Broken, Beat and a World Title | “Irish” Micky Ward

I’ve known Micky Ward for a long time. Before the fights people saw. Before the movie.

This is a guy who was working as a corrections officer while trying to make it in boxing. Getting written off. Used as an opponent. Walking away from the sport… and coming back anyway.

We talk about the part people don’t understand — the fear.

He’ll tell you straight up, everyone’s scared. Anyone who says they’re not is lying.

The difference is he learned how to control it and still go forward.

We get into Round 9 of the first Gatti fight — what it actually felt like to be in there, hurt, exhausted, and still making the decision to fight.

We talk about his family, what the movie got right and wrong, and what it takes to keep going when everything in you is telling you to stop.

This one is about endurance. Not talent.

Just deciding you’re not done.

Thank you to our sponsors

• Ketone-IQ: ⁠ketone.com/rideout Code “RIDEOUT”
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Ken’s book now available here: https://www.theothersideofhard.com/

Chapters

(00:00) Lowell and Jailhouse Days
(02:51) Early Boxing Roots
(03:30) Dickie as Trainer
(06:15) Turning Pro and Setbacks
(07:58) Fear and Fight Night Nerves
(09:54) Dickie vs Sugar Ray
(12:59) Gym Fighters and Sparring
(17:12) Title Shot vs Shea Neary
(20:42) Sanchez Comeback KO
(25:42) Family Life and Sisters
(27:46) Making The Fighter Movie
(34:52) Movie Ending Explained
(35:05) Story Sources Documentary
(35:44) Family Reactions Premiere
(38:26) Nephew Sean And Fame
(40:14) Race Sports And Prison
(42:33) Toughest Opponents Lessons
(45:40) Title Stripped And Setbacks
(48:24) Gatti Call And Mindset
(51:09) Fight Breakdown Ninth Round
(57:28) Trilogy Injuries And Surgery
(01:01:13) Friendship After Trilogy
(01:02:10) Life After Boxing Wrap
(01:04:17) Podcast Outro And Plugs

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