GATTI, ARTURO-MICKEY WARD I SIGNED PRINT (2002-HEART OF A LION-FROM COLLECTION OF AL GAVIN)

HISTORY: On May 18, 2002, Arturo Gatti squared off against Micky Ward in one of the greatest fights that boxing fans had any right to hope for. CompuBox numbers yielded a staggering statistic: Gatti had landed 42 of 61 power punches for a 69 percent connect rate, while Ward had landed 60 of 81 for a 73 percent connect rate. The judges awarded the victory to Ward by a narrow decision, but it really didn’t matter whom the judges declared as the winner; the fight was so great that it transcended the opinions of three men ringside and was destined to be a trilogy. Of course, for boxing fans, the fights were only part of a well-known story. Both men became great friends, and that friendship lasted until Gatti’s untimely demise in 2007. It was a classic fight at a time when the sport needed it most; it spoke to the best aspects of the sport, and it was, and always will be, a defining fight for both of those great men. Offered here is a scarce original print made by D & B Meadows in 2003 which has been signed by both Mickey Ward and Arturo Gatti. This came from the collection of Ward's cutman, Al Gavin.

FULL DESCRIPTION: This is an original 2003 print entitled, "Heart of a Lion" Ward v Gatti I Tribute to Mickey Ward." Boldly signed in black sharpie by both Arturo Gatti and Mickey Ward, who inscribed his signature to Al Gavin. Bold color and print. Bold, clear images. Clean front and back with no staining. Signed in pencil by artist, Meadows and numbered 290/500. 16 1/2" x 21." Rare, the only signed example we have seen.