27 years ago

Date: 4th October 1997

Title: IBF World Super-featherweight Title

Promoter: Main Events

Tv: TVKO HBO Pay-per-view

Arturo Gatti
( 28 - 1 - 0 )
Weight: 130 lbs

Gabriel Ruelas
( 44 - 3 - 0 )
Weight: 130 lbs

On Saturday, October 4, 1997, Arturo Gatti defended his IBF World Super-featherweight title for the third time against challenger Gabriel Ruelas at Caesars Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey.  The bout was promoted by Main Events and shown live on TVKO HBO Pay-per-view. Gatti, hailing from Montreal, Canada, entered the ring with a record of 28-1-0, while Ruelas, from Arleta, California, boasted a record of 44-3-0. Both fighters weighed in at 130 lbs.

The match began with Ruelas being warned for a low blow in the first round. This would not be his last warning, as he received another caution for a similar infraction in the third round. In the fourth round, Ruelas was staggered by an overhand right from Gatti early on. Despite this setback, Ruelas managed to land a tremendous left uppercut on Gatti at 2:35 into the round, causing significant damage.

In the fifth round, Gatti turned the tide with a devastating left hook, knocking Ruelas down at 2:03 as both fighters traded punches. Ruelas made it to his feet, but referee Benjy Esteves Jr. decided to call an end to the bout, resulting in Gatti's victory by TKO at 2:22 in the round. Gatti also sustained a cut under his left eye during the fight.

The fight was named Ring Magazine Knockout of the Year and Ring Magazine Fight of the Year for 1997.