Carlos Baldomir was once again in foreign territory. Oh yea he was the champion, but only in title, this was Gatti’s crowd, promoter and television company. So he did what was only left for him to do, win. And how he did. He walked down and through Gatti and finally, after playing somewhat with the smaller man, sent him to the canvas on back to back occasions in round nine.
(Baldomir, right, proved he is the real deal).
The venue was electricfied when the stars came out and boxing’s most exciting fighters, trained by one of the greatest trainers, were all in the house. Wow, last Saturday night, in Atlantic City and a major fight in town. There’s Chuck Zito, Zab Judah and B-Hop just walked in, oh what a night.
Then Arturo Gatti, he of the nine lives and as many hearts was ready to fight. He the man who climbs off canvases, knocks outs foes and delights the crowd was going for another world title. A title he said he would win and add to his resume. Michael Buffer, start the rumble.
Carlos Baldomir was once again in foreign territory. Oh yea he was the champion, but only in title, this was Gatti’s crowd, promoter and television company. So he did what was only left for him to do, win. And how he did. He walked down and through Gatti and finally, after playing somewhat with the smaller man, sent him to the canvas on back to back occasions in round nine. And now maybe it is his time and maybe Gatti’s is no longer. Gatti had trailed on all the judges’ scorecards.
Gatti came to the press conference first and left in a hurry. Buddy McGirt now becoming a legend among trainers, told me two things. Baldimor was, “too big and too strong.” Then he said he was not disappointed in his fighter. “But I’m concerned,” he noted.
Baldomir, called Gatti a “great champion”. He said that at no time during the fight was he hurt by the smaller man. He said he even took a breather during the clash. Then he turned the motors back on and took out Gatti. No he doesn’t want Zab Judah again, he’s going to take a rest and then maybe Floyd Mayweather.
Baldomir feels he has proven his mettle and merit as a fighter and champion. And just like his last fight when the night was over, he was the champion.
Ring Rosin: Gatti showed some boxing skills in the opening round but won the round on only one score card. Manny Stewart, working the fight at ringside with Larry Merchant and Jim Lampley for HBO, felt Gatti didn’t throw enough hooks and ran into too many “right hands”. He hasn’t spoken to the man he brought to fame and fortune lately, Tommie “Hitman” Hearns. Jermaine Taylor, undisputed Middleweight champion is now also being trained by Manny at the legendary Kronk gym. Marion Boykin, Co-host of Boykin On Boxing and the host of The SportsBoxx on BlakeRadio/Rainbowl Soul, says “At every major fight Manny Stewart should be in both corners. Broadway Boxing taking off for a summer break in August.
Trust*In*GOD*
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