It looks like the end for the "the human highlight reel." The Contender's Alfonso Gomez (17-3-2, 8 KOs) methodically broke down Arturo Gatti (40-9, 31 KOs), winning by seventh round knockout on Saturday night at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. The bout ended after Gatti slumped to the canvas after bravely taking a severe beating. Time was 2:12. Gatti told HBO he is hanging up his gloves before he was taken to a local hospital for observation.
http://www.fightnews.com/gatti_gomez_em.jpg
IBF welterweight champion Kermit Cintron (28-1, 26 KOs) impressively destroyed Walter Matthysse (26-2, 25 KOs) in round two. Cintron floored Matthysse at the end of round one, then floored him again early in round two. Finally a crushing left-right combination put Matthysse down for several minutes. Time was :29 of round two.
http://www.fightnews.com/cintron_em.jpg

good call, hats off to an exciting and entertaining fighter.

Yep.
All the torrid wars hes been in have totally caught up with him.
I hope hes content in retirement,hes given his all to boxing and he
has nothing left to prove.
Farewell Auturo & thanks for all the great memories..

Pure Class.

This fight was a bad idea for Gatti. Nothing to gain and only something to lose. Hopefully he will stay healthy and be able to enjoy the rest of his days (I do however have very serious concerns about this)...

i like gomez. and yes hats off to gatti

Gatti / Gomez was a ggod fight

I tivo'd it last night, have yet to watch it. Gatti was a great fighter, I just hope he gets away from boxing once and for all and stays healthy. The last thing anyone wants to see is a punch drunk ex-boxer like Meldrick Taylor.

Gatti / Gomez was a ggod fight

A good beatdown... a "good fight" kinda has to be somewhat compeditive IMO...

But yeah... good call for Gatti... 2 fights too late but better late than never. He was looking real good before the Mayweather fight IMO, but I think Mayweather just ruined him.

Alfonso Gomez Speaks About Gatti TKO, Future Plans
www.eastsideboxing.com

July 19, 2007 – Following his seventh round TKO of Arturo Gatti last weekend in Atlantic City, Alfonso Gomez shared his thoughts on the win, his opponent, and who he wants to face next. Gatti announced his retirement after the fight, which took place July 14 on HBO. “I walked into the ring 100 percent confident due to my training,” Gomez said.

“There have been times in the past when I have gone into the ring unsure about my preparation, but on this night I felt completely ready, both mentally and physically.” Gomez’s skills, endurance, and discipline were honed during an 11-week training camp led by his father, Alfonso Gomez, Sr., who has trained him throughout his career, joined by veteran trainer Pepe Correa. The team’s winning strategy resulted in Gomez’s second seventh-round knockout in a row.

“I was able to execute our game plan perfectly,” Gomez said. “The strategy was to pressure him early and test his legs. Then, when he jabbed, I moved my head to the right and counterpunched, and since it was working nicely, I just kept at it.”

Instead, it was Gatti who was forced to make adjustments during the fight.

“His original plan to box me wasn’t working, so within a few rounds he decided to bang with me. Gatti has good punching power, but he’s smaller, so when I saw he wasn’t hurting me, I went inside,” Gomez said. “Brawling didn’t work for him either. I was able to land punches while keeping him at bay, and that was what got him in the end.”

Gomez’s manager Gary Gittelsohn feels vindicated that his fighter was able to steal the show during his first appearance on HBO.

“The greatest pleasure in life is doing what people say you cannot do and Alfonso seized the moment,” Gittelsohn said. “Alfonso was considered an underdog going into the fight, and there was no shortage of boxing pundits predicting a Gatti win against an overmatched reality star. Alfonso's faith in his skills, coupled with determined preparation and sacrifice, resulted in a jaw-dropping knockout.”

While Gomez is enjoying his decisive victory in the most important fight of his career, it is slightly bittersweet due to his longstanding respect for his opponent.

“I’ve only watched this fight once on TV since it happened, and that’s it for me. I won’t watch it again,” Gomez said. “I was doing my job, and it was either him or me. I got emotional when I heard about his retirement, and I want to say that I have nothing but admiration for Arturo and his legacy.”

