The story behind the Major Motion Picture The Fighter, starring Mark Wahlberg and Christian Bale: boxer Micky Ward's unlikely road to becoming a world champion “Irish” Micky Ward was always the underdog―one able to stage a stunning comeback late in a fight. After a fifteen-year pro career followed by a string of defeats and three years of retirement, the Lowell, Massachusetts, native defeated Arturo Gatti in 2002, capturing the world light welterweight title. The grueling battle―named “Fight of the Year” by Ring magazine and “Fight of the Century” by boxing fans around America―was broadcast live on HBO, made Ward famous, and launched two legendary rematches. In Irish Thunder, Bob Halloran recounts Ward’s rise to hero status, his rivalry with his imprisoned brother, and the negotiations, betrayals, and drugs that shaped a wild youth who ultimately became a nationally respected boxer.
