Retires after loss to Gomez; Malignaggi calls out the victor
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.