As for what’s next, Gomez said, “Right now, I’m in a position where a lot of guys want to take a shot at me. I’m not calling anybody out, but I would like to face another up-and-comer who’s also looking for a world title and needs to be tested.”

Gomez continued, “One of the possibilities is Jesus Cesar Chavez, Jr. I think people would like to see Gomez vs. Chavez, Jr., especially if it were to take place here in Los Angeles, where we both have a large following.”

Gomez continued, “One of the possibilities is Jesus Cesar Chavez, Jr. I think people would like to see Gomez vs. Chavez, Jr., especially if it were to take place here in Los Angeles, where we both have a large following.”

:gojerkit: What do you guys think?!?

Gatti Calls it a Day!
Retires after loss to Gomez; Malignaggi calls out the victor
July 16, 2007
www.fightnews.com
By Matt Richardson

"All fighters are pig-headed some way or another: some part of them always thinks they know better than you about something. Truth is: even if they're wrong, even if that one thing is going to be the ruin of them, if you can beat that last bit out of them... they ain't fighters at all."
- Eddie "Scrap-Iron" Dupris, "Million Dollar Baby" (2004)

In the end, all Arturo Gatti had left was that "last bit" in him.

The "last bit" to keep punching.

To keep swinging.

To keep trying.

But it wasn't enough; not even close. There would be no dramatic turnaround tonight. No big left hooks or crushing body blows or last minute rallies.

All that was left of Arturo Gatti on Saturday night in Atlantic City, New Jersey was that "last bit." But it was no match for the younger, fresher Alfonso Gomez and so Gatti was soundly beaten for what he now says is the final fight of his career.

"His legend will live on forever. It was a hell of a run," stated Kathy Duva of Main Events, Gatti's long-time promoter, at the post-fight press conference. "I think we all wish it would have never ended but obviously all good things have to."

As is customary for the majority of Gatti's post fight press conferences, the now 40-9, 31 KO's welterweight could not attend as he was promptly shipped off to the local hospital. Before heading to the ER however "Thunder" did announce his retirement on HBO.

"From 140 to 147 it's just a different me," Gatti said. "I wish I could make 140 but it's impossible so I don't see myself continuing at 147. I'm going to retire. I don't think I can take this abuse anymore....that means 'hasta la vista, baby.'"

Gomez, 17-3-2, 8 KO's meanwhile may still have a way to go before he gets the credit he deserves. The majority of the media did not even attend the post-fight press conference, instead electing to watch the Paul Williams – Antonio Margarito encounter in the press room.

For Gomez, it is a slow but steady track to earn credibility.

"Ever since I was on 'The Contender,' the way I got in there was because I showed the producers that all I wanted was the opportunity to show everyone that I belonged…somewhere in the greats of names whether it be in boxing, TV, whatever it is," he said.

"When I was a kid I knew I was going to become something of myself," Gomez continued. "They gave me the opportunity and I took full advantage of it. I'm very grateful that HBO gave me the opportunity. I seized the moment and now I'm standing here."

"I hope Gatti was here so I could hug him and tell him that I admire him. His whole career I was a fan of his."

"He fought a controlled, tactical, tremendous fight," Duva said. "He seized the opportunity in the best tradition of Arturo Gatti, I guess," said Duva.

In the end it was fitting that Gatti went out against an opponent similar to himself; a fierce, gutsy warrior willing to take two to land one.

Gatti may only have that "last bit" in him. But Gomez certainly appears to have a lot more left in the tank. There wasn't an actual passing of the torch inside the ropes, but there might as well have been.

JABZ

Lost in the midst of Paul Williams' win over Antonio Margarito and Gatti retiring was the tremendous win by IBF Welterweight title-holder Kermit Cintron. Cintron, 28-1, 26 KO's blew out Walter Mathysse inside two frames. "Walter Mathysse was supposed to be a tough fight," Cintron said. "(But) it showed tonight that the fight against Antonio Margarito wasn't the real Kermit Cintron. It was a fluke. You'll see more of me in Atlantic City." Duva, for her part, was eager to see her charge take on the best fighters at welterweight and above. "Bring on Shane Mosley, bring on the winner of (Vernon) Forrest – (Carlos) Baldomir, bring on Alfonso Gomez. Bring them all on!"

