Gatti better not be inducted into the Hall of Fame.

[Amsterdam]

But I am afraid that he will be inducted. Discuss.

[kg0208]

But I am afraid that he will be inducted. Discuss.

If he is, they better explain their criteria.

Once we know what it is, someone else can start a NEW HoF and we WON'T use that criteria.

[Zakman]

But I am afraid that he will be inducted. Discuss.

Y'know, I'm usually with you on this - the HOF should be reserved for the "greatest of the great." But if somebody like Rocky Graziano is in the Hall, on essentially the same grounds of being an exciting "do or die" warrior, I can actually see the rationale for inducting Gatti.

[Fab2333]

But I am afraid that he will be inducted. Discuss.

He better not b, like I been saying for the longest. I never thought Gatti was an elite fighter. He wasnt the greatest of boxers to me. He just has a lot of heart and could take a good shot. And he was in some entertaining wars is why people like him. And why he has a name. He keeps gettin his ass beat evrytime he steps into the ring. I mean i appreciate the entertainment. But HOF caliber I dont think so

[sues2nd]

But I am afraid that he will be inducted. Discuss.

On a pure skill standpoint, I agree with you...but there are some things you have to also take into account.

One, he is two division world champion....and also has a great overall record, with some wins over some good to very good fighters (tho admittingly, he lost everytime he fought a great one).

Two, he is arguably the most exciting fighter of this generation. He has given this sport some of its most memorable fights EVER....which brought alot of attention and new fans to boxing.

He is well loved and is a HUGE draw....still, even as his skills have declined so far. There are very few fighters of the past 10 years that can claim to have a bigger fan base then him.

And dont forget, he wouldnt be the worst boxer in there ya know.

Do I feel he should be in......probably....but it would be a tough call in all honesty.

[Thread Stealer]

Well, I know that it is the Hall of Fame and not Hall of Great, but there are some standards.

There's plenty of guys who are eligible for the HOF that aren't in, and they should be inducted way before Gatti ever is.

Starling, Curry, Benn, Eubank, DeJesus, B. Mitchell, etc.

There is NO way that Gatti should be enshrined in Canastota before Brian Mitchell.

[jyuza]

We have seen worst case inducted in the HOF but I think Gatti doesn't deserve it either.

[Fab2333]

Well, I know that it is the Hall of Fame and not Hall of Great, but there are some standards.

There's plenty of guys who are eligible for the HOF that aren't in, and they should be inducted way before Gatti ever is.

Starling, Curry, Benn, Eubank, DeJesus, B. Mitchell, etc.

There is NO way that Gatti should be enshrined in Canastota before Brian Mitchell.:thumbsup
i agree 100%

[digiram]

Well, I know that it is the Hall of Fame and not Hall of Great, but there are some standards.

There's plenty of guys who are eligible for the HOF that aren't in, and they should be inducted way before Gatti ever is.

Starling, Curry, Benn, Eubank, DeJesus, B. Mitchell, etc.

There is NO way that Gatti should be enshrined in Canastota before Brian Mitchell.

Damn.....None of them that you've listed are in the Hall of Fame yet???

WTF????

[kg0208]

For me, fame and excitement should not be part of HoF criteria. In every other sport, its about accomplishments and greatness.

[Amsterdam]

On a pure skill standpoint, I agree with you...but there are some things you have to also take into account.

One, he is two division world champion....and also has a great overall record, with some wins over some good to very good fighters (tho admittingly, he lost everytime he fought a great one).


His best win is Tracy Patterson, not exactly awe inspiring. This is a guy who gets KOed against Manfredy and loses 1 to Micky Ward.

Two, he is arguably the most exciting fighter of this generation. He has given this sport some of its most memorable fights EVER....which brought alot of attention and new fans to boxing

Never found him exciting honestly, he was overrated and his fights were sloppy and the casual fan eats it up because it is closer to the Rocky films that they feel are closer to true boxing than actual boxing.

