Memories of a fighter

Over the past couple weeks people have seen how they can be affected by the passing of strangers.  It's funny how someone you don't really know can come into your life through television, music, movies, or sports and really connect with you.  I was old enough to know what Ed McMahon had brought to The Tonight Show, and wasn't around for the glory days of Farrah Fawcett.  I remember how good Micheal Jackson was in the 80's, but was just getting into music when he started getting destroyed in the tabloids.  I understand how these passings can feel for most, but to me they are just celebrities who went too soon.  Alexis Arguello had his second fight with Aaron Pryer in 1983,  when The Bryguy was only 4 years old, that was well before Bryguyboxing.  

Arturo Gatti on the other hand came through my TV as he did most of his fans, and touched me with his grit, guts, and heart.  In the ring he had the tools that we all hope, and wish we had in everyday life: the ability to never give up, never give in, never be bullied, and the courage to push through seemingly insurmountable odds.  When I think of Arturo Gatti though, the first things that come to mind aren't his fights, it's the few memories I have of actually interacting with the true life gladiator.

In 2003 I had the chance to meet Arturo Gatti for the first time at Micky Ward's annual Golf Tournament in Andover Mass.  The thing that shocked me was how nice both he and Mickey Ward were.  They were both ferocious inside the ring, but kind people outside of it.  I got a picture with the two former rivals.  It was nice to meet someone that I had so much respect for and they took the time to be courteous back to a fan.  

A year later I would bump into Arturo again at a movie premier for the boxing film Black Cloud.  I was simply a camera guy covering the event and my reporter John and I wanted to get a few of his thoughts in an interview.  I remember being taken aback by how gentle and nice he was with us.  This was a guy who beat people up for a living, a guy who was being swarmed by fans at the event, and he couldn't have been more laid back and patient with us.

A year ago this December I found myself taking a vacation in the Bahamas with my lovely girlfriend Jayme.  During our stop at Atlantis(a giant water park in Nassau) I was enjoying a Daiquiri poolside when I noticed Gatti chilling on the other side of the pool.  Seeing as how he had retired recently I felt I had to approach him and let him know what a fan I was and thank him for the memories.  I remember walking over to him and wondering if it was appropriate to bother him when he was obviously on vacation, but being a fan I couldn't help myself.  I thought, how many times do you bump into a guy you admire so much when you are on vacation?  Arturo was even cooler than he had been in past experiences!  I introduced him to my girlfriend, and he introduced me to his wife, and baby son.  He told about heading to baptise his son in Florida, and stopped in the Bahamas on the way.  He was gracious and even though I was probably bothering him, he never showed it, he was happy to talk to a fan.  I think he knew just chatting with me would make my day and wouldn't really affect his.  These are memories that will last with me forever.  

The picture I got at the golf course has been hanging in my kitchen since 2003, and continues to be one of my favorite possessions.  Arturo Gatti gave me many great memories from his altercations in the ring, but more importantly didn't tarnish those memories when I had the chance to meet him outside of it.  Thank you for those memories Arturo.