28 years ago
Arturo Gatti vs Tracy Harris Patterson II
Date: 22nd February 1997
Venue: Atlantic City Convention Center, Atlantic City, New Jersey
Title: IBF World Super-featherweight Title
Promoter: Main Events & Cedric Kushner Productions
Tv: HBO Boxing After Dark
Arturo Gatti
(
26
-
1
-
0
)
Weight: 130 lbs
Tracy Harris Patterson
(
57
-
4
-
1
)
Weight: 130 lbs
On Saturday, 22nd February 1997, the Convention Center in Atlantic City, New Jersey, hosted the highly anticipated rematch between Arturo Gatti and Tracy Harris Patterson. This bout was for the IBF World Super-featherweight Title, with Gatti making his second title defense. Promoted by Main Events and Cedric Kushner Productions, the fight was broadcast live on HBO Boxing After Dark.
Both fighters entered the ring with impressive records. Arturo Gatti, hailing from Montreal, Canada, boasted a record of 26 wins, 1 loss, and 0 draws, while Tracy Harris Patterson from New Paltz, New York, had a record of 57 wins, 4 losses, and 1 draw. Both fighters weighed in at the 130-pound limit for the super-featherweight division.
The action began with a controversial moment in the first round, as Patterson landed a vicious left hook to Gatti's body. Referee Rudy Battle, however, deemed the punch a low blow and did not count it as a knockdown. This decision would prove crucial as the fight progressed.
Throughout the match, Gatti faced penalties for his conduct in the ring. In the 8th round, he was penalized one point for repeated low blows. Later, in the 9th round, Gatti scored a knockdown, but upon review, it was determined to be a slip rather than a legitimate knockdown.
Despite the setbacks, Gatti emerged victorious in the rematch against Patterson. The judges awarded him a unanimous decision, with scores of 118-108 from Robert Beeba Exton, 116-110 from George Hill, and 117-109 from Dave McCullough.