Arturo Gatti v Mickey Ward -3rd fight

[IntentionalButt]

Originally Posted by TheGreatA

I'd say atleast the second fight was warranted. Gatti adjusted and outpointed Ward fairly easily in the rematch, avenging a decision loss.

The third fight wasn't "necessary" but Ward was able to make a tough fight out of it.

That first statement I agree with.

About the rubbermatch - Ward was so thoroughly outboxed in the second outing that one wouldn't have expected any drama in the third. That there ultimately was some drama is great for entertainment value and for both guys' egos, but it didn't really do either of them any favors to take that much more punishment. Gatti had already avenged his loss and arighted his career momentum. Ward had nothing to be ashamed of having split 1-1 with the fresher Gatti (many feel Gatti actually deserved the first nod on points but had no problem with Ward getting a slight push as a feel-good old underdog story). He, after all, had one foot out the door before the trilogy even started and had the scoring differed by a single point he'd have retired after the first fight.