To me, Erik Morales and Diego Corrales are superior blood and guts warriors and had the skill to be in the same shelf with past greats.

He is well loved and is a HUGE draw....still, even as his skills have declined so far. There are very few fighters of the past 10 years that can claim to have a bigger fan base then him.

That's because most of his fans aren't educated fans like us.

And dont forget, he wouldnt be the worst boxer in there ya know.

This is the real shame....


Do I feel he should be in......probably....but it would be a tough call in all honesty.


There is no way he should be in. He took a lot of beatings and produced KO's, at the second tier level mind you and his italian ancestry and similiarities to Rocky Balboa as a blood and guts head first warrior was why he was more known and popular than a true elite level blood and guts guy like Erik Morales.

Gatti doesn't deserve to be mentioned in the same sentence as Morales, thus why he doesn't belong in the hall of fame.

[therealdeal]

In 5 years when Gatti and El Terrible are being enshrined in Canastota, I will be there.

Maybe Holfyield will retire after the Ibragimov fight and I'll get to see them all.

[Motor City Sam]

Well, I know that it is the Hall of Fame and not Hall of Great, but there are some standards.

There's plenty of guys who are eligible for the HOF that aren't in, and they should be inducted way before Gatti ever is.

Starling, Curry, Benn, Eubank, DeJesus, B. Mitchell, etc.

There is NO way that Gatti should be enshrined in Canastota before Brian Mitchell.

Erratic, nice mention of Brian Mitchell, who gets overlooked sometimes.

I think the hype that Gatti has gotten in recent years by being a HBO favorite is going to work in his favor. I don't think he has the credentials to be there, but some guys have been inducted in the past who I thought weren't HOF worthy. I'll put it this way: I don't think he should be in, but it wouldn't surprise me if he makes it.

[sues2nd]

For me, fame and excitement should not be part of HoF criteria. In every other sport, its about accomplishments and greatness.

I think we are downplaying his accomplishments here....

I mean he has a very good record, with 3 losses coming basically when he was already past it.

He has beaten some good to very good fighters (Ward, Leija, Gamache, Rueles, Patterson, etc.).

He is also a two division world champion.

Like I said, its close...but I gotta disagree in the fact that you guys are saying it would be a disgrace if he was inducted....yet, we all can agree that there are quite a few fighters in there already who were lesser skills, lesser accomplishment wise and are just in there on similar cases.

[kg0208]

I think we are downplaying his accomplishments here....

I mean he has a very good record, with 3 losses coming basically when he was already past it.

He has beaten some good to very good fighters (Ward, Leija, Gamache, Rueles, Patterson, etc.).

He is also a two division world champion.

Like I said, its close...but I gotta disagree in the fact that you guys are saying it would be a disgrace if he was inducted....yet, we all can agree that there are quite a few fighters in there already who were lesser skills, lesser accomplishment wise and are just in there on similar cases.

But they shouldn't be in there either IMO. He never beat an elite fighter and while he was a 2 division title holder, he never unified any titles either.

The standards need to be raised across the board. Other sports only allow ATG into their HoF.

[Fab2333]

His best win is Tracy Patterson, not exactly awe inspiring. This is a guy who gets KOed against Manfredy and loses 1 to Micky Ward.



Never found him exciting honestly, he was overrated and his fights were sloppy and the casual fan eats it up because it is closer to the Rocky films that they feel are closer to true boxing than actual boxing.

To me, Erik Morales and Diego Corrales are superior blood and guts warriors and had the skill to be in the same shelf with past greats.



That's because most of his fans aren't educated fans like us.



This is the real shame....



There is no way he should be in. He took a lot of beatings and produced KO's, at the second tier level mind you and his italian ancestry and similiarities to Rocky Balboa as a blood and guts head first warrior was why he was more known and popular than a true elite level blood and guts guy like Erik Morales.

