Comments Thread For: “Fighting Words” – An Apologetic ‘No’ for Arturo Gatti

[Rapid Counter]

50 years from now people will still be comparing fighters to Gatti.

This alone is enough reason to be in the HOF in my opinion. No disrespect to Wepner but he is only remembered because he inspired Stallone to make the Rocky movies. And Stallone even managed to get into the HOF. Why? Because the Rocky movies inspired people and got people into boxing. Wepner took a beating from Ali, nobody ever expected him to win. Gatti took some beatings but many times pulled victory from the jaws of defeat. He was always one left hook away from victory and that's why people love him. That **** inspires people.

[crold1]

Good piece DG. I'm not voting for him either and I won't say sorry for it. H's not one of the ten best fighters on the ballot.

The end.

That said, he'll get in because the voting threshold is so low. As far as I know, the Modern rule is just top three gets in. That's it. That means, theoretically, even if 60% of voters don't vote for Gatti, he could still easily be the top vote getter and be inducted. It's a terrible standard that leaves the voters open to looking bad.

[crold1]

It's called "International" HOF but honestly I don't think anyone outside North America cares or knows much about it.

Not true at all. For instance, Khaosai Galaxy's people came one year and lobbied writers with highlight film etc. He got in shortly after.

They care and know.

[The Noose]

Wait....Sylvester Stallone gets in, but not Gatti?

*Havent read the article yet. *

[crold1]

Wait....Sylvester Stallone gets in, but not Gatti?

*Havent read the article yet. *

Not apples to apple. Sly got in for a different category. Not as a fighter. Now, whether there should even be a category for non-participants is another issue.

[devildg]

i have to agree with this, he's in the same category as Ray Boom Boom Mancini, very entertaining but not an elite.

The HOF must be reserved for those who've reached the pinnacle of the sport in terms of skills and resume

[Light_Speed]

Who cares who's in the hall of fame? Gatti is a legend in his own right, regardless of what some writers think.

PS: I love Gatti but it was frustrating to see his death overshadow the equally suspicious death of one of the best fighters ever : Alexis Arguello.

[fightdr]

Gatti had what the hall recognizes

When people are inducted into the hall of fame, it is an attempt to honor them in way that transcends time; in a way that acknowledges that their temporal achievements or attributes are worthy of timeless honor. As such, there is no cookie cutter way of ascribing such greatness, for with some, the sheer force of their accomplishments assures them of greatness. For others, there are intangible qualities that add to one's legend or the lore of the sport. And of course there are those cases where the combination of one's accomplishments and the qualities that they espouse, together become worthy of timeless recognition. While Gatti was in fact a champion several times over, his contribution to the sport cannot be reduced to this or any other statistic. What Gatti posessed was the greatest heart of anyone in the sport during his tenure; the degree to which he was willing to take punishment and still dig deep to garner the strength to recover and move forward. And that never say say die attitude is one of qualities that all the greats share to some degree and which others who were just good, lacked. Where boxing is considerred to be a metaphor for life, it is the inangible qualities of the heart that serve to inspire us. The reason Gatti's fights were so widely viewed, was because they touched all of us at that soulful, timeless level that even reminded each of us that we can fight harder within our own arenas. He may not have been the greatest champ who ever lived ,but he had the greatest heart of any champion of his time and he moved all of us in way that few in the sport ever did. Give him his due and put him in the hall; he has earned it and for all of the reasons we seek to immortalize greatness.

[deanrw]

It will be a travesty if he doesn't make it in. Its called the Hall of Fame not the Hall of Resume. Gatti brought in the fans and has inspired a generation of young fighters and fans alike. To be a master of the sweet science, to hit and not get hit, is an admirable thing but let's not forget that the sport as a whole is kept afloat by exciting fighters that bring in the casual fans. We need More fighters like Gatti and they need to be shown a little more respect..

The fans b1tch and moan when a boxer gives 50% in the ring because they are fighting with hurt pinky toe or when a fighter quits because of a cut.........the next time you see this happen and you feel like b1tching, remember Gatti and maybe you will appreciate him a little more.

Now this post ^^^ is keeping it real. Gatti carried the sport on his shoulders for many years. There were always better fighters around when he fought. None of them could capture fans like he could though. He was special. Not only should he get in, but Atlantic City should make a Bronze Statue of the guy.

[WESS]

In or not, Gatti will ALWAYS be remembered by TRUE and REAL fans of the sport!

He is and was a legend, just like Chico!