Boxing Preview: Main Events Press Conference – Gatti vs. Gomez, Cintron vs. Matthysse

ByJim Everett

Click for larger image © Jim Everett / Saddo Boxing

Main Events hosted a press conference in New York City to announce their upcoming doubleheader from Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City , NJ on July 14, 2007. “Welter Skelter” will feature the human highlight reel Arturo Gatti, 40-8 (31), as he faces Contender Season One star Alfonso Gomez, 16-3-2 (7), and IBF Welterweight Champion Kermit Cintron, 27-1 (25), will defend his title against Walter Matthysse, 26-1 (25).

This event will be part of three welterweight fights to be broadcast on HBO from two coasts. The doubleheader in Atlantic City will be televised first and then the third bout will take place from California featuring WBO Welterweight Champion Antonio Margarito, 34-4 (24), against hard punching Paul Williams, 32-0 (24).

Emmanuel Steward, Cintron’s trainer and manager said “I am excited about this fight, much more excited than I was about the fight last week,” where his fighter Jermain Taylor was forced to chase Cory Spinks for much of the 12-round bout.

“This will be an action fight; I saw a tape of Walter (Matthysse), every punch he throws is a knockout punch he lets it all hang out and Kermit, with his knockout power, should be a very exciting fight.”

“I am just excited to be back in action, but more for being back with Main Events,” said Cintron who left Main Events for a short time and had difficulties with promoter Bobby Bostick. “On July 14, you are going to be seeing something great that Kermit Cintron hasn’t done yet and training with Emmanuel Steward I have been learning so much. I will defend my title and go home with it and have another knockout on my record.”

“This is the opportunity every boxer looks for to showcase their skills on HBO. It’s an opportunity I’m going to take advantage of,” said Alfonso Gomez participating via telephone hookup. “Being a Gatti fan, it’s truly an honor to be able to trade space with him come July 14.”

“The man who shared 30 incredible rounds with Arturo in the ring is going to share a few more with him,” announced Kathy Duva of Main Events as she introduced Mickey Ward as his new trainer.

“Arturo is a three time world champ, he knows how to fight,” said Mickey Ward of his old opponent. “He’s at the age now where you’re not going to teach him anything new, you just have to get him in great shape, get his mind in great shape and keep him focused on the fight.”

“When I was looking for a trainer, I said Mickey Ward is definitely the guy, he is going to remind me to do the things I do best,” said Gatti about his new trainer. “I feel great, I’ve been in a lot of wars but most of the time my opponents were hurt more than I was.”

Although Gatti commented that he had respect for Gomez, he didn’t have much for his background on the Contender, “Gomez, I don’t have much to say about him, I know he is coming from the Contender; there is a reason why there is a few guys that fought on the Contender because they didn’t want to take the real fighters.”

One thing is certain and that is that there will not be any shortage of “real fighters” on July 14. Each fighter is known to come forward and trade punches which should make for a great triple-header that the fans will appreciate.