Gatti doesn't deserve to be mentioned in the same sentence as Morales, thus why he doesn't belong in the hall of fame.:deal:thumbsup damn good post

[Fab2333]

2 b in teh boxing HOF, or any HOF rather, it should be soley based on your accomplishmets in the ring. What you have done for the sport.

IN Baseball, you get in by how many world championships you have or hits, rbi's homeruns. Its all based on stats. Same thing with evry other sport. Its stats, accomplishments etc.
And quite frankly Gatti hasnt done anything to be a HOF. He will b remembered by fans all over the world for the wars he was in. And thats where it shoudl stop. As far as HOF he shouldnt be there period

[brooklyn1550]

Looking at accomplishments and skill level, Gatti is no where near HOF caliber. But throw in his wars and all of the thrills he gave to his fans and you've got a guy who is a potential HOFer. Personally, I am indifferent - I don't care one way or another. If he gets in, great for him, but if he doesn't, fine by me.

[sues2nd]

But they shouldn't be in there either IMO. He never beat an elite fighter and while he was a 2 division title holder, he never unified any titles either.

The standards need to be raised across the board. Other sports only allow ATG into their HoF.

I have to first comment on something in your other reply.

I believe excitement SHOULD count when bringing up names for the HOF. Bringing fans to the sport is just as important as anything else when talking about keeping a sport alive.

Case in point...after Corrales passed, there was a post that really hit home to me....Someone had said that he may not have been the best or most skilled fighter in the sport, but if everyone fought like Chico, boxing would be the #1 sport in the world. And ya know what? I dont think you could say that any better....but if we replace Corrales' name with Gatti's, the same thing would ring true.

Why would this not be important when discussing a fringe HOFer?

Should it be the sole criteria, NOOOOOOO! But, it should come into play.

Also, you mentioned that he never unified a division...but neither did many fighters who should ******t consideration for HOF (someone mentioned Brian Mitchell....who never unified the only division he ever won a title in....but I do think he is deserving for other reasons).

Do I think that there are plenty of people in there that shouldnt be? YES! Do I think that is a travesty? YES! But, on the criteria that they have selected in the past (right or wrong), do I think it would be a travesty to see Gatti enshrined as well? NO!

:good

[Thread Stealer]

Gatti's trilogy with "Irish" Micky Ward (2-1) is widely considered one of the most thrilling in boxing history and cemented his reputation as a ring warrior.


It was one of the most overrated. It's not even a top 3 trilogy of the past 15 years.

It had one great fight, and it the trilogy was one-sided as a whole. Gatti-Ward 3 is the 2nd best fight of the trilogy, and it wouldn't make my top 5 list for Gatti fights OR Ward fights.

[pit]

Criteria is if PBF beats them, cries happy tears because of it then gets bump into the #1 p4p ranking because of it..you are def HOF'er..:deal

and your going to the hall of fame for being boxing all time idiot :lol:

Floyd did not get bumped because he beat Gatti you dumb ass.

[Fab2333]

and your going to the hall of fame for being boxing all time idiot :lol:

Floyd did not get bumped because he beat Gatti you dumb ass.:rofl:rofl:rofl:rofl:rofl Carlito, stop posting already, you are making yourself look like more of an idiot than you already is in teh sight of 98% of evry1 on esb lol.

[China_hand_Joe]

In terms of how good he is, Gatti would be about on par with Gavin Rees.

[Alo2006]

and your going to the hall of fame for being boxing all time idiot :lol:

Floyd did not get bumped because he beat Gatti you dumb ass.

:rofl

[Amsterdam]

In terms of how good he is, Gatti would be about on par with Gavin Rees.

I agree. Though he has more power.

[PolishPummler]

This again.....

