 |
|
Arturo Gatti
|
The Arturo Gatti-Micky Ward trilogy will forever be known as a series of epic confrontations. It is likely that they will be amongst the definitive chapters when future generations wish to learn of the greatest warriors of our time. It appeared that both fighters existed entirely apart from the rest of the boxing world during the time of those fights and both men rightly received every accolade for their magnificent efforts.
But HBO’s coverage of Gatti’s post-Ward career began with a focus on the aftermath of Gatti-Ward III which would have done nothing to quiet the arguments of those who would gladly see boxing outlawed. Far removed from the heated arena spotlights and the relentless noise of a capacity audience the fighters were reunited. Only this time instead of a boxing ring, they shared a hospital room while receiving treatment for the devastation they had just inflicted upon each other.
|
MUST SEE AND IT'S FREE!
Free Press Video: Watch and hear from Bernard Hopkins, Oscar De La Hoya, Robert Allen and Felix Sturm. This weekend's fights promise to be hot. See The Press Conference that kick started it all.
Free At DogHouseBoxing.com.
Click Pic Below: Opens in Media Player
(Video © MaxBoxing.com)
|
 |
Far beyond exhaustion, they still managed to meet each other with that incredible camaraderie which must exist only between two fighters that have survived the full extent of each others wrath. It was an example of the uniqueness of fighters, their undeniable bravery and yet, their inescapable humanity. All too often, we are unknowing of such consequences as we are still consumed by the excitement of the fight, enthralled by the volume of punishment a fighter consumed or the number of cuts he sustained.
We can simply turn the channel after the final bell instead of having to sit anxiously for hour after hour in some hospital corridor, desperate for news of our loved ones condition.
This is often the fate of a fighter’s family, and while it is not ours, we would do well to consider it more closely and remember the sacrifice made by these men each time we are ‘entertained’. Ward’s subsequent retirement meant that he had bled his last for the sport. But it was uncomfortable to know that this was not nearly the first of such experiences for Gatti, and it may not be the last.
January of this year marked the beginning of a new dawn in Arturo Gatti’s career. He won the vacant WBC light-welterweight title against previously unbeaten Italian Gianluca Branco. As usual catching Gatti with a good punch was like showing a red rag to a bull, but overall, in taking a twelve round decision, Gatti’s performance was considerably more restrained. A significant portion of the audience that night promptly showed their disapproval which was subsequently echoed by the immediate fan reaction on many boxing websites.
The subdued nature of his performance against Branco could easily be attributed to the re-breaking of his right hand during the fight, the very same hand he injured against Ward. The injury is an honest explanation, but it may be that Gatti has given us one war too many. Fighting in the reckless manner that has almost become Gatti’s trademark has brought him through many tough nights while undoubtedly shortening his shelf-life as a professional boxer. For Gatti to now practice some restraint and self-preservation at this advanced stage of his career may horrify some, but it makes all the sense in the world for him. At the urging of his trainer Buddy McGirt, Gatti has begun to utilize his skills during fights to a greater degree. This has largely been acknowledged as the most significant factor in Gatti’s resurgence as a consistently successful fighter. His instinctive kill or be killed mentality had previously won him the hearts of boxing fans, but as of late, it had been failing to win him every fight.
Whether in victory or defeat, Arturo Gatti has rarely failed to thrill audiences, but amazingly, his outstanding track-record does not seem to be enough in some eyes. I have heard Gatti’s more measured aggression and technical approach described as the ruining of him as a fighter. It’s unsettling to think that the support of certain individuals can be so transparent. In some circles, the lust for violent entertainment demands blood while disregarding the immediate and long term damage which boxers sustain. Injury is a professional hazard for fighters, part of the territory, but it is one that should only be accepted begrudgingly. If Gatti were to juxtapose his skill and innate aggressiveness, he could hypothetically create a hybrid that could satisfy the expectations of the masses. If he does not, it will be sad to see the sentiment of the crowd turn against him for not delivering his usual blood and guts routine.
My perspective as a fan is that I desire to see great fights, but not at the infinite cost of a boxer’s health. Gatti has provided more than his fair share of excitement during his career and personally, I would like to see him decide when his illustrious career will end, instead of it being abruptly shortened due to serious injury.
And when he does retire, I would also like to be able to see him with his faculties intact and capable of enjoying the wealth he accumulated when he was one of the greatest attractions in this business.
His impending clash with Leonard Dorin was first mooted to be held in Montreal, Gatti’s birthplace where he is still received like a film star. The Quebec province is Dorin’s adoptive city outside of his native Romania. Either the Bell Centre or the Casino de Montreal would have been great hosts for the occasion.
But now that Atlantic City has been chosen as the site for this highly anticipated fight, it will be interesting to see how Arturo Gatti conducts himself in the ring. If he elects to box as he has indicated instead of indulging Dorin in a dogfight, it will be equally interesting to gauge the audience reaction.
Using his boxing ability will prolong Gatti’s time as an elite level fighter. The pay-per-view appearances and handsome earnings which may litter that time could hardly be bestowed upon a more deserving fighter.
|
|
|
|
© Copyright / All Rights reserved: Doghouse Boxing 1998-2004
|
By Jim Cawkwell (June 5, 2004) 
