gatti was a 'torch-bearer' for boxing, thats his only ticket he wasnt a great fighter but he clearly contributed a whole lot to boxing
He did an I love arturo but zab did more. Regardless of his losses. He was undisputed. An he will be champ again if he fights danny garcia
Absolutely not. Not only for his defeats, but particularly the manner of some of his defeats, especially in big fights.
I just don't think he has the quality of wins to deserve to be there, I really don't. List his 5 best wins for resume purpose and ask yourself... "Hmm. Greatness?"
both men got in not bc of their skills but bc of how both men were willing to leave it all in the ring in a memorable fashion to make exciting fights. so you make it into HOF bc you are an A lister (jmm, pac, oscar, CANELO) or you have to bring something else to the table thats memorable zab fits niether of the criteria
It is true, beating Garcia would help his claim to Hall of Fame. But even then, there are so many guys who could be voted in before him. The Hall of Fame is still hard to get into. A lot of people mention Gatti not being deserving, but look what Gatti had to go through to get there. His fights with Ward and all the others. The man was all heart. And if guys like Hamed and Curry are not in yet, how will Judah be put in for his Tszyu and Khan showing. The Garcia fight right now looks like it would be a great win, but if he does beat Garcia, people will just say Garcia was overrated.
Hamed doesn't even have as good a resume as Judah and Curry was a very bright and very brief star. People are saying Garcia is overrated NOW, and they're right lol but it's still a pretty high quality victory. Zab's career has legs, he's fought the best and come out on top once or twice. It depends who's eligible when his year comes, I suppose. If he doesn't get in on first nod I think he's not going to make it at all.
I do not think Zab would get into the Hall of Fame even if he beats Garcia. The Tszyu and Khan fights are too big in people's minds. He lost to Floyd and Cotto, and Cotto might get in on first ballot but I doubt it either. Hamed had something like 15 title defenses. I am not sure how many exactly, but he deserves to be in the Hall of Fame.