Boxing fans will always remember Arturo Gatti as a man with charisma, heart, desire, and courage – everything a fighter needs.
However, when he turned pro in 1991, nobody could foresee what would transpire for a young Italian-born teenager from Canada named Gatti.
Boasting a name sounding like a gangster from an old mafia movie, Gatti was ready to embark on a run in the paid ranks after missing out on a place at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona, Spain.
Remembering Arturo Gatti Gatti turned over on the undercard of 1984 gold medalist Mark Breland’s victory over Henry Anaya Jr. The debut occurred at the Meadowlands Convention Center in Secaucus, New Jersey.
Also competing on the bill was Arturo’s older brother Joe, who was four years into his career in the middleweight ranks.
Both siblings were triumphant on the night. Joe won on points in a closely-fought majority decision, whilst Arturo got off and running with a technical knockout in the third round of four.
Participating in four bouts over the next ten months, everything seemed straightforward for the newly-turned 20-year-old after four first-round knockouts on the spin.
Stepping up to six stanzas a month later, Gatti was taken the distance for the maiden time in his career on the Michael Moorer vs Bert Cooper event.
Gatti suffers a first loss Six months out followed, until Gatti then came back to suffer the first big disappointment of his career.
Shocked by a debated split decision, Gatti lost to King Soloman. It was the first sign that Gatti needed bigger and brighter lights in order to get himself up for the crowd.
Dusting himself down, Gatti blasted out eleven of his next twelve opponents early. He picked up the USBA super-featherweight crown along the way.
By this time, elder brother Joe had seen a world title shot ending in dismay before losing for the fourth time in March 1994. Rafael Williams, who had thirteen defeats on record, almost put Joe out to pasture in Melville.
In 1995, as Arturo pushed towards a championship chance of his own, Joe was losing again to James’ Buddy’ McGirt. Contrasting paths were about to be pushed even further apart.
TV network interest Gatti was gaining attention for his boyish good looks, power, and excitement. Many of those sharing the ring with Arturo were falling early, and the TV networks were taking notice.
HBO had world title plans for the younger Gatti. In that December, he’d challenge Tracey Patterson for the IBF super-featherweight title.
It was Gatti’s big opportunity to shine. It meant a debut at the world-famous Madison Square Garden was on the cards.
Patterson fought hard to retain his belt, although it was Gatti’s moment. He took the red strap to elevate his reputation further. The New York crowd loved him, and Arturo loved them back.
Three defenses in five wins followed as Gatti cemented himself as one of the major players at 130 pounds. By 1998, it was time to move up to lightweight.