IBF junior welterweight title-holder Paulie Malignaggi took a seat in the first row at the post-fight press conference and promptly and cordially called out Gomez. "I'm very willing to fight Alfonso Gomez in the future," said Malignaggi. "When you have world champions calling you out; that's a great feeling," Gomez responded. "That means I'm moving up there in fame."

Post-fight punch statistics confirmed Gomez' dominance. He landed over double the rate of punches Gatti did; 216 out of 471 for Gomez compared to a dismal 74 out of 358 for Gatti. Gomez landed an incredible 52 percent of his power punches; 40 out of 52 in the final round.

Attendance for the card was not nearly as robust as it has been for past Gatti appearances, suggesting that even Gatti's loyal fans knew it was the end for their hero.

"The Human Highlight Reel" Ends Here,
But Not Without the Memories
www.pound4pound.com
By Robert Jones

Being unbiased is a major part of being a boxing writer. In fact, my ability to be unbiased has been praised by some people in the boxing world. But, as I watched Arturo Gatti unceremoniously get sent off to retirement from row 11, seat 12 in press row, tons of memories rolled into my head.

It’s quite ironic that Micky Ward was Gatti’s last trainer, because Ward is largely responsible for the fact that Gatti has no chance of fighting past the age of 35, and probably should have retired years ago. The night of Gatti-Ward I was also the night of my junior prom. For a fight already being billed as “Fight of the Century,” I had to watch it. As I recall it was a “Boxing After Dark” telecast so it was starting around 11 pm. So, predictably, I had to drag my date off the dance floor at around 10:30, drop her off and get home just in time for the introductions. It was easy to predict that even if the fight was a bore it still would be more action than I would be getting that night.

Needless to say that fight solidified me as a boxing fan for the rest of my life. Prior to the fight, and it was probably just typical adolescence machismo, I had kicked around the idea of trying to be a professional boxer. After the fight my dad told me, “That’s why I don’t want you to be a professional boxer.” I didn’t tell him that I had already decided that about the end of round nine that saw Gatti dropped from a body shot, then pummeled for the next two minutes before going on a rally on his own. From that point on I realized I would be getting my boxing kicks from watching warriors like Gatti fight, and from in front of a computer screen.

Fresh out of high school, and being introduced to the real world, Gatti and Ward fought for a third time in Atlantic City. I immediately used up most of my life savings to buy nosebleed tickets for the fight and my friend and I drove the seven hours to AC. Despite not having a hotel room, and going nearly delirious on the return seven hour drive home the same day, and early next morning, I wouldn’t have missed it for the world. The fight had almost as much action and its fair share of drama as well. When Gatti and Ward hugged in the middle of the ring at the start of the 10th round, and the 30th they shared, it just showed that there was still respect in professional sports that obviously lacks in this era.

How I ended up here for Gatti’s last fight is still a blur. On Sunday of this week I spoke with Will and by Tuesday I had press passes. It’s not easy planning a trip this quick with a dog you are fostering, and a fiancé who is concerned about money, as well she should be, but I almost felt like it was destiny to be there. I won’t sit here and lie to you; I thought it would be Gatti’s last fight. But as I watched him walk to the ring a feeling hit me that he was going to lose. He looked much older than his 35 years and the scar tissue and the multiple facial lacerations make him look completely different then he did before he started this game. Sure, the 1.2 million he made for this fight will make a nice ice pack, but all of us at ringside hoped that the last few years of his career will still permit him to enjoy it. You might scoff at Gatti making over a million bucks for this fight, but I’ll just say that the near capacity crowd at Boardwalk Hall was there for Arturo Gatti, not Alfonso Gomez. Gatti, who fought his last nine fights at Boardwalk Hall, is the reason boxing still exists in Atlantic City in the first place. It was apparent that I wasn’t the only fan of Gatti. Even after the fight, in the wee hours of the morning, conversations could be heard about Gatti losing throughout the casinos. Not many fighters in history have such a close connection with a group of people. Gatti was never the best, and he may or may not be a Hall of Fame fighter, but you can bet that people will still be talking about Gatti all around the world, and not just casinos, until the end of time.

