Arturo Gatti isn't a HOF

[The Big Dunn]

Arturo Gatti, one of the most beloved boxers in recent time was inducted into the Hall of Fame on December of 2012. I saw his first bout with Mickey Ward live and the trilogy after that. I respect that he was a crowd pleaser and has an iron heart. But for the love of boxing and the credibility of the HOF and the many greats enshrined in the HOF. Arturo Gatti is not a HOF! He neither has the resume nor the skills nor the domination to be there...

I didn't think he deserved to get in. I wouldn't have voted for him. I understand why he got in because he has been a part of a few legendary fights even though he himself is not a legendary fighter IMO.

[SalimShady1212]

I think he should be in the HOF for his contribution to boxing rather than just his accomplishments.

[da_beast]

The HOF isnt just for how elite you were as a fighter. Its about all facets of boxing and as Dan Rafael said Gatti was far and away the most over the top exciting fighter for a good few years that it wasnt even close.

People talk about the Ward fights but Gatti fought in stunners with Ruelas, Manfredy, Ivan Robinson..... the list goes on an on.

He headlined Boardwalk hall about 10 times and brought big time boxing nights back to Atlantic City. When Gatti fought it was big business and the fans had somewhat of a cult following for him.

He was a better amateur boxer than most realised and could box when he needed to and at times could have made his career easier if he used the skills he had but he knew the fans wanted blood and guts so would try and put on a show for them and abandon his boxing skills.

Granted at times he was dominated by the likes of oscar and floyd but look at oscar and floyds common opponents. Its a solid list. They fought him because he was big business and brought a cult following.

If the HOF was just about skills and on a pure fighting term then no he doesn't deserve to be there however its not and he gets in on other merits.

He inspired a generation of fans like me to get into boxing. I know so many people who started watching boxing more than your casual fans because of Gatti.

[deanrw]

What an idiotic post. Are you a simpleton? Did Augustus elevate the sports name in the same way Gatti did? Not even close. Absolutely piss poor comparison. Hopkins is boring but he is their for his acheivements. Gatti, through his trilogy with Ward and other fights, has shown boxing in its best possible light and as such made an enormous contribution to the reputation of the sport. I have no problem with him being there, most fans dont.

This ^. Most people just do not get what the Hall Of Fame is all about. So many say, he was at or barely above Journeyman level. They may be right. He also was a guy who every regular and casual fan knew, and tuned into. Everyone loved him, and everyone felt his glory and pain. He carried the sport for so many. He created other stars.

[zmm001]

The HOF isnt just for how elite you were as a fighter. Its about all facets of boxing and as Dan Rafael said Gatti was far and away the most over the top exciting fighter for a good few years that it wasnt even close.

People talk about the Ward fights but Gatti fought in stunners with Ruelas, Manfredy, Ivan Robinson..... the list goes on an on.

He headlined Boardwalk hall about 10 times and brought big time boxing nights back to Atlantic City. When Gatti fought it was big business and the fans had somewhat of a cult following for him.

He was a better amateur boxer than most realised and could box when he needed to and at times could have made his career easier if he used the skills he had but he knew the fans wanted blood and guts so would try and put on a show for them and abandon his boxing skills.

Granted at times he was dominated by the likes of oscar and floyd but look at oscar and floyds common opponents. Its a solid list. They fought him because he was big business and brought a cult following.

If the HOF was just about skills and on a pure fighting term then no he doesn't deserve to be there however its not and he gets in on other merits.

He inspired a generation of fans like me to get into boxing. I know so many people who started watching boxing more than your casual fans because of Gatti.

I somewhat agree with your points its the same argument that Barry Mcguigan has for being in that he was more than his resume but I just don't like the fact that there are superior fighters who may never get in. Look at Vernon Forrest his two wins against roided up Mosley are better than Gatti's entire career and he will probably never get in that makes me feel uneasy.

[Left Hook Tua]

Come on man. The guy used to get beat on by practically every big name at the time. Give him some credit. Lol

All jokes aside, He was entertaining as hell and seemed liked a pretty good dude.

he got beat on by some c level fighters.

[zmm001]

he got beat on by some c level fighters.

Was Micky Ward even a C level fighter C- or D+

[Da Machine]

If we're talking pure ability, accomplishments and resume. Then no he doesn't. I wish that's how the hof worked in boxing but it doesn't.

[junior gong]

I didn't think he deserved to get in. I wouldn't have voted for him. I understand why he got in because he has been a part of a few legendary fights even though he himself is not a legendary fighter IMO.

Of course you wouldnt, but thats because you're not a boxing fan.....You're a floyd fan and as such belong to the least knowledgable and most racist fanbase in the sport. People like you dont get fighters like Gatti. I'm 99% sure the only Gatti fight you have seen is his one against floyd.

[The Big Dunn]

Of course you wouldnt, but thats because you're not a boxing fan.....You're a floyd fan and as such belong to the least knowledgable and most racist fanbase in the sport. People like you dont get fighters like Gatti. I'm 99% sure the only Gatti fight you have seen is his one against floyd.

Or, I'm from Jersey and have seen more of Gatti's fights than most, especially you.

I also met Gatti and flew home from the ODH/Bhop fight seated next to him. Talked to him the whole flight home.

Thread is about Gatti-not Floyd.

Since you think he belongs, I am sure my opinion he doesn't is correct.