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ANOTHER SATURDAY NIGHT?... NOT QUITE! By Elisa Harrison |
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ANOTHER SATURDAY NIGHT?... NOT QUITE! By Elisa Harrison |
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While the boxing world awaits with 'open' arms the Lennox Lewis-Mike Tyson
fight, an event that could bring elation or major disappointment to boxing fans
all over the world, men like "Irish" Micky Ward, Arturo "Thunder" Gatti and Konstantin "Kostya" Tszyu, bring the sport its
greatest recognition and respect.
In a thrilling Saturday of boxing, we were blessed enough to witness the 32-year old crackerjack from Australia, Konstantin Tszyu, pick apart and beat Ben "Wonder" Tackie in their mandatory match-up from Las Vegas. The fight was proof positive that Tszyu is a consummate professional, always in shape, and always ready to give his all. The same can be said of Ben Tackie, simply outclassed by Tszyu, who by his own admission, has learned his lesson and never underestimates -or disrespects- an opponent. While Tszyu looked impressive, he also showed some flaws. His "European" style may present a problem with an opponent who can stick and move. (Hurtado are you listening?) Someone will eventually capitalize on the way Kostya Tszyu's holds his left hand, it could spell big trouble. The next logical contender in my eyes, would have to be the newly crowned WBA champion Diosbelys Hurtado. I don't think Ricky Hatton has earned the honor yet, and Vince Phillips and Zab Judah are not even close to being at the top of Tszyu's food chain. Micky Ward as well as Arturo Gatti will need a long rest before they can entertain getting in the ring with the robotical but effective Kostya Tszyu. Which brings me to the greatest fight of the night, and one of the best we have been blessed enough to witness in quite some time. "Irish" Micky Ward and Arturo "Thunder" Gatti were expected to go to war against each other, that was a given. They didn't disappoint, it was a war from the opening bell. Gatti looked fluid, displaying impressive punching power and a new style that speaks volumes for the expertise of his new trainer, Buddy McGirt. How in the heck did he survive that body shot in the 9th round with over 2 minutes left in it, it's beyond me. For the second fight in a row, Arturo has not bled buckets as used to be his trademark. His weight in between the official weigh-in and fight night also appeared to be under control. Buddy McGirt seems to be on his way as a very promising trainer and we look forward to witnessing more of his work. On to Mr. Micky Ward. "Irish" Micky has the intestinal fortitude of a dinosaur. A friend I was watching the fight with said that when Micky Ward dies 'they should cut out his heart and display it in Canastota." A bit graphic, but I feel my friend's meaning! Ward gave us a lesson on why the bumble bee flies when anatomically speaking is not supposed to. You know why it does? Simply because it doesn't know that it isn't supposed to. Micky was the underdog here, coming in as the guy most likely to end his career on this date, Saturday, May 18, 2002. It didn't look good for the "Irish" one early on in the fight, but my oh my, did he grit his teeth and put forward his best effort, his all... I don't really know what kept him (or Gatti) up at times. Through out it all, I couldn't help but think of the Roy Jones' of the world, guys who want to get top $$ and give a sub par effort. The thought of an arrogant and out of control Bernard Hopkins refusing to autograph a glove that was to be auctioned to raise money for warrior Gerald McCleland also crossed my mind, and angered me quite a bit. Zab Judah was in the house, so I hope he got the message first hand. When the fight was over, and despite the unintentional Gatti low blow, these two warriors hugged, shook hands and said, "let's do it again." Guess who I thought about at that time? Yeap, you guessed it, boxing's most rabid and out of control bully, Mike Tyson. I hope he was watching this fight, although deep down I feel that he is a lost cause. If he wasn't watching, I sincerely hope a friend (does he have any?) taped it and showed it to him, hopefully pointing out the true meaning of the sport of boxing and the beauty of its sportsmanship. This past Saturday gave us no bullies, no biters, no maniacs, no stool-tossers; just two guys who stepped in the ring determined to give boxing fans their best effort, and let the best man win. It's called valor, but most importantly it is called CLASS! Something that all those ill spent millions being paid out to some of the above mentioned will never buy. My hat is off to Arturo "Thunder" Gatti and "Irish" Micky Ward. Gentlemen, you did the sport proud! 5-18-2002
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