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The News & Editorial section consists of commentary, insite, and background information related to the arts of fighting.
Category: News & Editorial
Arturo Gatti 1972-2009
by Jairo Espinosa
Arturo Gatti made quite a first and lasting impression when he burst onto the national boxing scene in 1995.
Already a popular fighter in the Northeast, especially in Atlantic City, Gatti expanded his fan base after capturing his first world title against Tracy Harris Patterson. For the next 12 years, the boxing public was treated to arguably the most exciting fighter of his generation.
Though born in Italy, Gatti’s family moved to Canada when he was a child. He first captured the junior welterweight title in 1995, when he defeated Tracy Harris Patterson in Atlantic City, N.J. His brawling style and natural charisma made him a fan favorite, and he became one of New Jersey’s adopted sons while fighting some of his most memorable battles on the Boardwalk. Having started his boxing career in 1991 at age 19; He had gone on to become one of the most successful and exciting Canadian boxers in history. And was involved in four ‘Ring Magazine Fight of the Year bouts.’
Gatti (40-9, 31 KOs), nicknamed “Thunder”, was best known for his all-action style, which was epitomized in his classic trilogy with Micky Ward in 2002 and 2003. Ward, was shocked at news that his 140-pound rival was dead: “I can’t believe it. I don’t know what to say. It’s just a shame. I’m in shock,” Ward said. “I was his trainer for the last fight of his career. We were fighters. We were close friends outside the ring. Inside is another story. I don’t know what to say.”
The former Junior Welterweight Champion was apparently strangled with the strap of a purse, which was found at the scene with blood stains, said Milena Saraiva, a spokeswoman for Pernambuco state civil police. She told the Associated Press that the Canadian boxer also had a head injury.Gatti was found dead Saturday in a hotel room in Brazil, where he was visiting with his Brazil-born wife, Amanda Rodrigues, and 1-year-old son. Gatti was 37.
Though born in Italy, Gatti’s family moved to Canada when he was a child. He first captured the junior welterweight title in 1995, when he defeated Tracy Harris Patterson in Atlantic City, N.J.
Arturo Gatti started his boxing career in 1991 at age 19 to become one of the most successful and exciting Canadian boxers in history. He was involved in four ‘Ring Magazine Fight of the Year’ bouts. His brawling style and natural charisma made him a fan favorite, and he became one of New Jersey’s adopted sons while fighting some of his most memorable battles on the Boardwalk.
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Alexis Arguello 1952 – 2009
Alexis Argüello (April 19, 1952 – July 1, 2009), was a former professional boxer known as “The Explosive Thin Man” who became a politician. As a boxer he was three time World champion. After his retirement from boxing, Argüello became active in Nicaraguan politics and in November 2008 he was elected mayor of Managua, the nation’s capital city. He allegedly committed suicide on July 1, 2009. (Alexis Arguello vs. Aaron Pryor (seen left))Arguello is ranked 20th on Ring Magazine’s list of 100 greatest punchers of all time.
| Belts and Awards: | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Ruben Olivares | WBA Featherweight Champion 23 Nov 1974– 1977 Vacates | Succeeded by Rafael Ortega |
| Preceded by Alfredo Escalera | WBC Super Featherweight Champion 28 Jan 1978– 1980 Vacates | Succeeded by Rafael Limon |
| Preceded by Jim Watt | WBC Lightweight Champion 20 Jun 1981– 1983 Vacates | Succeeded by Edwin Rosario |
| The Ring Lightweight Champion June 20, 1981 – February 1983 Vacated | Succeeded by Julio Cesar Chavez | |
