Throughout a professional boxing career that spanned parts of three decades, “Irish” Micky Ward was a fearless and relentless master of attack.

The ‘Pride of Lowell’ never took a step backward in a boxing ring, relying on a combination of fury and finesse, along with a ceaseless will to win, to carry him to the top of his profession.

Ward treated boxing fans worldwide to numerous classic fights that will forever be replayed in the DVD of the mind. It seems hard to believe that Ward will celebrate his 50th birthday today and that his last pro fight came 12 years ago.

He will forever be etched into boxing history for his incredible trio of fights against Arturo Gatti. When the pair met in Connecticut in 2002, the ninth round of their fight contained more drama, heart and action than some boxers produce in their whole careers. It is one of the true great rounds in boxing.

1955: Jorge Valdano, an Argentine World Cup winner in 1986 and former Real Madrid general manager (60).

1979: Adam Voges, Australian cricketer who is the current captain of Middlesex and Western Australia (36).

1980: Tomas Rosicky, midfielder for Arsenal and the current captain of the Czech Republic (35).

1988: Derrick Rose, Chicago Bulls guard and first overall draft pick in the 2008 NBA draft (27).