5 Greatest Boxing trilogies of all time

#1 Arturo Gatti vs. Mickey Ward

This is the trilogy that truly defines what boxing is at its most fundamental level

This is the trilogy that truly defines what boxing is at its most fundamental level – gritty, tenacious and relentless.

Mickey Ward, a relatively unknown fighter fought Arturo Gatti. Ward was a southpaw notorious for his body shots and taking a beating (think Rocky Balboa), while Gatti was also a heavy puncher and known for his courage in the ring.

They first fought on 18 May 2002 and Gatti cut above Ward’s eye in the first round by a left hook. In the fourth round, Gatti injured his left hand by hitting waistband of Ward.

While still writhing in pain, Gatti continued fighting but was dropped on the canvas, by a thunderous liver shot in the ninth round.

Gatti still finished the fight but Ward won the bout by Split decision. This fight was declared the Ring Magazine’s ‘fight of the year’ and the ninth round is arguably considered, the ‘greatest round in boxing history’.

Rematch happened in November 2002 and started with fireworks. Gatti was relentlessly charging at Ward, while Ward was much more tactical in his pursuit. G

Gatti dropped Ward in early rounds and by the seventh round, both the fighters were trading shots. In the 10th and final round both stood toe-to-toe, exchanging barrage of punches. Unanimous decision went to Gatti.

In the third and final fight, Gatti broke his hand in the 4th round but was adamant to fight. He was knocked down in the 6th round by Ward but still persisted. The fight again went the distance of 10 rounds and Gatti won by unanimous decision. The fight was named Ring Magazine’s ‘Fight of the Year’.

Gatti vs Ward is the most epic trilogy that exists in modern boxing. Two, relatively unknown fighters giving their all in the ring, standing toe to toe, just to see, when that final bell rings, who is still standing tall.