Fight of The Year

1997: Arturo Gatti KO5 Gabriel Ruelas
1998: Ivan Robinson W10 Arturo Gatti (fight #1)
2002: Micky Ward W10 Arturo Gatti I
2003: Arturo Gatti W10 Micky Ward III

Knockout Of The Year

1997: Arturo Gatti KO5 Gabriel Ruelas

Upset Of The Year

1998 - Ivan Robinson SD 10 Arturo Gatti

Comeback of The Year

2002: Arturo Gatti

Round Of The Year

1997 Gatti-Ruelas, Round 5
1998 Robinson-Gatti II, Round 3
2002 Ward-Gatti I, Round 9

IBF Super Featherweight Champion
WBC Light Welterweight Champion

Fought on HBO more than any fighter in History(20+times)Sold out venues(mostly in AC)everytime he fought for well over a decade.

Like a Tyson or a De La Hoya he has the rare gift of attracting non Boxing fans.

Fought in one of the most memorable trilogies in the History of Boxing.

Not everyone in the HOF he is a Robinson,Ali,Marciano,Leonard.The HOF is full of blood and guts warriors and stars of there time as Gatti is.

And most importantly it would be an absolute SHAME if our generation did not immortalize Gatti for future generations to know about...afterall he has been a premiere fight for years(attraction wise).

[Amsterdam]

The Ring magazine has lost all credibility with me lately.

[PolishPummler]

Actually Gatti should be inducted in the Hall of Shame...I mean what kind of a role model is he??? Get in the ring way past your days and get beat up almost to a coma... I mean retire gracefully

Umm...that is the case with many fighters.

Roy,Tyson,Holyfield.....and the list goes on.

[PolishPummler]

Just kidding:lol: :lol:
I like Gatti more so because of his Ill fight anyone attitude and he is exciting.

But if he gets in, it'll open up a can a worms. I mean should personality be a part of the criteria??? Because number wise he doesnt belong..

Ring personality.

[Amsterdam]

Umm...that is the case with many fighters.

Roy,Tyson,Holyfield.....and the list goes on.

There is a big difference between Gatti and then Roy/Evander.

Roy just defeated Hanshaw, who's a top 20 level fighter, Evander has been beaten HW equivalents to Alfonso Gomez easily and even though he's been in some wars, he is not as physically fucked up as Gatti.

Roy's only been in 2 really rough fights and he's still top 15, can fight and be at no health risk, Evander is at least top 20 material and he seems okay so far, Gatti was fucked pre-Baldomir.

It was ridiculous for Gatti to be taking anymore shots after the first Ward fight and then just think of the amount he's taken after it, it's truly awful.

[PolishPummler]

There is a big difference between Gatti and then Roy/Evander.

Roy just defeated Hanshaw, who's a top 20 level fighter, Evander has been beaten HW equivalents to Alfonso Gomez easily and even though he's been in some wars, he is not as physically fucked up as Gatti.

Roy's only been in 2 really rough fights and he's still top 15, can fight and be at no health risk, Evander is at least top 20 material and he seems okay so far, Gatti was fucked pre-Baldomir.

It was ridiculous for Gatti to be taking anymore shots after the first Ward fight and then just think of the amount he's taken after it, it's truly awful.

All beyond the point i was making.Im just saying dont judge a guy by the way he goes out.

Gatti has done alot for this sport.No question he gets in.

[PH|LLA]

Gatti is a fucking LOCK for the HOF

no he isn't the most elite fighter of an era

but definately one of the most popular. which makes him a lock in for sure

[Carlos Primera]

i dont think he should. even the least deserving guys in there like ingemar johansson and graziano were linear champs at their respective weight classes, which gatti has never been. though he is probably one of the most courageous guys to ever step in the ring.

[Thread Stealer]

Erratic, nice mention of Brian Mitchell, who gets overlooked sometimes.

I think the hype that Gatti has gotten in recent years by being a HBO favorite is going to work in his favor. I don't think he has the credentials to be there, but some guys have been inducted in the past who I thought weren't HOF worthy. I'll put it this way: I don't think he should be in, but it wouldn't surprise me if he makes it.

It would actually surprise me if he didn't make it.

[Flatlander]

But I am afraid that he will be inducted. Discuss.

