Arturo Gatti

IrishMike · 07-13-2007, 02:07 PM

Gatti fights Alfonso Gomez tomorrow night in Boardwalk Hall Atlantic City.

What do people think of this? Personally I worry for Gatti's health if he keeps on fighting. He has had nothing but all out wars throughout his career. He is called the "Human Highlight Reel" and he has been undoubtably one of the most exciting fighters I have ever seen in the ring. He is one of my all-time favourites. I love his attitude and style. His trilogy with Micky Ward (Who now is his trainer and business partner) are the most thrilling fights I have seen. But his style of fighting means he also takes a lot of punishment.

He has been badly beaten in his last two meaningful fights against Mayweather (who battered him) and Baldomir (Who over-powered him). He's not getting any younger and he surely doesnt need the money, so he obviously believes he will be world champ again. The welterweight division at the moment is saturated with quality. Hatton,Mosely, Mayweather, Malignaggi, Cotto. I dont think Gatti would beat any of these now. Bernard Hopkins said it in an interview that he doesnt like to think of what Gatti will be like when he's 50 or 60. What amazes me is that no-one in the boxing press has called for Gatti to retire. I respect that he is a warrior, but he will hurt himself and the sport if he carries on at the highest level.
He will win tonight I think. But he took a sledging off Mayweather and I fear for him if he gets another one

noknockout · 07-13-2007, 02:59 PM

I think Gatti would rather risk his health as an old man than stop competing at the highest level. The fact that Gatti is able to continue at this high level just shows that his legacy will be around much longer than he will be.

IrishMike · 07-13-2007, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by noknockout

I think Gatti would rather risk his health as an old man than stop competing at the highest level. The fact that Gatti is able to continue at this high level just shows that his legacy will be around much longer than he will be.

Thats my point. He isnt able to compete at the top level anymore. He has been destroyed by mayweather and baldomir. and I suspect the same would happen against any of the other top guys at WW. He is an unbelievable fighter, a warrior, but he's not like what he was, as a result of being in too many wars. Look at Ali, I bet he would take the berbick, holmes shavers and spinks fights off his record if it meant his health was better today. It is also hurtful and damaging to the sport when fighters fight on too long

jyd94 · 07-13-2007, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IrishMike

Thats my point. He isnt able to compete at the top level anymore. He has been destroyed by mayweather and baldomir. and I suspect the same would happen against any of the other top guys at WW. He is an unbelievable fighter, a warrior, but he's not like what he was, as a result of being in too many wars. Look at Ali, I bet he would take the berbick, holmes shavers and spinks fights off his record if it meant his health was better today. It is also hurtful and damaging to the sport when fighters fight on too long

Now please don't take this the wrong way. I like him more than anyone and would love for him to retire right now for his health. In terms of skills, he is where he always was, at a B lvl. Anytime he stepped up (Oscar, Mayweather, Baldomir) he failed. His skills have not diminished. I respect him more than any other fighter I have seen in my lifetime but he just never had A lvl skill. If McGirt is in his corner I don't belive he will let him take too much punishment during a fight. As for keeping him out of the ring, just like Holyfield, the thing that made them great is what will keep them fighting against our wishes.

IrishMike · 07-13-2007, 05:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jyd94

Now please don't take this the wrong way. I like him more than anyone and would love for him to retire right now for his health. In terms of skills, he is where he always was, at a B lvl. Anytime he stepped up (Oscar, Mayweather, Baldomir) he failed. His skills have not diminished. I respect him more than any other fighter I have seen in my lifetime but he just never had A lvl skill. If McGirt is in his corner I don't belive he will let him take too much punishment during a fight. As for keeping him out of the ring, just like Holyfield, the thing that made them great is what will keep them fighting against our wishes.

I agree, he was never a A level fighter.

LinvilleGorge · 07-13-2007, 09:16 PM

I'm not a boxing fan, but I am a fan of Gatti. I'm surprised to hear he's fighting. I thought he retired after the Baldomir fight? Wasn't that what he told the announcer in the post fight interview?

Avenue_Brawler · 07-14-2007, 10:56 AM

I've always liked Gatti since he has balls. he broke his hand against Ward and cried about it in his stool. He heard 'seconds out' he got up, and went back to work. Beat that Mayweather. He was outgunned by Baldomir, but he never quit. He was too slow for Mayweather (He also had to drop a crapload of weight the night before, but still) and got lit up, De La Hoya also spanked him pretty soundly. Hopefully he hangs it up after this one. He's not as preserved as B-Hop, Winky, or even Evander

bigpoppapuff · 07-14-2007, 11:46 AM

i'll watch tonight...but really unhappy that gatti is still fighting....he was awful against baldomir....that should have been his exit...

bigpoppapuff · 07-14-2007, 10:25 PM

arturo...please,please...retire...

gomez looked awesome!!!...big breakthrough for him...

gumbel · 07-15-2007, 10:56 PM

gatti looked horrible

Kevin38 · 07-16-2007, 01:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigpoppapuff

arturo...please,please...retire...

gomez looked awesome!!!...big breakthrough for him...

I know Gatti is old but I feel Gomez is underrated and really a quality fighter. He says he wants Chavez Jr. and I would really like to see that match-up.

bigpoppapuff · 07-16-2007, 10:47 AM

i like gomez...but i don't want to see him fight JCCjr this quick....jr looked unbeatable (imo) in his most recent fight....

Avenue_Brawler · 07-17-2007, 05:16 PM

Gatti, you've shown enough heart. Hang'em up.

Lets hear it for a B level fighter who'll prolly make the HOF.

Gomez takin' on JCCjr? sure why not.

I forgot, which one of the chavez' is over rated? Jr? or Jesus?