27.01.07 – By James Slater: Word is the hugely popular and respected Arturo “Thunder” Gatti is going to box again. Apparently July 14th is the date, and Atlantic City is the venue. No opponent has been named yet, however. As much as we admire Gatti – a fighter who has already given way more than any fighter ever should in the ring – do we want to see him risk it one more time? Even though it would be great to see him go out on a winning note, I personally would prefer it if he fought no more. Let’s face it, how much can Arturo possibly have left inside? Not much, especially after the number of brutal and punishing fights he’s been involved in during a quite sensational career.
Last year, of course, he was stopped by Carlos Baldomir and before that, in 2005, he was ripped to pieces by Floyd Mayweather. And while one can fully understand how that is not the Arturo Gatti “Thunder” wants us to remember, the possibility exists that he could be made to suffer another painful experience when he steps back into the ring.
We don’t know who he will be in with, of course, but at this late and deteriorated stage of his fighting life ANY half decent contender would be in with a shot at beating him up. Is it worth the risk then? For anyone who cares as much about Arturo the person, as apposed to Arturo the entertainer, the answer is a definite no!
But, according to my colleagues at Seconds Out.com, Gatti will fight at least once more. At what weight and whether or not the bout will be against a champion remains to be seen. But it is apparent Arturo simply cannot rid himself of the boxing bug. In short, he loves to fight. He also loves pleasing his fans when he fights. Whether or not he is still capable of
doing so we will soon find out. Whatever happens, however, let’s just wish the courageous warrior good luck. He may need it.