Gatti Before Gatti
by Bad Left Hook on Apr 14, 2010 3:46 PM EDT
in Boxing Commentary & Opinion
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Last night, HBO's "Real Sports" ran a piece on the deaths of Arturo Gatti, Alexis Arguello and Vernon Forrest. Ted "The Bull" Sares explains why he didn't watch that program.
There's only one way you can lick [Tony] Zale--you gotta kill him. -- Rocky Graziano
The proof is in the pudding when I get in the ring. -- Carl "The Cat" Thompson
I hear the cheers when I need to hear them. It feels good to know my fans are still behind me. --Arturo Gatti
It was a tough fight, but that's the way I like to win them . . . I said I was going to introduce new blood to the sport, and I guess you saw a lot of new blood. -- Michael Katsidis
REAL SPORTS WITH BRYANT GUMBEL featured a special edition on April 13 investigating the 2009 deaths of Arturo Gatti, Vernon Forrest, and Alexis Arguello. I skipped the feature because no matter how much investigating you can do, it won't bring back the warriors. No, I'd rather remember them by writing about them.
"Mr. Excitement"
Danny "Little Red" Lopez was often referred to as "Mr. Excitement." He was never in a dull fight, and was most dangerous if he had been decked--which was often. Soft-spoken and humble, he was ferocious and unrelenting once the bell rang. In an era in which fights were regularly seen free on non-cable television, he was one of the greatest of the television fighters and his name guaranteed big ratings. Danny was a volume puncher who worked to set up his knockout blow which he could deliver with either hand. His fights often turned into melodramas in which he overcame knock-downs, severe punishment, and adversity to score sudden and spectacular knockouts. In this regard, he was like Matthew Saad Muhammad. He was a "Gatti before Gatti." He would get off the canvas and roar back. Turning predator, he would hunt down and take out his opponent in savage fashion. He was heavy-handed which belied his skinny appearance and if he connected flush, it usually spelled the end. In 1979, Lopez KOd Mike Ayala in the fifteenth round in what was Ring Magazine's Fight of the Year.
Like fellow Californian Bobby Chacon, "Little Red" connected with his fans in an electric way. The roars started as soon as he was seen coming down the aisle with his American Native Headdress on and didn't stop until he left the ring--usually a winner. And like Chacon, he left boxing with a reputation of being one of the most exciting fighters to toil in the square circle. Lopez was inducted into the World Boxing Hall of Fame at age 35, the youngest man ever elected. He will be inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2010 finally joining Saad and Bobby in his rightful place.
"Miracle Matthew"
Matthew Saad Muhammad was another who was extremely popular and connected with his fans in a special way. His action-oriented style guaranteed that almost every fight would be a thriller in which he would come back from the precipice to put his opponent away. His rematch with another great fan-favorite, Yaqui Lopez, was one for the ages as Saad was hit with 20 unanswered hard blows in round eight, but he recovered to drop Lopez 5 times in route to a knockout win. It was Ring Magazine's 1980 Fight of the Year.
Matthew Saad Muhammad's signature was his ability to absorb punishment and then mount drama-filled comebacks. Indeed, he was nicknamed "Miracle Matthew," but in retrospect, he could well have been nicknamed "Gatti before Gatti." He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1998.
For fans fortunate enough to have watched fights on Saturday and Sunday afternoons in the late 70's and early 80's, the action provided by Danny Lopez and Matthew Saad Muhammad will never be forgotten. They were perennial crowd favorites and their legacies are forever secure with aficionados
Arturo "Thunder" Gatti (1972-2009)
Most of what can be said or written about this exciting warrior has already been said and it is not my intention to add much except to point out that he shared something in common with Bobby Chacon," Little Red," "Miracle Matthew," and a few other special people like Tony DeMarco and Carmen Basilio.
