The Sky Is Falling, First Arguello Now Gatti Leaves Us …

In July, I guess I’m supposed to cry. Please do not confuse me for Langston Hughes or even Kanye West, but I am feeling both poetical and reflexive given the recent sobering events. I hope you all forgive me for not writing a post the day that it was found out that the great Alexis Arguello (82-8, 65 KOs) died. If you know anything about me, you will know that Arguello and his epic first fight with Aaron Pryor left a mark on me. And his recent death, now leaves a void.

Boxing folks have been so obsessed with the specter of boxing’s slow death as a sport, but we are now forced to pay attention to the death of its stars. “El Flaco Explosivo” will be missed but not forgotten.

If the passing of Arguello was not enough, I just read that Arturo “Thunder” Gatti was found dead in a hotel room in Brazil. Just like Arguello, Gatti is etched in my memory based on his classic fight(s) with a single rival – “Irish” Micky Ward. Although he may not have been the most talented fighter of the past decade, he damn sure was its most exciting. And it’s not even close. But none of that matters now. What matters is that he is remembered for what he did in the ring and that the people he has left behind, namely his family, are taken care of during this trying time.

Both fighters’ deaths leave a lot of questions unanswered. Arguello’s death has been ruled a suicide, but many suspect foul play. Gatti’s death is still being investigated but it appears that his wife could be a suspect (more details surely to come). But both men left no ring questions unanswered. Arguello was arguably the most technically sound offensive fighter of the past 20+ years. Gatti was arguably its most exciting. Let’s cherish both men for what they did for the sport and for us as fans.

It’s July, and yes I cry. But I am not sad. Alexis Arguello and Arturo Gatti would have wanted it that way.