Mickey Rourke: He loves acting but boxing is in his heart

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Disclaimer: MIckey Rourke uses some strong language in this video.

This may be actor Mickey Rourke’s year. First a Golden Globe award. Is an Oscar next? His resurgence crested today after he won an Oscar nomination for Best Actor for his wonderful, gritty performance in ‘The Wrestler.’

Last week, when The Times’ Lance Pugmire stopped by the Wild Card Gym here in L.A. to talk to owner Freddie Roach, Manny Pacquiao’s trainer, who came by to visit but Rourke. This was just days after he won that Golden Globe.

Many of his fans no doubt remember how Rourke took a break from acting to be a boxer -- for real. And it was Roach who trained him.

Rourke graciously agreed to be interviewed and talked to Pugmire about the sport he loves and the people in it. It is a telling interview, just under four minutes long, and shows where Rourke’s heart really is -- boxing. The video was originally posted on The Fabulous Forum on Jan. 14 but worth noting again as the Oscar race gets serious. Enjoy.

-- Debbie Goffa