Gatti v. Vargas: Hall of Fame Worthiness

[Mr. Ryan]

I think Gatti is the more worthy, but not by much. Gatti won his first title at 130 from Patterson, who won a title vacated by Genaro Hernandez. Then he took a 140 title vacated by Tszyu. Not the most impressive credentials. He has given us some great fights, but WTF hes never beaten a great fighter. 7 losses is also kinda eye catching, especially with Solomon, Robinson twice, and Ward in the L column.

Vargas simply was moved too quick and as a result burned out early. He had world class talent, I mean the guy was special. He was an awesome offensive fighter with incredible speed. He didn't accomplish as much as he could've as a result of his hardluck dossier at a young age, so I don't think he qualifies.

I don't think either should be in, but nowadays they seem to be letting them all in.

[DiegoFuego]

Other people have told me the Hall of Fame lets pretty much everybody in and it isn't based on career success but rather fan popularity and such. If it was based on actually being an exception fighter, neither one of these guys should come anywhere close to Hall of Fame status.

[amagnin]

Other people have told me the Hall of Fame lets pretty much everybody in and it isn't based on career success but rather fan popularity and such. If it was based on actually being an exception fighter, neither one of these guys should come anywhere close to Hall of Fame status.

Factoring out all of the popularity and stuff and sticking to boxing... I don't think Vargas is all that far off. If Trinidad doesn't low blow him, he had a very good chance of winning that fight. If he wins that fight, maybe he performs better down the line. For example, if he lost to DLH and split with Mosley. So basically if Trinidad follows the rules of boxing and general sportsmanship, Vargas might have made it.

[psychopath]

There's no way Vargas can be a HOFamer. He won some good one but lost all his big fights.

Gatti is still argueable and still have a better chance especially if he beats Baldo this weekend.

But I think neither of them deserves to be in the HOF. They are just well loved exciting fighters but nothing really exceptional in their accomplishments.

[BLOODSHED]

But part of what made Vargas not really reach his potential was because he took on too much too soon. That IS respectable.

Gatti on the otherhand never had it. Never was an elite fighter.

Vargas was an elite fighter and top pound for pound in his day.

People dissing Vargas give me the impression that they haven't been watching boxing for a long time.

Other people have told me the Hall of Fame lets pretty much everybody in and it isn't based on career success but rather fan popularity and such. If it was based on actually being an exception fighter, neither one of these guys should come anywhere close to Hall of Fame status.

[BLOODSHED]

Fernando beat Quartey and Winky. Both are better than Gatti and better than anyone Gatti has beaten. How the hell is Gatti still in the running but Vargas isn't?

There's no way Vargas can be a HOFamer. He won some good one but lost all his big fights.

Gatti is still argueable and still have a better chance especially if he beats Baldo this weekend.

But I think neither of them deserves to be in the HOF. They are just well loved exciting fighters but nothing really exceptional in their accomplishments.

[amagnin]

But part of what made Vargas not really reach his potential was because he took on too much too soon. That IS respectable.

Gatti on the otherhand never had it. Never was an elite fighter.

Vargas was an elite fighter and top pound for pound in his day.

People dissing Vargas give me the impression that they haven't been watching boxing for a long time.

This is why I made the post. I am in total agreement with you that Vargas may have been the shooting star that burned out faster but that was because he burned brighter than Gatti ever did/could. Vargas was considered a top opponent for DLH, Trinidad, even Mosley. Gatti is a sacraficial lamb for big name fighters like DLH; Mayweather; etc. If Gatti were to win this weekend, he would be closer to an equal with Vargas. Not that Baldomir represents an elite opponent but it gives him the right to claim a linear championship in a weight class.

[psychopath]

Factoring out all of the popularity and stuff and sticking to boxing... I don't think Vargas is all that far off. If Trinidad doesn't low blow him, he had a very good chance of winning that fight. If he wins that fight, maybe he performs better down the line. For example, if he lost to DLH and split with Mosley. So basically if Trinidad follows the rules of boxing and general sportsmanship, Vargas might have made it.

Dude HOF is all about accomplishments nothing else. You have a lot of IFs in there Just lay out all what these 2 boxers have accomplished and you'll have a clear indication if they'll qualify or not.

[amagnin]

Dude HOF is all about accomplishments nothing else. You have a lot of IFs in there Just lay out all what these 2 boxers have accomplished and you'll have a clear indication if they'll qualify or not.

If you read the beginning of the post you will see that I don't think either make it. I was sort of playing devil's advocate there by trying to show that Vargas should be a lot closer than Gatti. With a little different luck or management he might be a surefire HOFer today. But that is not how it went down as you rightly point out.

[BLOODSHED]

And what are Gatti's accomplishments and who has he beaten ?

Dude HOF is all about accomplishments nothing else. You have a lot of IFs in there Just lay out all what these 2 boxers have accomplished and you'll have a clear indication if they'll qualify or not.