Baldomir Batters Gatti to Retain World Championship!

22.07.06 – By Sean Ocampo: It was the amazing fight that we all expected but the most amazing warrior we have seen in recent years in boxing lost and possibly considering retirement. Carlos “Tata” Baldomir (43-9-6, 13 KOs) retained his WBC Welterweight Championship against two-time world champion Arturo “Thunder” Gatti (40-8, 31 KOs) via 9th round TKO. It was Baldomir’s first defense of his World Title since winning it from former Undisputed Welterweight Champion Zab Judah. While for Gatti it was his 2nd defeat in his last 3 fights..

Baldomir was able to impose his size and appears to be stronger than Gatti. He stalked Gatti all througout the fight and knew what the challenger will bring to the table. The champion and his team deviced the right game plan to beat Gatti. Baldomir was able to beat “the blood and guts warrior” to the punch and was able to counter beautifully. He was able to land his right hands accurately along with his popping jabs. Gatti simply has no answer with Tata’s punches.

In the 6th round, the champion threw a vicious left hook to the body that was blocked and landed to Gatti’s forearm. The shot was able to cause problems to Gatti’s main weapon which is the right hand. According to Arturo, his wrist was like locked when Baldomir’s shot landed to his forearm. That caused his inability to use his right through the remainder of the fight and possibly the beginning of the end for Gatti.

Gatti showed glimpses of his old self in some points of the fight but it wasn’t enough to give the champion Baldomir trouble. Baldomir was able to win exchanges and he was all over Gatti. During the 9th round, trouble continued to haunt Gatti. Baldomir was able to corner Gatti in the ropes and threw vicious punches Gatti’s head. Gatti was fighting with heart in that point but heart is not enough to prevent Baldomir’s left hook from coming. The hook landed flush to Gatti’s jaw and down goes Gatti for the first time in the fight. The warrior barely beat the count and looks pretty much done at that point. Baldomir continued the pummeling after the count prompting the referee to stop the fight after the second knockdown.

What’s next for both fighters?

The win is perhaps his best performance to date. He looks much more impressive than his win over the much younger and faster Zab Judah. The man is now oozing with confidence and looking for serious challenges in the future. He’s looking for possible big money fights with WBA Welterweight Champion Ricky Hatton and Pound for Pound King Floyd Mayweather.

For Arturo Gatti, this fight is possibly his last (hopefully). The “blood and guts warrior” doesn’t need unnecessary punishment that would cripple him for life. He has given us classics and guts all throughout his career. It’s time hang the human highlight gloves for good.

I like would to take this opportunity to thank Arturo “Thunder” Gatti for all the great fights he gave boxing. You’re truly the “Human Highlight Film” and the only “Blood and Guts Warrior” in boxing. You simply gave us “Thunder” all throughout your career.