Words By Prop Jay

Yesterday Heaven received another soul who departed from us way too soon. Arturo “Thunder” Gatti, the former USBA Super Featherweight Champion of the World, died from “trauma” to the head while in Brazil honeymooning with his second wife.

Reports are that the two fought earlier on in the night; Gatti at some point pushed his wife, Amanda Rodriguez, to the ground and then the two stormed off. Hours later, Gatti was found dead in their hotel room and the wife was taken away by the cops. Nothing formal has been said in regards to charges or suspects but it seems like Sherlock and Watson will be staying in London for the time being and the cops seem to already have their man (or, in this case, woman).

Gatti, was a champion in every sense of the word. What he lacked in talent he over compensated with heart, many times over. His ability to take as much punishment as he dished out was second to none and because of it, along with his passion for the sport, every performance by the man could be characterized as what legends are made of. He often could not live up to the challenges he faced in the ring, but with the character of a champion he epitomized what it takes to be a prizefighter and gave fans their money’s worth time after time.

In a sport filled with talents like the outspoken Mayweather, Gatti was always a breath of fresh air. Retiring in 2007 after a loss to “The Contender’s” Alfonzo Gomez, Gatti was currently involved in Real Estate in Montreal and contemplating a comeback. Unfortunately it wasn’t made to be, but what we can remember are the many epic efforts that this man put forth such as the larger-than-life battles against Mickey Ward.

Here is the Trilogy. Three of the greatest fights of all time, 2 of which were named “Fight of the Year.”

Arturo Gatti Vs. Mickey Ward 1

Arturo Gatti Vs. Mickey Ward 2

Arturo Gatti Vs. Mickey Ward 3

Arturo Gatti, Rest in Peace