(ESPNdeportes.com) - No one has any doubts that Arturo Gatti is one of the most exciting boxers to watch nowadays, even when not so long ago, a lot of people thought his career was over.
In fact, the Canadian has been part of five of the best fights in the last decade. His two bouts with Gabriel Ruelas (1997), Ivan Robinson (two defeats, both in 1998) and his epic three battles against Micket Ward (two victories and one defeat in 2002 and 2003) make that clear.
After becoming the champion of the featherweight division of the International Boxing Federation (IBF), Gatti lost the three bouts he fought in 1998 and his career seemed doomed.
Nevertheless, with the authentic spirit of a true warrior, "The Thunder" rose from his own ashes last year and obtained the second title of his career when he defeated Italian Gianluca Branco and became the champion of the World Boxing Council (WBC).
But Gatti not only added one more belt to his collection. After successfully defending his title twice (KOs against Romanian Leonard Dorin and American James Leija), his name started to be considered among the best boxer of 140 pounds, one of the toughest divisions nowadays.
Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto, Britain' s Ricky Hatton, Russian Kostya Tszyu, Guyana's Vivian Harris and American Floyd Mayweather Jr. are the main boxers in this star division, and any bout between them makes the fans drool.
A few weeks ago, Hatton defeated Tszyu. Now, it's Gatti's turn to fight Mayweather Jr. (33-0, 22 KOs) in one of the most awaited bouts.
The fight will take place at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City (PPV HBO, 9pm ET / 6pm PT), and the tickets practically sold out a few hours after they were put on sale.
With three days to go before the bout, Gatti (39-6, 30 KOs) talked with ESPNdeportes.com:
- Why have you decided not to have personal contact with Mayweather Jr.?
I simply want to be focused on the fight. If we see each other, he starts saying stupid things and I don't think that's good for me.
- Do all the bad things Mayweather Jr. said about you bother you, or are you already used to them after so many years in the boxing world?
Some things bothered me, and that's why I will make him pay in the ring. However, all that trash talking is evidence of a frightened and insecure man. That said, I have to admit that Mayweather Jr. can talk the talk. Some of the things he says are really funny.
- Do you admit Mayweather is one of the best pound by pound boxers?
Yes, I think he is a great boxer. But it is also true that he never has had to make a great effort like I have. That's why, I doubt he has the heart to beat me.
- How do you imagine Saturday's fight?
I think he (Mayweather) will go out there and do his thing. I will do mine, so nobody will be surprised.
- Does that mean that you don't think he will exchange shots with you at any time of the fight?
Well, I don't think that will be the best thing for him. But you never know what the other guy might do. I am very calm and confident in what I do, something that is not a mystery to anybody. I really don't think Mayweather has the heart or the guts to stand in the ring and fight with me.
- Many people think that in recent years, you are not only that savage fighter you used to be, but that you have also improved your technique…
That is true. I think that working with Buddy (McGirt, his trainer since he was five years old) has helped me discover certain aspects that I didn't pay attention to before. Now, I am capable of boxing better.
- Is this a crucial moment in your career?
It might be. I know that when I beat Mayweather, I will finally obtain the respect I deserve. That's why this fight is so important to me, and that's why I am so excited about getting into the ring.