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Thunderstorm Coming to Atlantic City, Gatti looks to shut up Mayweather
FRI June 24, JASON HERRON - Arturo Gatti is tired. He's tired of all the talking. He's tired of all the waiting. He's tired of all the hype. On Saturday night, Gatti will get a chance to shut up the man who has been nagging him for the past six months. On Saturday night, Gatti will finally face Floyd Mayweather,
Jr.
The long thrilling career of Arturo Gatti has played itself out in several phases. The early years saw Gatti capture the junior lightweight championship and defend it in breathtaking style. In 1998, Gatti seemed to be finished, going 0-3 and looking like a shot fighter. The year 2002 brought a new attitude and a new trainer, Buddy McGirt. Gatti has gone 6-1 since, including arguably the greatest trilogy the sport has ever seen, with Micky Ward.
Mayweather will provide the toughest test for Gatti in his long and illustrious career. "Pretty Boy" brings an undefeated record (33-0, 22 KO's) and amazing hand speed to the fight. Gatti, (39-6, 30 KO's), is a huge underdog, but would have it no other way.
"I think Mayweather is one of the most talented fighters I have ever fought," Gatti said. "He has the ability. Tough? I don't know how tough he is."
The one knock on Mayweather is that he's never been in a tough war. Gatti knows a little something about wars in the ring. "He never did (have to dig deep) and we'll see how much balls he has," Gatti proclaimed. "I know I have a big heart and a lot of balls. I don't think he has that and I think he's going to need them on the 25th."
One thing Gatti will have is home ring advantage. The fight will take place at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, Gatti's adopted hometown. The sold-out crowd will be heavily pro-Gatti.
"I love Atlantic City," Gatti stated. "What I love is that they were there for me in the beginning and even when I had three losses in a row, they were still cheering for me and supporting me. I owe it to them. I love my fans and Atlantic City is a great place to be."
There's a lot at stake in this battle (the useless WBC junior welterweight belt means nothing). The winner will become a superstar in the sports world. The casual fan will start to pay attention to the victor's upcoming fights. Plus the winner could get a crack at the new Ring Magazine champ, Ricky Hatton.
For Gatti to win, he must impose his incredible will on Mayweather, to neutralize his incomparable quickness. "Thunder" knows this is the key. "He's never been in the situations I've been in," Gatti claimed. "He's got a lot to prove. As much as he talks? I'm ready to die in that ring. I know the way he is. I know when he's vulnerable."
For Gatti's sake, he better be right.
Prediction: I think this fight will have two chapters. The first half of the fight will feature Mayweather's incredible speed. I believe Gatti will be hurt on more than one occasion. But at some point, Gatti will catch Mayweather with one of legendary left hooks. Mayweather will taste the canvas and get up slowly. The second half of the fight will be a back-and-forth brawl. I can't believe I'm typing this, but here it is......UPSET!!!!!
Gatti will knock out Mayweather in the late rounds.
Jason's Prediction Record in 2005: 5-1.
The Gatti-Mayweather fight can be seen on HBO PPV Saturday night. The card begins at 9 pm ET.
Jason Herron can be reached at: jasondfd@hotmail.com.
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