Net Worth Ranker
What Is Micky Ward’s Net Worth?
Micky Ward, a former professional boxer hailing from the United States, has accumulated a net worth of approximately $500,000. His boxing career spanned from 1985 to 2003, during which he gained considerable recognition, particularly for his intense trilogy of fights against Arturo Gatti. Notably, two of these encounters were honored with the “Fight of the Year” award by “The Ring” magazine. Ward’s early career served as the inspiration for the 2010 film “The Fighter,” where he was portrayed by actor Mark Wahlberg.
Early Life and Boxing Beginnings
Born on October 4, 1965, in Lowell, Massachusetts, Micky Ward’s heritage traces back to Irish ancestors who sought refuge in Boston, Massachusetts, during the 1850s due to famine and oppression. They found settlement in Lowell’s Acre neighborhood, engaging in labor and mill work. Micky’s parents, Alice and George Ward, raised him alongside eight siblings and step-siblings. At the age of seven, Micky began his boxing training. His step-brother, Dicky Eklund, also pursued boxing, turning professional in 1975. Later, Dicky coached Micky, assisting him in preparing for his professional debut in 1985. Details about Micky Ward’s specific early childhood schooling or the exact address of his childhood home are not publicly available.
Professional Boxing Career
Micky Ward established himself as a successful amateur boxer in the New England region throughout the late 1970s and into the 1980s. He secured three New England Golden Gloves championships, a local amateur boxing competition held annually in Lowell, Massachusetts. Under the guidance of his brother, Dicky Eklund, he transitioned to professional boxing in 1985. Details of Ward’s specific earnings from his amateur boxing career are not publicly available. His professional career began impressively, with fourteen consecutive victories. However, after experiencing four consecutive losses in 1990 and 1991, Micky decided to take a break from boxing. It’s known that during his hiatus, Ward utilized earnings from his road-paving job to undergo surgery on his right hand, addressing a recurring issue. The procedure involved using bone from Ward’s pelvis to reinforce the bones in his hand. Upon his return to the sport, Ward achieved another winning streak of nine fights. In 1997, during a fight against Alfonso Sanchez, Ward secured a knockout victory in the 7th round. Ward also earned an IBF Light Welterweight Championship fight against Vince Phillips in 1997, but did not win.
The Ward vs. Gatti Trilogy
The year 2002 marked the beginning of the legendary rivalry between Micky Ward and Arturo Gatti. Their first fight was incredibly competitive, with Ward ultimately securing a majority decision victory after knocking Gatti down in the ninth round. “The Ring” magazine recognized this bout as the 2002 “Fight of the Year.” The intensity of the fight necessitated medical attention for both fighters at a trauma center following the match. A rematch was promptly arranged, with Gatti emerging victorious in the second fight, knocking Ward down in the third round. The third and final fight between Ward and Gatti occurred, and Gatti won by decision. This final fight was named the 2003 “The Ring” magazine fight of the year. Again, both competitors required hospitalization after the intense battle. Micky Ward retired from professional boxing in 2003, leaving behind a legacy of memorable fights and unwavering determination.
“The Fighter” Film and Its Impact
Much of Micky Ward’s early career is depicted in the 2010 film “The Fighter.” Mark Wahlberg portrayed Ward, while Christian Bale played his brother Dicky Eklund. The film received positive reviews from fans and critics alike. Ward himself expressed satisfaction with the film, acknowledging that while some aspects were fictionalized, it captured the essence of his life and career. “The Fighter” garnered seven Academy Award nominations and six Golden Globe Award nominations. Specific financial details regarding Ward’s involvement in the film’s production or any compensation he received are not publicly available. However, the film significantly raised his profile and contributed to his overall recognition.
Personal Life and Post-Boxing Activities
In 1999, Micky Ward married Charlene Fleming, originally from Boston. They have a daughter named Kasie. In 2012, Ward released his autobiography, “A Warrior’s Heart: The True Story of Life Before and Beyond The Fighter.” In the book, Ward recounts his experiences with childhood sexual abuse. He continues to reside in Lowell, where he co-owns a boxing gym and an outdoor hockey rink. He manages the boxing gym with his brother and former trainer Dicky, who trains aspiring boxers. Specific details regarding the gym’s financial performance or Ward’s earnings from these ventures are not publicly accessible. Details regarding the specific name and address of his boxing gym and hockey rink are not available. The exact location of Micky Ward’s current residence is also not publicly available.