Gatti announced his retirement to HBO cameras a few minutes after he was stopped in the seventh round by “The Contender” alum Alfonso Gomez. Main Events president Kathy Duva entered the press conference with tears in her eyes, and said “all good things must come to an end.” A storybook career might have ended, but within 10 feet of each other three other fighters in the welterweight division were ready to take over for Gatti.

While the mood was light, you could still tell there was a hint of seriousness in the conversation. Paulie Malignaggi, dressed in a light colored suit, was seated in first row of the press conference and challenged Alfonso Gomez to a fight. Gomez felt honored by the challenge, being Malignaggi is a world champion. Kermit Cintron, who looked impressive in his two round knockout over Walter Matthysse, challenged both Gomez and Malignaggi. There was a lot said about Gatti “passing the torch” to Gomez, but in reality much of press row felt like it was being passed to Cintron. Cintron expressed interest in taking over for Gatti as the main man in Atlantic City, something Duva proudly welcomed. Cintron easily had the second best ovation of the night, making it apparent the tough Jersey crowd would fill the stands for him.

Bert Sugar has said, “Never fall in love with a fighter, they will always break your heart.” It was sad to see my idol end his career as a heap on the mat, but I can’t really say he ever broke my heart, or anyone else’s for that matter. Gatti was a breath of fresh air, as you always knew he would give 100 percent. Even in his last ditch efforts against Gomez he continued to throw the left hook that got him out of many jams before, but to no avail. In retirement the only jam he’ll have to worry about is if he should use the 3 or 4 iron when discussing a golf shot with friend Micky Ward.

Arturo Gatti Finally Does The Right Thing For Himself
www.boxingconfidential.com
Ronald Pegram
7/15/2007

Back in 1988, legendary female rapper MC Lyte scored a big hit with her song ‘Paper Thin’. In the song, Lyte used that phrase to describe a guy whose lies were easily detected. To this day, I’ve yet to hear a better ‘dis’ for something fake than the blistering but simplistic phrase paper thin.

After Saturday’s night fight between Arturo Gatti and Alfonso Gomez, HBO commentator Max Kellerman made the point that Gatti had been matched very carefully since moving up from junior lightweight 10 years ago. Kellerman’s point was that Gatti’s high point occurred with his wins over Tracy Harris Patterson in 1995 and 1997 and that Gatti had lost whenever he faced anyone of decent or even mid-level talent. Kellerman was definitely calling the claims that Gatti was a legend ‘paper thin’ but was he right?

Yes and no.

Lets talk seriously about Arturo Gatti without recapping a career that has been summarized brilliantly so many times. Gatti was a legitimate champion at junior lightweight. In that regard, he did far more than most participants in this sport will ever do and that’s become a legitimate world champion. He not only won the title but made a few thrilling defenses including a win over Gabriel Ruelas, a legitimately tough guy.

It was only after Arturo Gatti left the 130 lb division that the careful matchmaking began. But we can’t blame Gatti for that because Gatti wasn’t just securing his own financial future, he may have been saving HBO’s coverage of the sport in the process. Thus, if he is to be criticized for his matchmaking, we need look no further than HBO for a co-conspirator.

And that’s odd because I spent my early adulthood watching Pernell Whitaker on HBO. At the time, the commentating team of Jim Lampley and Larry Merchant understood the excitement that could be had by a man showing excellence in the art of hitting without being hit.

Yet, the folks at HBO must’ve wanted more action than their star Pernell Whitaker could provide. To that end, they came up with a great innovation to accomplish this and that was the debut of BAD (Boxing After Dark) in 1996. The premise behind BAD was evenly matched fights that meant something and promised lots of action. The glory days of BAD usually were better in terms of in-ring action than most of HBO’s showcase fights! HBO was onto something. The casual fan just wanted heart-pounding action and didn’t necessarily understand the nuances of clever boxing. It’s why Pernell Whitaker is mostly unknown outside of boxing circles and Mike Tyson remains a name to all.

Yet, who even needed BAD when all you had to do was put Gatti in a boxing ring to see drama? Gatti could make what was supposed to be a routine win against Ivan Robinson a life and death affair. And HBO loved it. If any fighter can be seen as the personification of a commentator’s preference, Arturo Gatti is the embodiment of Jim Lampley’s and Larry Merchant’s desire that fighters ‘fight’.

