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06/09/2004 Archived Entry: "“Irish” Micky Ward gives back to amateurs"
“Irish” Micky Ward gives back to amateurs
His amateur tournament June 10 in South Boston
SOUTH BOSTON, MA – “Irish” Micky Ward is the first true graduate of Massachusetts’ amateur boxing program to have a tournament named in his honor. The “Irish” Micky Ward Boxing Invitational, featuring many of New England’s best amateur boxers, will be held Thursday night (June 10) at the Teacher’s Union Building in South Boston.
Nearly one year to the day since he retired after his epic third fight against Arturo Gatti, Ward will be signing autographs and posing for pictures with fans, in addition to coaching several boxers, at his June 10th tournament. A portion of the proceeds from the “Irish” Micky Ward Boxing Invitational, promoted by S & L Boxing, will benefit the new South Boston Boxing Club on L Street.
“It all began there (in the amateurs) and it’s only fair to give back to the program,” Ward explained his decision to actively participate in amateur boxing. “A lot of guys who go on to the pros and become successful forget about where they came from -- the amateurs. But I’m just not like that. There are a lot of kids who want to do what I did. I’m there for them and willing to do whatever I can to help them reach their goals in boxing.”
Boxers scheduled to be in action include Ward’s nephew, open 141-pound Sean Eklund (15-6), of Lowell; open 165-pound Matt Ryan (10-0), of South Boston; open 178-pound Pat Long (9-3), of South Boston; novice 141-pound Tony LaMonica (5-1), of South Boston; novice 178-pound Billy Traft (5-1), of Dorchester. (All fighters subject to change.)
Tickets, all priced at $25.00 (general admission), may be purchased by calling 617.227.9332 and also will be sold at the doors. The first bout is slated for 8 pm with doors opening at 6:30 pm. For more information call 978.207.0165.
