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© Jim Everett / Saddo Boxing
Upon hearing the tragic news about Arturo Gatti’s death, like many, I was devastated. As the details began to unravel in the days that followed, disbelief was replaced with reality in what a senseless death it was.
Unlike many fans of the sport, I became a Gatti fan later in his career. I didn’t jump on the bandwagon per se, I was just not aware of him until becoming a more avid boxing fan.
I have been a casual fan of boxing for as long as I can remember. I would watch what people consider the “big fights” and knew most of the mainstream fighters. 2003 is when I truly became a serious fan, courtesy of Arturo Gatti.
I don’t recall the specific details of how it happened, but shortly after Gatti’s third fight with Micky Ward there was such a buzz about their epic trilogy that I searched online for somewhere to purchase the series so I could see what everyone was talking about.
It was my first purchase of a boxing event and is still one of my favorites. It’s a good thing I purchased the fights on DVD otherwise a VHS tape would be ruined by now with as many times as I have watched them over and over.
Gatti’s epic trilogy with Ward epitomized the drama of two blood and guts warriors giving their all for thirty rounds, showing tremendous heart and courage. They got up from knockdowns, were bloodied, tired and out on their feet at times, but not once did either fighter give up.
I instantly became a die hard fan. I couldn’t wait for when Gatti would return to the ring so I could see him fight live. When tickets went on sale for his fight against Gianluca Branco at Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, I purchased them the minute they became available (that’s not an exaggeration either, I literally was refreshing my computer at the Ticketmaster website minutes before they went on sale).
In Atlantic City, the electricity within Boardwalk Hall as Gatti entered the ring to AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck” was mind-blowing. The sold out crowd cheering for him gave me goose bumps as he approached the ring. The energy level was so high, you couldn’t help but get excited about the experience.
Although the fight with Branco was not the war that Gatti had with Ward, it did not disappoint. The fight really was an experience, from the fans, the excitement, energy and the overall atmosphere.
Later that year when Gatti faced Leonard Dorin, my best man Mike arranged for my bachelor party to be a long weekend in Atlantic City with the highlight being ringside seats to the fight. My wife and I even made AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck” our entrance song to our wedding when we were announced as man and wife.
Also unknown to me, Mike had won a raffle for an autographed glove of Gatti and Dorin, which he hid from me and later presented as a gift during his speech at my wedding.
I finally got the opportunity to meet Gatti in person when I found out about a press conference he would be attending in New York City to announce his fight with Carlos Baldomir. Although I had no business being there, I found my way in the press conference and got a chance to speak with him.
Being a little star struck, I felt a bit like Chris Farley from his days on Saturday Night Live when he would interview various famous guests and asked stupid questions. “Um, so you remember when you fought Micky Ward? That was awesome.” Although I don’t think that’s actually what I said, it wasn’t far off.
The experience really peaked my interest in having the opportunity to meet and interview boxers, which is when I contacted SaddoBoxing and began to contribute to their site on a regular basis.
I met Gatti again the following year at another press conference to announce his fight with Alfonso Gomez. This time, I was a bit more relaxed after having some journalistic experience and had a great conversation with him. As he joked with me, I was able to get a great picture with him and Ward as he playfully pretended to punch my chin.
I covered Gatti’s final fight against Gomez at Boardwalk Hall and remember the sense of shock throughout the crowd after the referee stopped the fight. I recall the battered Gatti exiting the ring as his loyal fans yelled “we love you, Gatti”.
Kathy Duva, CEO of Main Event,s arrived at the post fight press conference with her eyes welling up to let the media know that Gatti would not be in attendance because he was already on his way to the hospital to get his lip stitched up.
She also delivered the inevitable news that Gatti had announced his retirement to HBO before he left Boardwalk Hall, stating he cannot compete at 147 pounds and is unable to make the 140 pound limit anymore.
As sad as that moment was to experience, it is nothing in comparison to the tragedy of his early death.
Although Arturo Gatti may never be considered one of the pound for pound best in the sport, he will always be considered a hero to anyone who ever watched him in the ring.
He always came to the ring with a never give up style and tremendous heart that the fans will never forget. I feel blessed that I had the opportunity to meet him. He will always remain an inspiration of perseverance and will truly be missed.
Rest in peace, champ.