This is nothing new but fighters who fight like Gatti entertain us while killing themselves. Everyone enjoys an action fight but almost no one enjoys seeing the results of a career filled with fights like this. You didn’t have to look hard to see the fear many fans had after viewing a recent video of Gatti on Maxboxing.com. In that video, which was taped before the Gomez fight, Arturo rambled on during a taped interview, criticizing both a girlfriend and his ex-trainer Buddy McGirt. Arturo seemed punch drunk at times, slurring his words and behaving more aggressively than fans are accustomed to seeing. If life is fair, Arturo was just having a bad day and will be able to enjoy the rewards from his career.

So I’m pleased to see Arturo Gatti retire after the shellacking he took from Alfonso Gomez. His post-fight speech was the first time in a long time that Arturo appeared to be doing the right thing for Arturo. He can’t give us those selfish pleasures we’ve enjoyed for so long so rather than continue to pursue meaningless but potentially exciting fights, Gatti’s hanging it up. Good for you, Arturo. It’s time you enjoy life outside the ring.

And yes, Gatti’s success over 130 lbs may have been paper thin, but HBO was always too happy to accept that paper. Max Kellerman, as an employee of HBO, really doesn’t have a leg to stand on with his criticism. Gatti fought the way he did and the opponents he did because HBO supported every move.

And congratulations to Alfonso Gomez. Gatti made Gomez look like a two-fisted killer in the ring, and, although I suspect Gomez will look a lot more ordinary should he get a fight with a legitimate contender at 147 lbs, it’s nice to see a humble guy get a big break on television.

“Fighting Words” – A Requiem for Arturo Gatti
by David P. Greisman

These are the closing credits of “the Human Highlight Reel.”

Forty-nine fights. Forty wins. Thirty-one knockouts. Titles in two weight classes. Nearly two dozen appearances on HBO. Four fights-of-the-year.

Countless excitement.

Arturo Gatti built his reputation on giving everything he had and never giving up, on taking punishment and then digging into his huge reservoir of heart to return fire in an attempt to pull out a miracle.

There was Gatti, twice convincing the ringside physician that he could see well enough for the fight to continue, then rising from the stool to drop Wilson Rodriguez with a body shot in the fifth and finally putting him down for the count in the sixth. There was Gatti, his head bobbing up and down from Gabe Ruelas’ uppercuts, blood coming from below his left eye, ending the fight with a left hook that seemed to come out of left field. Fans flocked to his fights, where they became accustomed to seeing Gatti take far too many shots, to seeing his face swollen and the odds lengthened.

But not like this.

Not like how Gatti looked wobbling drunkenly toward his corner after six rounds of being surgically dismantled by Floyd Mayweather Jr. When then-trainer Buddy McGirt told Gatti that he was stopping the fight, Gatti protested out of pride, asking for one more round, but he ultimately stayed on his stool, his head cradled within McGirt’s arms.

Not like how Gatti looked in the ninth round against Carlos Baldomir, a left hook sending Gatti crumbling forward onto the canvas, from where he needed the ropes to lift himself up. The second knockdown saw Gatti fall flat on his back, and that was where he stayed, tired, trounced.

And not like how Gatti looked Saturday against Alfonso Gomez, when Gatti’s feet worked but not his fists, when there would be few of those desperate bombs thrown in hopes of a comeback, when New Jersey State Athletic Control Board chief Larry Hazzard Sr. had to step up into the ring to stop the bloodletting himself. Hazzard’s actions also ended the career of a local favorite, a fighter who had appeared nine straight times at Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall and 30 times in the state.

This is the opening scene of “the Human Highlight Reel.”

May 18, 2002. The Mohegan Sun casino in Uncasville, Conn. It is the ninth round of Arturo Gatti’s first war with Micky Ward. The momentum has repeatedly shifted over the course of the previous eight stanzas. This round would prove no different.

Ward came out fast, dropping Gatti in the opening seconds with his trademark combination of a left hook upstairs followed by a left hook to the liver. Gatti, wincing, rose from his right knee at the count of nine, only to get chased around the ring by a Ward looking to close things out.

