Actor Mickey Rourke wins in return to boxing at age 62
Age ain't nothing but a number to 62-year old actor Mickey Rourke, who picked up a second round TKO victory in his return to boxing on Friday in Russia.
Rourke actually left his acting career in the early 1990's to pursue his dream of professional boxing. He semi-retired with a 6-0-2 record. According to Rourke, he damage done during his boxing career also forced him to have extensive plastic surgery on his face.
There was no stopping Rourke this time around, however, as he climbed back into the ring 20 years after his last bout to face off with 29-year old former California Golden Gloves boxing champion, Elliott Seymour.
Rourke took his training for the fight seriously as he dropped 35 pounds in preparation for his return to the ring and actually picked up work alongside FOX analyst Jay Glazer at his gym in Los Angeles just recently. The physical transformation was noticeable when Rourke took off his red and gold robe to step into the ring for his bout with Seymour.
The fight itself was an interesting display of pugilism to say the least.
Neither Rourke nor Seymour seemed all that interested in engaging in any serious exchanges. At one point in the second round, Rourke continuously backed into the ropes just baiting his opponent to step in so he could counter.
Finally, Rourke connected with a body punch that dropped Seymour to the canvas. He got back up only to catch another body shot from the actor that put him back on the ground. Seymour sat crouched on the mat before ultimately being counted out by the referee, who stopped the match at 2:00 into the second round.
The fight was also therapeutic for Rourke, who said after the fight that he was going through some personal issues recently as well as dealing with the loss of his beloved Chihuahua. In the back as he prepared to walk out, Rourke was reportedly getting ready in front of a shrine full of candles, pictures of saints and photographs of his dogs.
Rourke's ability to comeback from adversity knows no bounds. Following his career hiatus and return after multiple bouts with plastic surgery that dramatically altered the way his face looked, Rourke stormed back to stardom with his role in the film 'The Wrestler', which earned him a 2009 Academy Award nomination. He also went onto star in 'Iron Man 2' as the featured villain alongside Robert Downey Jr.
Following his win on Friday, Rourke promised to return for at least four more fights in Russia.