What made them special? Each was an all-out action fighter who possessed tremendous recuperative powers in the ring; each was known throughout his career for having unique connections with their adoring fans. In this regard, as soon as the crowd spotted "Thunder" with his Old School-style white robe, they would start the roar that would follow him into the ring and chills would go down your spine.
Maybe it was their propensity to take it to the brink each and every time out--to lay it all on the line without regard to their own wellbeing. Each participated in classics;' Gatti participated in Ring Magazine's Fight of the Year an astounding four times (1997, 1998, 2002, and 2003). But above all, these hard men always demonstrated tremendous and immense heart, and that's one of the most important things for boxing fans because boxers with heart never give up. They are ceaseless aggressors; oncoming warriors who will gladly absorb two or three punches just for the opportunity of landing one. Quit was not in their DNA.
Now I know I have left many valiant warriors out, and I deeply apologize for that, but in the end, only the late Arturo Gatti enjoys the ultimate compliment of having other warriors referred to as "Gatti before Gatti."
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Great Read Ted and a fitting Tribute
In particular I loved your closing line. Gatti and Saad I know well and loved watching both – I’ve seen little of Lopez.. All of us who love Boxing love to see a tear up – though sometimes a part of us can fear the worst for the participants. Fight of the Year 4 times – wow that says it all !
Thanks, lad!
"If you sit there and watch a person take about an hour to tie his shoestrings, then you realize that whatever problems you got ain't that significant"
---Vernon Forrest 2006
by The Midnight Rambler on Apr 14, 2010 4:13 PM EDT reply actions
Thanks, buddy
"If you sit there and watch a person take about an hour to tie his shoestrings, then you realize that whatever problems you got ain't that significant"
---Vernon Forrest 2006
by The Midnight Rambler on Apr 14, 2010 4:24 PM EDT reply actions
From Ray Gordon Reid viua email from Florida by way of Waycross, GA.
WELL GOOD WEDNESDAY TED ARTURO GATTI SARES YOU REAL GOOD FRIEND RAY GORDON REID WAYCROSS GEORGIA JANUARY1/11/1955 ANOTHER FINE ARTICLE DONE BY THE MASTER I LOVE ARTURO HIS THRE FIGHT With MICKEY WARD THIS SATURDAY YOU EDISON MIRANDA FANS LUCIAN BUTE KELLY PAVLIK NEXT SATURDAY YOU CARL FROCH FANS GET READY FOR NOTTINGHAM ENGLAND HEARTACHE MIKKEL KESSLER WAS ON EASTSIDEBOXING BANG BOOM BANNED 44th TIME THEY ARE THE WORST BOXING ON COMPUTER S IVE BENN ON FROM END OF 2002 EARLY 2003; ALL MY FRIEND ON EASTSIDEBOXING JUS COME OVER TO BADLEFTHOOk NO ANYBODY ON BAD LEFTHOOKTHINKIDONTKNOWBOXINGSUPRIZE
"If you sit there and watch a person take about an hour to tie his shoestrings, then you realize that whatever problems you got ain't that significant"
---Vernon Forrest 2006
by The Midnight Rambler on Apr 14, 2010 5:30 PM EDT reply actions
THANKS, BILL. I enjoyed writing it.
"If you sit there and watch a person take about an hour to tie his shoestrings, then you realize that whatever problems you got ain't that significant"
---Vernon Forrest 2006
by The Midnight Rambler on Apr 14, 2010 5:36 PM EDT reply actions
By preserving your thoughts online like this, your articles will become “go to” pieces, widely accessible for generations to come. It is important work, and it’s a thrill to have you here at Bad Left Hook. Thanks Ted!
Boxing writer: "Iran, what are you going to do when you retire?"
Iran Barkley: "Rob your house"
I am happy to be here, Matt. BLH is afantastic site with outstanding posters.
