Is Arturo Gatti Hall of Fame worthy ??

[Mark TKO]

This debate keeps cropping up in Ring magazine time and time again


In my opinion yes he should be for the pure entertainment value he provided (and damn near guaranteed every time he was on a bill). He is one of my top 5 favourite fighters of last 20 years.

Traditionalists point to his lack of talent and achievement at world class level to say he is not worthy.

Entry to the hall seems to have got easier over the years - I wasn't too sure about our own Barry Mcguigan when he got in - but Gatti is deserving of entry

when he becomes eligible of course

thoughts

ps have tried to create a poll but not sure if done it right

[killersheep]

It's the Hall of Fame, not the Hall of Skill.

He had one of the most memorable trilogies in boxing history and his heart was legendary. Resounding yes for me.

[Deanrw]

The Hall Of Fame is a place for those who have made a real impact on the sport.

Did Arturo Gatti make an impact? Well How about 4 Fights of the year in a 7 year span, numerous runner up fights also.

He did have skills and would give a real fight to anyone who was not "elite". He also won a couple belts. Along with Holyfield, he is probably the most exciting fighter to lace on the gloves in the past 20 years.


If that does not deserve a spot, I don't know what does.

[kingfrnk]

yea hes HOF material. especially since he had 3 great fights with Ward that are unforgetable so yea he is.

[amat]

Exactly, there aren't many people who did more for the sport then Gatti during Gatti's era.

[Deanrw]

Exactly, there aren't many people who did more for the sport then Gatti during Gatti's era.

Exactly. He is the epitome of the "Blood and Guts Warrior". He was more old school than old school. He has such an enormous following, that would not leave his side no matter if he won or lost. He gave everything he had to the sport and left nothing to spare.

[Tito BHB]

theres no question he is, its a no brainer..

While he'll never be a sugar ray.. people say it isnt the hall of skill .. but damn.. do you know how good it takes to even be a guy who wins one world title and loses it in his first defense.. the man was very skilled..

he is just an all out legend no question, his legacy will live on forever

[ICB]

yea hes HOF material. especially since he had 3 great fights with Ward that are unforgetable so yea he is.

But what has that got to do with anything ? the fact that all his great fights come against lower class opposition like Micky Ward speaks volumes. Since when do all exciting fighters just get a free pass into HOF ?

So because Micky Ward was an exciting fighter and was in many FOTY candidates. Does he deserve to be in the HOF aswell ? because surely he done as much for the sport as Arturo Gatti did. Going by your logic ?

[RozzySean]

yea hes HOF material. especially since he had 3 great fights with Ward that are unforgetable so yea he is.

But what has that got to do with anything ? the fact that all his great fights come against lower class opposition like Micky Ward speaks volumes. Since when do all exciting fighters just get a free pass into HOF ?

So because Micky Ward was an exciting fighter and was in many FOTY candidates. Does he deserve to be in the HOF aswell ? because surely he done as much for the sport as Arturo Gatti did. Going by your logic ?

Mickey Ward didn't hold belts in two divisions. He was never top 5 in any weight-class (Gatti was at 130 and maybe for a bit at 140). Gatti was a top 10 fighter in 4 divisions.

And say what you want about Mickey Ward, after his comeback, he had some quality wins - KO'd Reggie Green, KO'd Shea Neary (in the UK), Augustus. Taking 2 of 3 from Ward was worth something, especially because he beat him pretty easily in the second two fights.

[gyrokai]

No.

























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[Pugilistic]

I like him but no.

[PRIDE OF BOSTON]

This can be answered very simply( I hate this debate )

Definition of a hall of fame is a building housing or list of people who have performed notable achievements in a sport...

If there is someone on this site who can validly argue that Gatti's carreer, heart and memorable fights were not noteable then they don't know boxing...

Was Gatti the most skilled of all time? Not even close... But that's not what getting into the hall entails...

C'mon, guys... This debate should have been put to sleep after Gatti Ward II...

[CutMeMick]

I love Gatti the same way I love Bobby Chacon.

But I have to say neither one belongs in the hall.

However Barrys in and Nortons in so Gatti should be a fit.

[holmcall]

I love Gatti the same way I love Bobby Chacon.

But I have to say neither one belongs in the hall.

However Barrys in and Nortons in so Gatti should be a fit.

Oh no, say its's not so, Mike. Bobby IS MY ALL TIME FAVORITE.

[holmcall]

And Mike, don't forget, Bobby closed out his career with 7 straight wins agains very stiff opposition. He kept his legacy secure by doing that.