By James Slater: Relax. It’s not quite as bad as you think. But, yes, you did read the title of this article correctly. Apparently, as was the case with Iran Barkley last month, Arturo Gatti wants to fight again, in an exhibition event at least. Gatti is scheduled, according to Box-Rec. com, to take part in a three-rounder against an as yet TBA on March 22nd, in Delaware. The card will be headlined by a Aaron Torres-Michael Stewart six-rounder at light-middleweight..
It seems then, even though Gatti’s bout is only a three round exhibition, that “Thunder” just cannot get the boxing bug out of his system. But what will this exhibition on March 22nd lead to? If he feels good in there will the massively popular 35-year-old get the desire to box again for real? Let’s face it, “The Human Highlight Reel” has made more returns to the ring when appearing to be finished than many a fighter. Is it possible, then, that Arturo is simply testing the water, as it were, in this latest return to, at least partial action?
Will the fans buy yet another fight from the now 40-9(31) Gatti? A “farewell” type of bout would more than likely sell, and who knows, if he’s matched safely enough Gatti could well win it. But then what? Knowing Gatti, a natural born fighter who seems to be in danger of not knowing what else to do with his time, he would then want to box for one more world title.
Gatti seems to be a classic example of a once great warrior not knowing when to quit, and stay that way. Non boxing people have long since given up trying to figure out what makes the greats come back again and again, and as is the case with Evander Holyfield, it is very hard for Gatti to listen to experts who have never boxed in their lives anyway. Still, all this considered, it did seem as though Gatti would truly retire and remain retired after the beating he took last time out Vs. Alfonso Gomez. How many bad beatings did that loss make for Arturo and his unbelievably tough career? Try five, at least.
If he is indeed contemplating yet one more “real” comeback, as apposed to just an exhibition bout and nothing more, Gatti will have those people who care about him very worried indeed. The alarm bells are not yet at full volume, but there is at the very least a faint sound of unease in the air – as Box-Rec.com’s schedule page for the month of March will attest.