Let's not DISCUSS and say we did. Gatti is an automatic Hall of Famer.

[Illmatic]

on a side note, does being in about 3 or 4 fights of the year count for anything towards your criteria?

[PolishPummler]

This again.....

Fight of The Year

1997: Arturo Gatti KO5 Gabriel Ruelas
1998: Ivan Robinson W10 Arturo Gatti (fight #1)
2002: Micky Ward W10 Arturo Gatti I
2003: Arturo Gatti W10 Micky Ward III

Knockout Of The Year

1997: Arturo Gatti KO5 Gabriel Ruelas

Upset Of The Year

1998 - Ivan Robinson SD 10 Arturo Gatti

Comeback of The Year

2002: Arturo Gatti

Round Of The Year

1997 Gatti-Ruelas, Round 5
1998 Robinson-Gatti II, Round 3
2002 Ward-Gatti I, Round 9

IBF Super Featherweight Champion
WBC Light Welterweight Champion

Fought on HBO more than any fighter in History(20+times)Sold out venues(mostly in AC)everytime he fought for well over a decade.

Like a Tyson or a De La Hoya he has the rare gift of attracting non Boxing fans.

Fought in one of the most memorable trilogies in the History of Boxing.

Not everyone in the HOF he is a Robinson,Ali,Marciano,Leonard.The HOF is full of blood and guts warriors and stars of there time as Gatti is.

And most importantly it would be an absolute SHAME if our generation did not immortalize Gatti for future generations to know about...afterall he has been a premiere fight for years(attraction wise).

:deal

[markbrooklyn]

Come on lets keep it real people.. Gatti is a glorified club fighter just like Mayweather said before he went and dominated him. You all know the only reason Gatti was as big as he was is because he was white.. Not only white but italian too. If he was a black man you know he would NEVER get the recognition that he got in his career. And this is coming from a white man. Don't get me wrong.. Gatti did have some exciting fights but it was against B and even C level fighters. He should NEVER be inducted into the Hall of Fame.

[Brickhaus]

Looking at accomplishments and skill level, Gatti is no where near HOF caliber. But throw in his wars and all of the thrills he gave to his fans and you've got a guy who is a potential HOFer. Personally, I am indifferent - I don't care one way or another. If he gets in, great for him, but if he doesn't, fine by me.

In baseball, it's far from all based on stats. Otherwise guys like Phil Rizzuto would have never made it in, and guys like Dick Allen would have been in years ago.

[Pimp C]

Just like Floyd Mayweather Sr. said in a recent interview "Gatti should be in the HOF for getting his ass kicked".

[Thread Stealer]

Just like Floyd Mayweather Sr. said in a recent interview "Gatti should be in the HOF for getting his ass kicked".

Gatti's career > Floyd Sr.'s career in boxing and narcotics dealing

That rant by The Predator was brutal, but I couldn't help but laugh.

[amhlilhaus]

face it, the hof isn't about the best boxers. he's in.

[Toopretty]

Gatti took those ass whoopings so he deserves a sub-level slot. Like Honorable mention or something:rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl :happy

[Stinky gloves]

Y'know, I'm usually with you on this - the HOF should be reserved for the "greatest of the great."

Isn't the difference between HOF and ALT list?

[Ramshall1]

doesnt deserve it. . . honorable mention, yes.

[the_what]

Hall of Fame. Last time I checked, Gatti has been one of the most famous fighters of this generation. He should be allowed in the HOF.

[juancho214]

actually Roy jones,de la hoya,and mosley have been on hbo more than him

[zan]

he put asses in the seat, fought his heart out and never took the easy route (cept for gamache :-( ) sounds like a shoe-in for the HoF

[HandsOfGold]

He's a first ballot hall of famer.

[jopez707]

is he any worse than Barry McGuigan?

[nervousxtian]

He's a HOF'r. Not because he was the greatest fighter, he wasn't, but because of what he did for the sport.

