Arturo “Thunder” Gatti, one of boxing’s most exciting fighters of all time, died last Saturday at age 37. What can be said about a guy who left everything he had in the ring? All you need to do is watch one Gatti fight to understand how he impacted the sport, and a region. Born in Italy, Thunder moved to Montreal when he was young but spent most of his career training in Jersey City. Gatti fought countless times on the Jersey Shore, gaining thousands of followers from the area over his 16 year career. Gatti retired in 2007.
His storied trilogy with junior welterweight Mickey Ward will be shown in its entirety this Saturday on HBO. If you haven’t seen a Gatti fight, take a minute this Saturday to witness one of boxing’s greats. Great not because of his power, fame or fight record. Great because he fought with everything he had each time he stepped into the ring, regardless of his opponent. New Jersey’s adopted son will be missed greatly. RIP Arturo Gatti 1972 - 2009
Leave your Gatti memories here.
My first live fight was Gatti vs. Daamguard in 2006. It was also Gatti’s last win as a pro fighter. Although not the most impressive win, Gatti excited the Boardwalk Hall crowd all night. An unforgettable fighter who will be missed.
Goose
July 15th, 2009