Gatti Stops Damgaard After 11 Rounds Of Boxing In Atlantic City

Speculation abounded that Arturo Gatti was finished as a top fighter after Floyd Mayweather forcibly lifted the New Jersey based Canadian’s WBC Light Welterweight crown last June but the thrilling fan favorite returned in force this evening, gracing the stage at Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall, host of the thirty three year old’s last seven previous bouts. Opponent Thomas Damgaard traveled all the way from Denmark, his 37-0 record in tow, in order to face Gatti on this Main Events promotion for the vacant IBA Welterweight bout and the European fighter did have his moments but the roomier confines of the 147lbs class seemed to benefit the exciting Jersey City left hook artist. The Dane proved resilient but by the eleventh round, Gatti’s heavier hands had done their work, and Damgaard could no longer absorb the punishment. The win may strengthen the Gatti camp’s bid for a financially advantageous meeting with IBF/WBA Light Welter Champion Ricky Hatton, but to date the Englishman has expressed a desire top remain in the 140lb division. On the undercard, undefeated Minneapolis featherweight Jason Litzau stopped Carlos Contreras in six and ex-European Super Middle titlist Rudy Markussen stopped Brock Stodden in two and Philadelphia heavyweight Malik Scott outpointed Kendrik Releford over eight rounds.