"If you sit there and watch a person take about an hour to tie his shoestrings, then you realize that whatever problems you got ain't that significant"
---Vernon Forrest 2006
by The Midnight Rambler on Apr 14, 2010 5:52 PM EDT reply actions
I reckon giving Gatti the prestige of effectively being ‘The Warrior’ by calling other guys ‘Gatti before Gatti’ is just about the best way of summing up what a legend the man is. Can’t think of a more fitting way to put it, Ted.
"The terror of the unforeseen is what the science of history hides, turning a disaster into an epic"
Thanks, Gold
"If you sit there and watch a person take about an hour to tie his shoestrings, then you realize that whatever problems you got ain't that significant"
---Vernon Forrest 2006
by The Midnight Rambler on Apr 14, 2010 8:03 PM EDT up reply actions
Gatti
Gatti , Gone but never Forgotten. A great Article Ted. I love you Work buddy !
by AUSSIE VLADIMIR on Apr 14, 2010 6:56 PM EDT reply actions
As long as ypou don’t “love” me, Vlad.
"If you sit there and watch a person take about an hour to tie his shoestrings, then you realize that whatever problems you got ain't that significant"
---Vernon Forrest 2006
by The Midnight Rambler on Apr 14, 2010 8:03 PM EDT reply actions
Great email from Tex Hassler from another site
You, sir, have written an excellent, relavant article. I happen to be old enough to remember all those fighters & fights you mentioned. Danny Lopez is often over looked but few had as much courage as “Little Red” and his brother was not a slouch as a fighter either.
I do not know you but will give you a A plus on this. Gumble is not a boxing man so his opinion would not carry much weight with me.
Best wishes from Texas.
"If you sit there and watch a person take about an hour to tie his shoestrings, then you realize that whatever problems you got ain't that significant"
---Vernon Forrest 2006
by The Midnight Rambler on Apr 14, 2010 8:44 PM EDT reply actions
DRMULLEN Says:
Outstanding article, uncle Ted.
by DRMULLEN2010 on Apr 14, 2010 9:47 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Thanks, Doc
"If you sit there and watch a person take about an hour to tie his shoestrings, then you realize that whatever problems you got ain't that significant"
---Vernon Forrest 2006
by The Midnight Rambler on Apr 14, 2010 9:54 PM EDT up reply actions
DRMULLEN Says:
I did not watch the show, most likely I won’t.
by DRMULLEN2010 on Apr 14, 2010 9:49 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
DRMULLEN Says:
All three warriors, were Murdered.
by DRMULLEN2010 on Apr 14, 2010 9:50 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
COuld well be, DOC, could well be.
"If you sit there and watch a person take about an hour to tie his shoestrings, then you realize that whatever problems you got ain't that significant"
---Vernon Forrest 2006
by The Midnight Rambler on Apr 14, 2010 9:54 PM EDT up reply actions
Great job Ted. Like always. Out here in Los Angeles Lopez and Bobby Chacon are held in high regard. Both were great warriors. Good to see Lopez get his way overdue induction into the Hall of Fame.
If a man ain't found something worth dying for. He ain't fit to live.
by Violent Demise on Apr 14, 2010 10:30 PM EDT reply actions
I wasn’t around to see Danny Lopez myself, but what I’ve been able to see, plus reading about him over the years, I was also thrilled to see him finally make it to the Hall.
Bad Left Hook
"To the town of Agua Fria rode a stranger one fine day..."
by Scott Christ on Apr 14, 2010 11:53 PM EDT up reply actions
I never saw Lopez live myself either. I grew up on the Great Western forum days. But the names Lopez and Chacon still carry weight out here in LA. And when my father and uncle were still alive (RIP) they wouldn’t shut up about them both. So it lead me to hunt down as much Lopez and Chacon fights as I could. And I can see why both were so loved. Chacon-Boza Edwards were just sick fights. As was Lopez-Chacon and Lopez-Sanchez.
If a man ain't found something worth dying for. He ain't fit to live.
by Violent Demise on Apr 15, 2010 12:08 AM EDT up reply actions
I worked hard to support him in getting in there. I wrote several articles and even made a pitch in my book. Maybe it helped a tad. Nice toi think so anyway.
