Man Who Inspired Mark Wahlberg's Fighter Hospitalized For Dog Attack

Ward's rep tells TMZ ... Micky was walking his dog Wednesday when a stray got approached and became aggressive. Micky says he tried to get in between the two animals ... when the stray turned him into a human chew toy.

Micky suffered bites on his arm ... and a MAJOR wound to right index finger -- which was "almost taken off" in the attack. Ward went to the hospital for treatment and is expected remain there until Sunday.