Ward honored to receive 2002 Fight of the Year Award

Photo: Tom Casino/Showtime

Shares Harry Markson Award with rival Gatti at BWAA dinner

24.04 - LOWELL, Mass. - "Irish" Micky Ward will receive "The Harry Markson Award" together with his arch-rival, Arturo "Thunder" Gatti, tomorrow night (Friday, April 25) for their 2002 "Fight of the Year," at the 78th annual Boxing Writers Association of America's 78th annual awards dinner in New York City.

Ward won a thrilling 10-round decision against Gatti last May at Mohegan Sun in the consensus 2002 Fight of the Year. "I'm honored," Ward said, "especially getting it from the boxing writers. I have a lot of respect for what they do and this is one of the greatest awards I've ever received. There were a lot of great fights last year and to single out this, as 'Fight of the Year,' is a tremendous honor. I'd like to thank all the writers that voted for us, the other award winners, and, of course, Arturo Gatti."

Ward is training for "The Final Chapter," Ward-Gatti III on HBO June 7 at the Atlantic City Boardwalk Hall. Gatti won a 10-round decision against Ward last November, setting the stage for the June 7th conclusion to their trilogy.