 Two boxing "SUPERFIGHTERS", Micky Ward and Alex Ramos at the 3rd Annual "Micky Ward Celebrity golf tournament" in Andover, MA. Prior to his retirement from boxing in 2003, Micky Ward had spent close to twenty years battling one tough opponent after another. His three epic brawls with Arturo Gatti will forever be a part of boxing folklore and has elevated the status of both deserving fighters to that of legendary heights, amongst their peers and the boxing public. While no one can ever forget the thirty hellacious rounds against Gatti, Ward will always remember the debilitating struggles against the likes of Emanuel Augustus, Antonio Diaz, Reggie Brown, Harold Brazier and Frankie Warren; to name just a few. Every fight for Micky Ward was tough, and he will be the first to tell you "that's just how it was." After his final beating was taken, and administered, that painful, yet proudly remembered night (06/07/2003 vs. Gatti: 10 round unanimous decision loss) at the Atlantic City Boardwalk Hall, Micky Ward wisely decided to hang up the gloves. This past Monday, at the Indian Ridge golf course in Andover, Mass., Micky Ward proved that while he is indeed retired from boxing, by no means has the scrappy Irish kid from nearby Lowell stopped fighting. These days Ward, who compiled a worthy 38-13 (27 KO's) professional record, is fighting a much bigger fight. After spending all those grueling years hurting fighters with his tenacious offensive attack and that monster left hook to the body, Ward is now helping other retired fighters. Joining forces with the Retired Boxers Foundation, Ward again took to the links as he has done the past two years and headlined the third annual "Irish Micky Ward Celebrity golf tournament." With a course full of big hearted area golfers, many being perennial RBF outing supporters, the proficient golfer Ward, and a host of local celebrities which included former 60's-70's middleweight contender Joe DeNucci, state boxing commissioner Ben Doherty and former IBA Cruiserweight champ Richie "The Mountain" LaMontegne, as well as former Boston Bruin hockey players Rick Middleton and Brad Park, enjoyed a laugh filled and weather accommodating beautiful day of 18 hole golf. Made possible through the joint efforts of MA. Boxing commissioner Gary Litchfield, a director for the RBF, and Stephen Fournier of Premiere Golf Events, the yearly event allows the Retired Boxers Foundation to help hundreds of fighters in need throughout the year. It appears that the determination and no quit attitude which led to the greatness of Micky Ward the fighter will be of enormous benefit to the plight of the RBF in it's quest to be there for each and every fighter in need. "I never was stopped in a fight," stated the genuinely likable Ward, who added, "I lost on cuts, but I never got knocked out and I never stopped fighting. I won't stop fighting for this great cause either, more fighters should be helping the RBF!" Micky Ward has never backed down or said "no" in his fighting career, and the 140 pound fighter with the heavyweight heart of gold has never said "no" to the Retired Boxers Foundation, and that's why upon his 2003 retirement the RBF proudly honored Micky Ward as their first "Champion for Undisputed Dignity" and presented Ward with their championship belt.  Alex Ramos, Retired Boxers Foundation founder and president, emotionally speaks with the ever supportive crowd at the 3rd annual "Micky Ward Celebrity RBF golf tournament" at the Indian Ridge Country Club in Andover, MA. Alex Ramos, the RBF founder and president, was also on hand for the event and rendered an emotionally touching speech during the dinner reception afterwards, while thanking all for their continued support. The business of boxing often takes it on the chin for its ruthlessness and unscrupulous behavior and actions of too many of those involved, yet witnessing firsthand the sincere goodness and selfless work of those committed to the RBF provides hope that good can, and will, eventually override evil. With Micky Ward on our side, I like our chances. The Retired Boxers Foundation is a non-profit organization whose goals and mission is to restore the pride and dignity to ex-fighters in need. For more information on the RBF check out www.retiredboxers.org, or call Alex Ramos directly at (805) 208-2352. ** PHOTOS COURTESY OF: EMILY HARNEY ** |
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