Micky Ward Biography

George Michael Ward Jr., known as Micky Ward, is an American former professional boxer who competed from 1985 to 2003. He challenged for the IBF light welterweight title in 1997 and held the WBU light welterweight title in 2000. The 2010 film The Fighter portrayed him, based on his early career. His career was divided into two parts, with his first retirement occurring in 1991. Ward earned admiration for his toughness, entertaining fights, and Blue-Collar lifestyle, earning him the nickname The real life Rocky. Ward credited his brother as his inspiration for beginning his boxing career. He began his amateur boxing journey at age seven in 1972.