuohy at Tuohy Sports and Entertainment: Phone (888) 334-4265, Fax (508) 477-4955, E-mail: hank@tuohysports.com