"If you sit there and watch a person take about an hour to tie his shoestrings, then you realize that whatever problems you got ain't that significant"
---Vernon Forrest 2006
by The Midnight Rambler on Apr 15, 2010 4:41 PM EDT up reply actions
Great article! I wish too that I had skipped last night’s Real Sports. It wasn’t pleasant.
Moe: No, the ocean. Once you get 12 miles out there's no laws at all. That's where they held the Tyson-Secretariat fight (Slaughter in the Water)
Homer: Ha ha ha, they were so drunk
Thanks, BM
"If you sit there and watch a person take about an hour to tie his shoestrings, then you realize that whatever problems you got ain't that significant"
---Vernon Forrest 2006
by The Midnight Rambler on Apr 15, 2010 4:41 PM EDT up reply actions
Gatti,Lopez,Saad Muhammed
Now that was Boxing. Something is missing in todays fisticuffs. Ted, I think you hit it on the nose, literally. Klitschko tall big, has a punch. but doesn’t use it enough I feel. I’d like to see him get knocked down and get back up to win. I wonder. Bring back the good old days or even the rock’em sock’em 80’s. Great article Ted.
by BayonneBombersBoy on Apr 14, 2010 11:18 PM EDT reply actions
Absolutley, Charley
"If you sit there and watch a person take about an hour to tie his shoestrings, then you realize that whatever problems you got ain't that significant"
---Vernon Forrest 2006
by The Midnight Rambler on Apr 15, 2010 9:29 AM EDT up reply actions
DRMULLEN Says:
I can’t wait for Mosley vs Mayweather.
by DRMULLEN2010 on Apr 14, 2010 11:22 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
DRMULLEN Says:
yeah, the 1980s had great fights/fighters. I wish I could of seen Rocky Marciano fight.
by DRMULLEN2010 on Apr 14, 2010 11:25 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
DRMULLEN Says:
Bobby Chacon, was one tough warrior.
by DRMULLEN2010 on Apr 14, 2010 11:29 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Please pass this around
I currently live in Canada and subscribe to HBO Canada. Apparently, HBO Canada doesn’t have “Real Sports” because it is “exclusive” to the US. I wrote to HBO Canada and this is what a very courteous customer service representative said: "We had many requests for the series after HBO Canada launched, and although I don’t know all the finer details, it seems that “Real Sports” is not allowed in Canada and considered
“exclusive” to the U.S. Very strange. As a hardcore boxing fan myself, I would’ve loved to have seen that special as well. "
by RJFO on Apr 14, 2010 11:55 PM EDT reply actions
Mate, you’ve captured the true essence of boxing in this tribute – it’s all about that bloody great organ beating in your chest. Guys like Gatti, Saad and Little Red are no average mortal and even in defeat their warrior’s heart is on full display to be admired. Good stuff Ted.
"Anytime you go thirty rounds with a guy, try to kill each other, and have the utmost respect for each other, no one understands that, but guys who have been to war understand it." - Micky Ward on Arturo Gatti.
Thanks, Goaty
"If you sit there and watch a person take about an hour to tie his shoestrings, then you realize that whatever problems you got ain't that significant"
---Vernon Forrest 2006
by The Midnight Rambler on Apr 15, 2010 9:28 AM EDT up reply actions
Nice one Ted!
Having read this, I’m going to make certain that I get hold of some of these fighters on VHS or DVD .. Plenty of the mags have guys selling compilations of such “battlers”.
I’ll never forget the time Gatti fought and one (can’t remember against who) in the interview he said it was great “to not have to go home in an ambulance” or words to that effect. How can you not admire a man like that. Regards.
by Phill on Apr 15, 2010 3:43 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
Thanks, Phil
"If you sit there and watch a person take about an hour to tie his shoestrings, then you realize that whatever problems you got ain't that significant"
---Vernon Forrest 2006
by The Midnight Rambler on Apr 15, 2010 12:20 PM EDT up reply actions
DRMULLEN Says:
Uncle Ted, this is a great board.
by DRMULLEN2010 on Apr 15, 2010 8:19 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
I liked Gatti,
was a real fan of Little Red, but Saad was the ultimate to me—every fight, a war. But of all of their great bouts, my personal favorite right now is the first Ward/Gatti battle. A classic.
