ARTURO GATTI, hall of famer?

[hollister]

I think that depends, did Graziano get in?
Did Basilio get in? Bonavena? LaMotta?
I realize that Basilio and Lamotta beat Robinson, but my point is
that none of those fighters were exceptionally skilled or talented, they won mosly on heart, desire, and conditioning.
And all of them had very exciting fights. So...

[Derranged_]

In a lot of Arturo Gatti's interviews, they have asked him if the thinks he deserves to go into the hall of fame. he says he does because of all the outstanding action fights hes put on, how he was able to change his style, and because he has fought some of the best ever (DLH, PBF) even in losing efforts.

I think he should get into the hall of fame personally, not because of the competition he faced, but because he is what boxing is all about. Hes has great heart and that is something boxing lacks today. He is still the face of boxing IMO, not PBF, and i think he should always be remembered. What better way to be remembered then put into the hall?

I agree with you about Gatti deserving hall of fame status, but not this statement. I think that boxing today, has many fighters who have alot of heart and will put it on the line everytime they fight. Gatti's definitely one of em, and how about Diego Corrales, Lamon Brewster, Manny Pacquino, etc...

[DiegoFuego]

I think that depends, did Graziano get in?
Did Basilio get in? Bonavena? LaMotta?
I realize that Basilio and Lamotta beat Robinson, but my point is
that none of those fighters were exceptionally skilled or talented, they won mosly on heart, desire, and conditioning.
And all of them had very exciting fights. So...

they also beat better fighters than Arturo Gatti has ever beat

[TheEvilSaint]

hey if guys like pipino cuevas, ingemar johansson, and jeff fenech can get into the HOF, then gatti should be inducted, too.

[DiegoFuego]

Gatti fans are just being ridiculous. End of story. He's a great, great fighter to watch and boxing loves him, but he is not and never will be a great fighter. Look at the guys he beat to win titles. And I say titles because Gatti never won championships, he won paper titles that nobody else wanted or needed. Beating Baldomir makes him the recognized welterweight champion, but everybody on the planet knows the division is a big mess right now. Somebody has to step up and beat 2 of the 5 best to be considered the man at welterweight and that's something Gatti can't and won't even try to do. Stop feeling sorry for him just because you enjoy his fights. He is not HOF material. Get over it and enjoy him while he's here.

[TheEvilSaint]

I think that depends, did Graziano get in?
Did Basilio get in? Bonavena? LaMotta?
I realize that Basilio and Lamotta beat Robinson, but my point is
that none of those fighters were exceptionally skilled or talented, they won mosly on heart, desire, and conditioning.
And all of them had very exciting fights. So...

bonavena's not in the HOF.

[hollister]

bonavena's not in the HOF.

He's not? Oh, ok I was just kind of posing the question, and trying to think of some exciting fighters off the top of my head.
That's my only point though, that if they DID put him in, he wouldn't be the first less than stellar fighter to be inducted.
I personally like him but I don't think he should go.

[oldgringo]

Based purely on accomplishments and level of opposition, he's not even close. However, he'll most likely be inducted since the boxing HOF is pretty horrible; they let anyone in.

Exactly. It's not like the basketball HOF or baseball HOF where great figures like Adrian Dantley and Buck O'Neil aren't in. Everyone and their mother makes it into the boxing HOF.

I'd compare this to Tracy McGrady making the HOF.

[PATO 1]

or barry mcguigan

[MetalVomit]

Gatti may make it, but if he wins on Saturday, consider it a lock.