("Thunder & Lightning" might have begun before June 25 fight date)
By Mike Indri
Retired Boxers Foundation
(New Jersey State representative)
March 24, 2005

A very confident Arturo Gatti speaking with the media during today's press conference at Gallagher's steak house.

New York - Arturo Gatti has been called many things; a warrior, the franchise, the human highlight reel, boxing's pound-for-pound most exciting fighter, thunder, world champion, - you get the idea.

No one has ever called Arturo Gatti a "bum"; that was until yesterday.

"I'm going to punish him (Gatti), step on him, in his own backyard," roared undefeated, two-time world champion "Flamboyant Floyd" Mayweather during yesterday's press conference at New York's popular Copacabana restaurant. Apparently upset over Gatti's absence (due to a reported stomach virus) Mayweather continued on, "Gatti's a C+ fighter and I'm an A+ fighter. It's personal - this guy is a bum!"

Gatti, having dealt with his 24 hour bug, now has a three month dilemma to deal with before he actually gets the chance to make the quick-tongued Mayweather eat his words.

"Mayweather was running his mouth a little bit too much and showed no respect, but that's ok - I'll take care of him on the 25th!" stated the WBC Super Lightweight Champion during today's press conference at Gallagher's, one of New York's premier steakhouses.

Atlantic City's Boardwalk Hall will play host to this eagerly showdown between boxing's pound-for-pound best fighter Mayweather and Gatti, boxing's pound-for-pound most exciting fighter.

"This fight reminds me of Ali-Frazier. Floyd's Ali-like speed versus Gatti's Frazier-like power, it's going to be that big of a fight", stated Top Rank's Bob Arum, Mayweather's promoter. "I've been in boxing almost forty years and this is a must not miss fight," added Arum.

Main Events Vice-President Carl Moretti got a laugh from the crowd, including Arum, when he reminded everyone that Joe Frazier won that March 8, 1971 "battle of the century"!

Gatti, looking relaxed and confident, guaranteed a victory. "No doubt, I'm going to win this fight and I'm going to hurt him. Come June 25th he will pay - wait till he feels my power," gushed the assured Canadian born fighter who now call Hoboken his home.

Main Events and Top Rank are promoting the "Thunder & Lightning" fight card, in association with Caesars Atlantic City and Bally's Atlantic City. Tickets go on sale Friday April 8th and can be purchased by calling Ticketmaster at 1(800) 736-1420. Boardwalk Hall is preparing to accommodate over 12,000 fans for this exciting evening of boxing.

The Gatti vs. Mayweather HBO pay-per-view event, a first for both deserving fighters, will begin at 9PM ET/6PM PT and has a suggested retail price of $44.95. For more event information log onto www.HBOPPV.com.