And the fact that it was so good has as much to do with Ward as Arturo.
BTW, Attleboro must now be part of Canada because “Real Sports” seems to not have shown up on HBO yet, and I definitely can’t find it on HBO on Demand. Very odd stuff.
Ward fought Gatti three times. So did Gatti. Gatti attacks Gatti. “How do I defeat myself ?”
"Anytime you go thirty rounds with a guy, try to kill each other, and have the utmost respect for each other, no one understands that, but guys who have been to war understand it." - Micky Ward on Arturo Gatti.
I went to watch it on demand
And it wasn’t there in NYC either. Might be a week or so before they put it up on the On Demand.
Bad Left Hook - The SB Nation boxing blog
"Baseball is played on the field, not on a calculator."
Strange
"If you sit there and watch a person take about an hour to tie his shoestrings, then you realize that whatever problems you got ain't that significant"
---Vernon Forrest 2006
by The Midnight Rambler on Apr 15, 2010 7:15 PM EDT up reply actions
from the fan post
Great writing is in your DNA Ted—no that’s not true—writing is a difficult task and doing it well takes a lot of hard work. Just a thought—what about an article or articles that look at other fighters with great heart from other eras? Has it always been measured the same way historically? What is the relationship between having a great chin and a great heart? Conversely can you have a weak chin and have a great heart? By the way I enjoyed the article tremendously and Little Red was one of my favorite fighters in the 70’s. I also enjoyed how you answered your own question on why you did not watch the “Real Sports” program on these great fighters. I could not agree more. El Nariz
"If you sit there and watch a person take about an hour to tie his shoestrings, then you realize that whatever problems you got ain't that significant"
---Vernon Forrest 2006
by The Midnight Rambler on Apr 15, 2010 9:27 AM EDT reply actions
What makes my homie Ted such a great writer is it’s pretty obvious he’s a fan first and writer second. So he’s pretty much writing about shit he likes. Which in my case makes it easy for me to relate, understand and enjoy his work
If a man ain't found something worth dying for. He ain't fit to live.
VD, tha’s exactly what it is, homes. I am a fan first, second and third, and then try to relate as best I can my passion for being a fan.
"If you sit there and watch a person take about an hour to tie his shoestrings, then you realize that whatever problems you got ain't that significant"
---Vernon Forrest 2006
by The Midnight Rambler on Apr 15, 2010 10:36 AM EDT reply actions
T-Bone is coming on BLH
Yep, another legendary ESB poster is also going to post here. Great news.
"If you sit there and watch a person take about an hour to tie his shoestrings, then you realize that whatever problems you got ain't that significant"
---Vernon Forrest 2006
by The Midnight Rambler on Apr 15, 2010 12:21 PM EDT reply actions
Gatti before Gatti
Great writing is in your DNA Ted—no that’s not true—writing is a difficult task and doing it well takes a lot of hard work. Just a thought—what about an article or articles that look at other fighters with great heart from other eras? Has it always been measured the same way historically? What is the relationship between having a great chin and a great heart? Conversely can you have a weak chin and have a great heart? By the way I enjoyed the article tremendously and Little Red was one of my favorite fighters in the 70’s. I also enjoyed how you answered your own question on why you did not watch the “Real Sports” program on these great fighters. I could not agree more. El Nariz
Thanks kindly, mate.
"If you sit there and watch a person take about an hour to tie his shoestrings, then you realize that whatever problems you got ain't that significant"
---Vernon Forrest 2006
by The Midnight Rambler on Apr 15, 2010 7:00 PM EDT up reply actions
everyone who's just coming in
Welcome to Bad Left Hook, guys. We’re thrilled to have you.
