Is Arturo Gatti Hall of Fame worthy ??

[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.

[killersheep]

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.

I think Ward should be in there as well. And yes I believe any fighter that brings as much noteriety to boxing deserves to be in there.

[CFH]

I'd say yes, but I guess it depends of the criteria the Hall has. Like everyone has said, skill wise Gatti was not HoF worthy, but taking into account the whole picture I would definitely say yes.

[Hunter]

Yes

Again, skill is a factor but so is heart and tenacity. Gatti was someone that gave everything when he was in the ring. If he had Roy Jones Jr's skill he would have been the greatest boxer of all time unlike Roy who had the skill but not necessarily the heart and tenacity.

[holmcall]

Yes

Again, skill is a factor but so is heart and tenacity. Gatti was someone that gave everything when he was in the ring. If he had Roy Jones Jr's skill he would have been the greatest boxer of all time unlike Roy who had the skill but not necessarily the heart and tenacity.

No argument with that.

[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 ?

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.

Why not Meldrick Taylor then ? he held two belts in two weight classes, and he was just as entertaining as Arturo Gatti ETC, i just think HOF should only be for the great fighters.

Arturo Gatti was never the top man in any division he was in, and everytime he stepped up to the elite level he was beaten badly. Losing to Angel Manfredy, Ivan Robinson x2. While in your prime is no way worthy of HOF.

And even Arturo Gatti's best wins are nothing that stand out. Just because Arturo Gatti was exciting doesn't mean he gets a free pass. Because theres probably fighters with equal achievements who wern't as exciting. And they don't get a free pass so i don't see why Arturo Gatti should.

I agree he done alot for the sport excitement wise but again shouldn't HOF, be about wins/opposition/titles/skill ETC ? i think its flawed logic just to let any fighter in because they were exciting. Because if thats the case why do we have a HOF ? to seperate the great fighters from the good fighters. And can you honestly tell me that Arturo Gatti was a great fighter ?

[OumaFan]

I don't think so. I don't think as a pure fighter, he's anywhere near the Hall of Fame level, its just a question of whether all the other stuff makes up for it.

And yes I know the McGuigan effect but at some point that has to stop.

[OumaFan]

Looking at the votes, people that I usually agree with a lot are on the other side. Oh well, I just don't think he quite is.

I'm sure he will get in though.

[Spicoli]

I don't think the main criteria for adminitance is souly all out boxing skill 101.Maybe it should be but thats a bit narrowminded Imo.Take into account the impact factor,propelling the sport into the main stream.Think about it....in 15,20 or so years when Another fan generation comes up I think he will be defined 1st or last name alone.

Much better skills early on,had his share of showcase type lesser matches that made him look the balls out brawler of media folk lore we have come to know.I can definatly see both sides but I think he gets in.

[holmcall]

No, no and no. Not ever.