I swear that some of you douchebags like Amsterdam don't actually even enjoy boxing with all the shit you guys talk about fighters.

[PolishPummler]

He's a HOF'r. Not because he was the greatest fighter, he wasn't, but because of what he did for the sport.

I swear that some of you douchebags like Amsterdam don't actually even enjoy boxing with all the shit you guys talk about fighters.

:thumbsup

[PolishPummler]

So did Butterbean.:verysad

Not even close to the same thing.

[Thread Stealer]

is he any worse than Barry McGuigan?

McGuigan didn't have the longevity like Gatti, but he was better during his prime. He dethroned an ATG in Pedroza, and had good wins over contenders like LaPorte and Taylor.

[MacManJr.]

But I am afraid that he will be inducted. Discuss.Well he is very famous for getting his ass kicked.

[PH|LLA]

Come on lets keep it real people.. Gatti is a glorified club fighter just like Mayweather said before he went and dominated him. You all know the only reason Gatti was as big as he was is because he was white.. Not only white but italian too. If he was a black man you know he would NEVER get the recognition that he got in his career. And this is coming from a white man. Don't get me wrong.. Gatti did have some exciting fights but it was against B and even C level fighters. He should NEVER be inducted into the Hall of Fame.
If the only reason Gatti was so big is cause he's white then why are there thousands of white fighters who arent as big?

You're a douche.

There's a ton of reasons Gatti was as popular as he was and the number 1 reason is that he is a fucking warrior

[Lacyace]

If the only reason Gatti was so big is cause he's white then why are there thousands of white fighters.......


LOL. Where are these thousands of italian white fighters in the US?

[Amsterdam]

If the only reason Gatti was so big is cause he's white then why are there thousands of white fighters who arent as big?

You're a douche.

There's a ton of reasons Gatti was as popular as he was and the number 1 reason is that he is a fucking warrior

If Gatti was not Italian, the effect wouldn't have been the same. Why was Morales and Corrales not as celebrated, they were equal warriors at their best and also elite fighters, why is Gatti bigger?

Gatti was never even an elite fighter and a punch bag in his later career.

[Amsterdam]

Well he is very famous for getting his ass kicked.
:yep

[ChampionsForever]

I wouldn't have a problem with it, If Corrales is a dead cert to you then why is Gatti so out of the question?? :huh.

[Thread Stealer]

I wouldn't have a problem with it, If Corrales is a dead cert to you then why is Gatti so out of the question?? :huh.

Corrales is a likely HOFer rather than a certainty. Well maybe since he died, now he's become a near guaranteed pick.

Corrales was a better fighter than Gatti anyway.

[PolishPummler]

Amsterdam and Zakman ESB's biggest bandwagoneers.

They only support undefeated fighters.

[Amsterdam]

Amsterdam and Zakman ESB's biggest bandwagoneers.

They only support undefeated fighters.

I'm a loyal fan. I have a selection of my favourites but the only bandwagon I am on is one that I have been on for a long time and will be on until it's done.

[amhlilhaus]

Isn't the difference between HOF and ALT list?

love your avatar.

[PolishPummler]

I'm a loyal fan. I have a selection of my favourites but the only bandwagon I am on is one that I have been on for a long time and will be on until it's done.

Almost the exact same answer your canal pal Zakman gave.

You 2 wait around for someone to win/lose and then come out talking shit as if you knew all along that fight "A" was overhyped or glass chinned etc...

[Thread Stealer]

Amsterdam and Zakman ESB's biggest bandwagoneers.

They only support undefeated fighters.

Zak loves Holyfield, who has almost as many losses as he does illegitimate babies.

[PolishPummler]

Zak loves Holyfield, who has almost as many losses as he does illegitimate babies.

Zak is also a college "professor" who sits on ESB all day everyday talking about glass chins and being exposed.

Until he mentioned he was a professor i would have never guessed that he was above the age of 15.

[Amsterdam]

Almost the exact same answer your canal pal Zakman gave.