Ward punched himself out, however, and Gatti came back with thudding body shots, vicious left hooks and stiff right crosses. This time, it was Gatti who expended too much energy, and Ward had recovered enough to leave Gatti reeling and essentially defenseless on the ropes.

HBO blow-by-blow announcer Jim Lampley called for referee Frank Cappuccino to step in and stop things, but the third man in the ring let the other two continue. Gatti, arms at his sides, stayed on his feet to finish off one of the sport’s best rounds in one of the sport’s best fights.

Flash back to previous years. Gatti’s career is a mix of highs and lows. A rise toward junior lightweight contention and a two-year title run. Three straight losses, one to Angel Manfredy and two to Ivan Robinson. Four straight wins that led him into a fight with Oscar De La Hoya, who made Gatti’s corner throw in the towel. Ten months off, followed by a stoppage of Terron Millett that began Gatti’s rebirth.

The great trilogy of fights with Ward not only cemented Gatti as a true entertainer, but it also launched the final phase of his career in which he would seek to show the boxing world that he could be a legitimate contender, too.

Gatti captured a vacant belt at junior welterweight, successfully defending it twice before losing to Mayweather, a defeat that marked the beginning of the end. For years, Gatti had struggled to make weight, ballooning in size by fight night but simultaneously increasing his tendency to swell up when punched in the face. The Mayweather loss was the last that Gatti would see of 140, a jump to welterweight giving him seven pounds of relief.

Gatti’s first bout in his new division came against Thomas Damgaard, an undefeated 34-year-old who had probably squandered his prime fighting pastries in front of a faithful Danish crowd. Gatti stopped Damgaard, and he still had enough drawing power that Carlos Baldomir chose him for the first defense of the Argentine’s welterweight championship.

Gatti would never win again.

At 140 and below, Gatti was often able to use advantages, either in speed or in size and strength, to overcome his other limitations. Moving up one division, though, brought him to a weight class populated by natural welterweights whose unimpressive knockout ratios didn’t necessarily indicate that they would have heavier hands than expected and chins battle-tested against bigger fighters.

Gatti was too small against Baldomir, and against Gomez he would again be too small – and too scarred by a lifetime of wars inside and out of the squared circle. With 356 days off since the Baldomir loss, Gatti’s mind may have felt rejuvenated, but his body failed to agree.

Gomez countered with right hands over Gatti’s jab, led with left hooks and limited Gatti’s offense to 74 total punches landed out of 358 thrown, including a pitiful power punch output of 113 launched and 29 on target. In the final minute of the seventh round, Gomez sent his right paw crashing into Gatti’s maw, knocking him down, splitting his lip and tearing out his heart.

Referee Randy Neumann, who had probably shown far too much respect for the battered warrior while Gomez beat Gatti from pillar to post, issued a count, but New Jersey’s Hazzard stepped in, doing what so many fans and observers would unfortunately admit was far too necessary.

Gatti’s long and storied career was over, the end for a fighter who was, through the years, a cult figure, a rock star, a blood-and-guts warrior, a man who represented so much of what people adore about the Sweet Science. He was neither a virtuoso boxer nor a menacing bruiser, but he was nonetheless deservingly on television screens, in feature articles, in the spotlight. He was a Rocky, an Italian Stallion, an everyman who had achieved his full potential and thereby received our approval.

This, then, is the scene leading into the closing credits of “the Human Highlight Reel.”

July 14, 2007. Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. Gatti, bleeding through a bandage over his lip, gives one last post-fight interview to HBO.

“He was just stronger than I was,” Gatti told interviewer Max Kellerman. “He’s a hungry fighter, a young fighter. I did my best. I came in thinking I could outbox him, but, you know, the ring was getting smaller and smaller with a bigger man. And it just sucks that from ‘40 to ‘47, it’s just a different me. I wish I could make 140 but it’s impossible. So, I don’t see myself continuing at 147. I want to retire. And I can’t be taking this abuse no more.”

Earlier in the night, Kellerman had compared Gatti to Bruce Willis’ John McClane, the protagonist of the Die Hard movies. In the post-fight interview, Gatti turned to the camera and waved, clearly with another action hero in mind.

“Hasta la vista, baby.”

