Did Gatti deserve to be in the hall of fame?

Absolutely yes. He's not a HOF based on resume, he's not an elite fighter - this is NOT why he was inducted to HOF. He had a special place in boxing as THE blood and guts warrior who had been in many fights of the year (and the most memorable fights in boxing history).

Boxing HOF IS held for the elite, but there are exceptional circumstances and he certainly is one.

 

In terms of ability and accomplishments, no he didn't deserve to be inducted, he was never really a top fighter, losses to Ward, Robinson, Manfredy show this.

I get that he was very entertaining and has a special places in many peoples memories in terms of his era and took part in one of the greatest fights in terms of drama and excitement. But if you are going to induct fighters because of this criteria why not induct Nigel Benn who was probably better having beaten better fighters and was just as exciting and took part in wars with Eubank and the GMan?

I think Gatti was an exception but not a good one. He blurs the line as to what is acceptable of entry into the HOF. Personally I don't mind him being inducted as I was a fan but it does show the double standards in regards to the BHOF.

 

I agree to a point...!!!

Gatti's resume does consist of alot of great or near top fighters:

Jesse James Leija
Damgaard, undefeated only loss of career
Dorin, undefeated, only loss of career
Branco was undefeated, and only suffered 2 more losses in his career (Matthew Hatton and Miguel Cotto)
Gabriel Ruelas
Tracy Harris Patterson twice
Mickey Ward twice
Ivan Robinson twice
Floyd Mayweather

2 times Gatti was in the FOTY

Ward
Robinson (also upset of year)

And both of those fights, albeit losses for Gatti (SD against Robinson and MD against Ward) were fights many thought Gatti had won, or deserved to win...!!!

Gatti was the epitome of what a boxer should be; tough, relentless, willing to bleed, willing to exchange blow-for-blow, all action type of guy...!!!

 

Yes.

It isn't a hall of greatness, we all have our ATG lists for that.

A hall of fame is about those who deserve recognition and if we aren't recognising fighters like Gatti what the hell are we doing?

 

yes.

the main requirement of getting in is fame.

usually boxers get famous because they are highly skilled but some who don't fit this bill become famous for other reasons.

 

Luf nails it again:good. Nicely put. Gatti is one of the bravest and most determined fighters of recent years, and one of the most exciting as well. He demonstrated and represented the most positive of the sport.

 

I would have higher standards if I were running the Hall of Fame. Only each generations best of the best would make it. Guys like May, Pac, Ward, Jones, Hopkins, MAB, Morales, Mosley, Cotto, Lopez, Chavez, Whitaker, Lewis, Holyfield, Tyson, Toney etc, guys that were pound for pound top 10 for a while or achieved that ranking multiple times.
On the other hand, fighters like Gatti and Mickey Ward lost to the elite guys of their generation and can't be considered.

 

Maybe there should be a "crowd favorite" section of HOF where you put guys lile Gatti and Mickey Ward.

 

Yes.

the name Hall of Fame kinda gives the answer

 

For sheer skill, no. For entertainment value, yes. He was one of the most entertaining fighters who ever lived. That deserves recognition. Besides, they have worse fighters in the hall of fame, and they even have non-boxers, and I don't just mean promoters and managers. I'm talking about refs and commentators. If they are in, he's in.

 

The entry criteria isn't clear, so any argument can be made.

 

Absolutely mother effing NOT!

All that "blood and guts" warrior thing, pleeeaasseee! There's been PLENTY of exciting fighters in history MORE deserving than Gatti who are not in the HOF.

Gatti is in the HOF for two reasons, one people won't admit although it's true. 1. He's dead, that always helps as a sympathy vote. 2. He was WHITE! Doubt that if you will, but it's true. If it's not true, then explain to me why Diego Corrales, who was JUST as exciting as Gatti, also tragically died like Gatti, was engaged in the best fight of all time time, and most importantly, was a MUCH MUCH better fighter than Gatti. Explain to me why Corrales isn't in the HOF, and Gatti is.

Gatti belongs nowhere near the HOF, and he's FAR and AWAY the lowest quality fighter in the HOF.

There is NO EXCUSE WHATSOEVER for a HOF fighter losing to Angel Manfredy and twice to Ivan Robinson.

But guess who DESTROYED Angel Manfredy? Corrales.

 

:deal

Isn't stallone in the hall of fame?

who cares? hall of fame is not reserved to the best boxers. Everybody can get in there. Hammed entered in the hall of fame, ffs, absolutely everybody can get in there.

 

gatti was a good fighter. he put up some impressive wins in his hey day