Gatti-Damgaard Analysis with Micky Ward!

Arturo Gatti and Thomas Damgaard don't have any common opponents on their respective records, but Fightnews has still managed to track down an interview with one man who has been in the ring with both men. In 1998 "Irish" Micky Ward made a trek across the Atlantic where he spent roughly three weeks training and sparring with Damgaard in Copenhagen, Denmark. We probably need not mention it, but just in case you just began tuning into the sport of boxing, Ward and Gatti engaged in one of boxing's most memorable trilogies of all time. All three bouts took place between May 18, 2002 and June 7, 2003. Ward won the first fight, via majority decision, and Gatti walked out of the ring in the final two bouts with unanimous decision victories. Having experienced some ring time with both fighters Ward has obliged us with his analysis on the upcoming fight.

Tell us about your sparring sessions with Damgaard.
Well, that was a while ago. I believe it was back in 1998, so it's been a while. He was a tough kid. He had some power. Not one punch power, but he was consistent. And he was right there in front of you, you know.

What are some of his strengths and weaknesses he will bring to Saturday's fight with Arturo?
Well, like I said. He has some power. He has consistent pop on his punches.

Weaknesses?
Well, that was a long time ago that I sparred with him, so it will be interesting to see what he has left in the tank. I'd also like to see about his conditioning. That was sparring, but how good of shape will he be in when he gets in the later rounds, the deep water. Plus, I don't think he's ever really fought outside of Copenhagen. He's always been in front of a crowd that really backed him, and when he fights Arturo, he will be in a totally different environment. That may be difficult for him.

What difference do you think the move to 147 will make for Arturo?
All the difference in the world. He 's been around for a while, and making 140 was getting tough for him. The older you get the harder it is to keep getting your body down to a particular weight.

Do you think Arturo having being afforded an extra seven pounds makes even more of a difference in training than it does does when he steps in the ring?
Most definitely. You know when you have to start watching everything you eat, and you can't eat what you want you become miserable. You're grouchy. Plus mentally, feeling good, being able to eat, it makes a world of difference. Training goes better, you feel better. It's just such a big difference.

You and Arturo have become very close friends; will you give him any advice on Damgaard?
Maybe a little. But he's got Buddy, and I'm sure they have their game plan, so I don't really say much. That's not my job. I'm his friend not his trainer, so it's not my place to say anything. But if he asks, yeah I'll talk to him about it.

I'm going to give you a few categories, and just tell me whom you think has the advantage.
Okay.

Speed?
Gatti

Power?
Gatti

Boxing skill?
Gatti

Defense?
Gatti. You know Arturo got hit a lot in his last fight, but he really does have a pretty good defense.

How do you see this fight turning out?
I like Arturo. I don't know if he'll knock him out or win by decision, but I like Arturo to win. But don't get me wrong. Anything can happen. In this sport anything can happen, there are no guarantees. I just don't know what Damgaard's got left. Then again, who knows what Arturo has left after the Mayweather fight? He doesn't even know.
He won't know until he gets in the ring.

So, what's your prediction?
I like Arturo either by decision or late round stoppage.