R.I.P. Arturo Gatti (1972-2009)

Sports Homicide 

By Distinio Lois, Jr.

First it was Alexis Arguello, then Steve McNair, and now Arturo “Thunder” Gatti. Which sports figure is next? That’s the mystery… Although, we know it comes in 3’s, and we now have three. Remember, Ed McMahon, Farah Fawcett, and then Michael Jackson? Sports and entertainment sharing death after tragic death.

What get’s me raw is the fact that, Arturo Gatti could’ve died in the boxing ring in any of his blood and guts fights. Who woulda thunk it? Arturo, 36, (retired just like Arguello and McNair) goes on vacation with his family and is found dead under mysterious circumstances. Arguello, 57, successful mayor of his town in Managua, Nicaragua, commits suicide, and McNair, 36, gridiron hero, husband and father of 4 boys is shot dead by his lover. Is this the proper way out for retired athletes, who risked life and limb in their respective sports?

Having interviewed Gatti several times, he always struck me as very funny and easy to talk to, but a tough-as-nails, super confident person. How did this happen to him? I’ve been wondering constantly, who or what would render Gatti so helpless, to be able to kill him after surviving several take-no-prisoners ring wars. What cut short his life after boxing and certain idolatry?

What Gatti accomplished and enjoyed in the ring in16 years, (40-9, 31 KO’s) winning 2 World Titles was legendary. Tragically he didn’t live long enough to enjoy it, much less his family. For certain he would’ve been idolized maybe not like Michael Jackson, but certainly along the lines of a Tito Trinidad, Oscar De La Hoya, Mike Tyson, etc.

Arturo Gatti was named “Thunder Gatti” because of his warrior style (donating more blood on the canvas than at the blood bank) and come-from-behind battles, namely his epic wars with Gabriel Ruelas and trilogy with Mickey Ward, who later became his closest friend and trainer.

There were times while watching Gatti fight his style reminded me of another ‘leave your heart in the ring’ warrior, Diego “Chico” Corrales (who was killed in a motorcycle accident shortly after he retired.) Is there a connection since they both thrived on an adrenalin rush way of living in or out of the ring? As a fan, I was indeed very happy when Gatti announced his retirement, when he lost to The Contender series participant, Alfonso Gomez. After that K.O. defeat, I knew that if Gatti continued to fight he would become just another stepping stone punching bag for some up-and-coming youngster looking to add Gatti’s name to his resume.

While watching some TV fights, after hearing the sad news of Gatti’s passing, I realized too swiftly that I would never see another “Thunder Gatti” in the ring. It may be many years of watching fights before anyone will yell, “Hey this guy reminds me of Arturo “Thunder” Gatti.” In what decade will I hear that? Quien Sabe!