Goodbye To Gatti - Again
www.eastsideboxing.com

15.07.07 - By Jim Amato: Arturo is probably my favorite boxer active today. What tremendous fights he has given boxing fans. The trilogy with Mickey Ward and his wars with Wilson Rodriguez and Gabe Ruelas, etc. He is a warrior in every sense of the word. As much as I like Arturo, I feel he has without a doubt reached the end of the line after being defeated by Alfonso Gomez. This was a fight that Arturo was not supposed to lose. Gatti could expect a tough fight but he was expected to go out a winner.

To me, Gomez is a naturally talented boxer with a great personality. He really won over the fans on The Contender reality TV show. Still, I thought he had limitations and I really didn't think he could beat Arturo Gatti, not even a fading version of Gatti. Whatever Gomez could do, Artuto could do better, thought.

Every match up, jab, hand speed, power, defense and ring generalship all favored Arturo. This is not a knock against Gomez, who can be quite a clever boxer when he chooses to. Gomez also has some sting to his punches and is better defensively then he is given credit for. He just does not do these things as well as Arturo, or so I thought. I also felt that Gatti had the edge in heart because of his proven track record against world class opposition. Gomez, though, had shown great heart in his performances, too.

How did I see the fight coming out beforehand? Honestly, I saw Gatti winning it. I envisioned him busting Gomez up early with his jab and sharp counter-punches. I thought he might even knock Alfonso down, but I doubted if he would be able to keep the gutsy Gomez on the canvas. I felt midway through the fight there would be some wild exchanges, as Arturo may get careless in his eagerness to put Gomez away. Finally, Gatti would settle down and get back to his game plan, chopping Gomez up with stinging rapid fire combinations.

It would be a nice payday and swan song for the most exciting boxer of this era, Arturo Gatti. Boy was I ever wrong. Arturo was handed a good old fashioned whipping by Gomez. Was Gomez that good or had Arturo slipped more then I realized? This remains to be seen. No doubt that Gomez has stepped up. How far he will go remains to be seen. It is now painfully obvious though that Arturo Gatti has reached the end of line. He may not have gone out a winner, but he'll always be remembered as a great warrior by the fans. Goodbye, Arturo.

Thank You Arturo Gatti!
July 19, 2007
www.fightnews.com
By Tom Casino
Photos: Tom Casino

http://aycu33.webshots.com/image/22232/2006284273491214524_rs.jpg

http://aycu12.webshots.com/image/21011/2006260926112809889_rs.jpg

I've been photographing boxing for 24 years and I have never seen more courage, heart and determination than I did in Arturo Gatti's fights.

Not just in one or two but in all of them. Win lose or draw Arturo gave everything he had and then some.

He is the poster boy for courage.

The irony is he is as nice outside the ring as he is tough in the ring.

When I first met Arturo (sixteen years ago) we called him "Arthur." I didn't know or think he was a fighter.

He was a pleasant, skinny, bushy haired kid. He was always respectful and friendly, just like he is today.

However, he did have a little mischievous streak in him, especially when teamed with his big brother Joe. I've been the victim of ever fun loving practical joke that they could imagine. I was on the receiving end of so many 'wet willies' that I thought about carrying q-tips.

Arturo could always take it as well as he could dish it out. I'll never forget the time we were at Burger King in Catskill and Joe pulled down Arturo's sweat pants while he was carrying his tray to the table and he wasn't wearing any underwear.

The young girls behind the counter seemed to enjoy it. If you listen to Arturo he would probably tell you that's how they came up with the term Whopper.

I had the rare pleasure to have attended his last amateur bout and to have photographed his pro debut.

I remember thinking that he was going to be a champion but I had no idea that my little friend Arthur would become a living legend.

I watched Arturo mature as a fighter and as a man. It is a great honor to know him and for him to call me his friend and to be part of his family.

I can't say enough about him so what I would like to say is: "Thanks for the memories and enjoy your retirement! Always know that your fans adore you! We know you did everything humanly and inhumanly possible in the ring to please us. We now want to see you happy and healthy, hanging out with all of us at the fights. You are a national treasure, no, an international treasure! Now you can use your hands to hold your beautiful daughter. You will probably overhear us telling stories about you, all good of course. Get the grill ready, I'll be over with the cigars!""

So Arturo, a heart felt thank you.

woot