Bad Left Hook
"To the town of Agua Fria rode a stranger one fine day..."
Great read thanks Ted , I cant believe Little Red isnt already in the HOF . WTF is that all about? Little Red was no boxing wizard but his guts , willingness to take two punches to land one of his patented right hand bombs ensured he was never and I repeat NEVER in a boring fight . He had to go to Accra to get a title shot against the good African featherweight Poison Kotey. Like Prov said , Saad was the man when I was a kid . One of the toughest blokes I’ve ever seen lace em up . Always in incredible physical condition with a will that was even harder than his physique .As for Arturo , RIP champ , those three fights with Ward will be watched forever by fightfans and the name Gatti is no synonymous with a certain type of blood and guts , entertaining warrior . Pretty fitting epitaph actually .
"I hate to advocate drugs, alcohol, violence, or insanity to anyone, but they've always worked for me. " Hunter S Thompson.
now synonymous
"I hate to advocate drugs, alcohol, violence, or insanity to anyone, but they've always worked for me. " Hunter S Thompson.
Thanks very much Pug.
"If you sit there and watch a person take about an hour to tie his shoestrings, then you realize that whatever problems you got ain't that significant"
---Vernon Forrest 2006
by The Midnight Rambler on Apr 15, 2010 9:20 PM EDT up reply actions
I just want to add sigidy's old sig to this thread, as it is one of the best I've ever seen on the site;
“Good, so it can’t go any deeper.” – Arturo Gatti after being told he was cut to the bone
Now, Tweek, boxing is a Man sport. There is nothing in the world more Man than boxing. It is Man at his most Man. So when you spar with Ned here, just dig deep into that most Man part of you. (Uncle Jimbo, South Park: Tweek vs Craig)
wow, that's a great one.
"If you sit there and watch a person take about an hour to tie his shoestrings, then you realize that whatever problems you got ain't that significant"
---Vernon Forrest 2006
by The Midnight Rambler on Apr 16, 2010 1:40 PM EDT up reply actions
Great emil from Dickdoes
I had the pleasure of seeing Bobby & Danny fight at the Oympic & the Forum many times and it just didn’t get any better than that. The excitement and anticipation leading up to those fights was unbelievable. When you were actually there to see their fights it took all of your energy just to stay in your seat. Unfortunately I never had the pleasure of seeing Gatti fight in person but I would watch all of his fights when made available. I got the same rush watching him as with the two L.A. boys. May he rest in peace.
P.S. I was spoiled by all of the great fighters I saw fight live at the Olympic which is why it is so hard to watch today’s fighters. Albert Davila, Hedgemon Lewis, Carlos Palomino, Mando Ramos, Armando Muniz, Richard Sandoval and many more. Then there were the great mexican fighters who used to come to L.A. to fight like, Zarate, Zamora and Olivares to name a few. There were weekly wars in L.A. in those days.
In closing I’ll take Mosley over Mayweather. I’m a homer but also think Mosley is just as fast, is stronger and has a longer reach than Mayweather. Split decision.
Richard
"If you sit there and watch a person take about an hour to tie his shoestrings, then you realize that whatever problems you got ain't that significant"
---Vernon Forrest 2006
by The Midnight Rambler on Apr 17, 2010 10:15 AM EDT reply actions
Loved the article, Ted
One of my all-time faves was Danny Little Red Lopez. Boy, was he one exciting, no nonsense fighter, who often took punishment until suddenly and savagely winning by kayo.
Dan Adams
Great to see you drop by, Dan from NJ. How is the body county in Jackson, buddy?
"If you sit there and watch a person take about an hour to tie his shoestrings, then you realize that whatever problems you got ain't that significant"
---Vernon Forrest 2006
by The Midnight Rambler on Apr 17, 2010 7:50 PM EDT reply actions
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