GATTI vs. GOMEZ
CINTRON vs. MATTHYSSE
THE RESULT
Arturo Gatti Vs. Alfonso Gomez
Kermit Cintron Vs. Walter Matthysse
Antonio Margarito Vs. Paul Williams
CINTRON SHINES, GATTI RETIRES, and
WILLIAMS WINS
In a superb HBO welterweight tripleheader broadcast from 2 separate locations, the action was fast and furious.
In the evening's opener from Atlantic City, Kermit "Killer" Cintron, the IBF Welterweight Champion, made his first defense of the title against Argentinean Walter Matthysse. Cintron jumped on his opponent in the first round, punctuated by a great left hook and dropped Matthysse at the end of round one. Looking to make a statement, Cintron continued with the attack and nailed Matthysse with a right uppercut and a finishing left hook - no count was necessary - a very impressive win for the champion who is now 28-1.
Next up was Arturo Gatti versus the somewhat untested but confident Alfonso Gomez. For the legendary and much beloved Gatti, who had lost 2 of his last 3 fights, it was his last shot for the future. It simply was no contest as Gomez out boxed, out slugged and punished the aging warrior from pillar to post for the entire 9 rounds that the bout lasted.
There is an argument that the ref could have stopped the one-sided beating, but Gatti is famous for landing the big shot after absorbing tons of punishment, but not on this occasion. In the seventh, after Gomez had Gatti on the ropes, he landed a solid right hand to the chin of Gatti, and down Gatti went. It was over.
Later, in his dressing room, before going to the hospital for a checkup and to stitch up a nasty cut on his upper lip, Gatti announced his retirement.
Arturo Gatti, has entertained fans for years, and was a former world champion. He leaves the ring with a 40-9 record. He personified class and hard work and deserves a healthy, relaxing lifestyle outside the ring.
Switching to Carson, California, long-time WBO Welterweight Champion, Antonio Margarito faced undefeated Paul Williams. In a real barn burner, the 6' 1" Williams boxed beautifully winning 5 of the first 6 rounds, using his height and reach to maximum effort. Margarito, using his experience, rallied and picked up his pace, closing the distance on the retreating Williams in the last 6 rounds, winning 4 of the final 6 rounds. In the end, it was too little, too late, and Williams wins the title by unanimous decision.
There were no knockdowns in the fight. Williams, now 33-0, will be a formidable champion to defeat as he uses his unusual height and arm reach to his advantage.
A terrific night of action with knockdowns, knockouts and fan-friendly fights. Let's hope this trend continues!
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