You 2 wait around for someone to win/lose and then come out talking shit as if you knew all along that fight "A" was overhyped or glass chinned etc...

But you see, I personally predict all of the ones that I call before hand. I predicted that Bautista would get smashed early for example and that the Pinoy's hyping him were foolish, I just dislike hype jobs personally, I feel they are not good for the sport in place of legitimacy. Have you never seen me give credit to fighters that really deserve credit?

And I also cover a wide variety of topics, you cannot deny that I am not a well schooled fan of combat sports. I like to have a little fun when talking about them and the chin checking discussions are always legitimate and always bring laughs.

What is the problem? Sure, we all spend a lot of time talking about boxing, this is fact, but you're the one taking all of this way too seriously mate.

[MacManJr.]

Zak loves Holyfield, who has almost as many losses as he does illegitimate babies.He still needs about 10 more losses!

[achillesthegreat]

We all love Gatti but if HOF is indictive of any sort of real greatness then Gatti shouldn't be in it.

[Amsterdam]

We all love Gatti but if HOF is indictive of any sort of real greatness then Gatti shouldn't be in it.

Exactly, I don't see how this relates to me being harsch on fighters, our side of the argument is plain and simply that the HOF should induct only the true elite and that Gatti was never apart of this.

If the IBHOF keeps inducting wrongful fighters that don't belong, then they'll soon lose all credibility in my eyes just like Ring magazine has recently, along with the ABC belts.

[Thread Stealer]

Exactly, I don't see how this relates to me being harsch on fighters, our side of the argument is plain and simply that the HOF should induct only the true elite and that Gatti was never apart of this.

If the IBHOF keeps inducting wrongful fighters that don't belong, then they'll soon lose all credibility in my eyes just like Ring magazine has recently, along with the ABC belts.

The IBHOF already enshrined Jose Suliaman.

That's worse than any fighter that's been enshrined in Canastota, and a lot worse than it'll be the day Gatti makes it.

[achillesthegreat]

Exactly, I don't see how this relates to me being harsch on fighters, our side of the argument is plain and simply that the HOF should induct only the true elite and that Gatti was never apart of this.

If the IBHOF keeps inducting wrongful fighters that don't belong, then they'll soon lose all credibility in my eyes just like Ring magazine has recently, along with the ABC belts.
It all goes back to the simple fact that these creations don't help boxing.

Ring belt, IBHOF, WBU etc are all created to supposedly bring some sort of order or credibility to the game but they will have their flaws and fail.

[Amsterdam]

The IBHOF already enshrined Jose Suliaman.

That's worse than any fighter that's been enshrined in Canastota, and a lot worse than it'll be the day Gatti makes it.

Ugh. I hope it gets reformed then, when enough dirt on that piece of shit is kicked up.:-(

[emanuel_augustus]

On a pure skill standpoint, I agree with you...but there are some things you have to also take into account.

One, he is two division world champion....and also has a great overall record, with some wins over some good to very good fighters (tho admittingly, he lost everytime he fought a great one).

Two, he is arguably the most exciting fighter of this generation. He has given this sport some of its most memorable fights EVER....which brought alot of attention and new fans to boxing.

He is well loved and is a HUGE draw....still, even as his skills have declined so far. There are very few fighters of the past 10 years that can claim to have a bigger fan base then him.

This sums it up for me. He's not PBF or Sugar Ray Robinson, but he's a gladiator who did more for boxing in his era than just about anybody. And he was a two-time world champ. I think he's in for these reasons.

[Jinx]

i won't complain at all if Gatti gets in the HOF...his popularity can't be denied...boxing has never really been a true sport, it has no governing body and entertainment value is something that can add 'greatness' to a fighter...while in the NBA or NFL, boring or not if you win you're considered great...case in point, PBF has done nothing but win in boxing, but his 'greatness' is questioned because he doesn't bring as much drama in his fights as others...boxing is more like the WWE than a true sport...

[Quik]

He should be.