28 years ago

Date: 23rd March 1996

Title: IBF World Super-featherweight Title

Promoter: Main Events

Tv: HBO Boxing After Dark

Arturo Gatti
( 24 - 1 - 0 )
Weight: 130 lbs

Wilson Rodriguez
( 44 - 8 - 3 )
Weight: 128 lbs

On the night of March 23, 1996, Arturo Gatti stepped into the ring at the Madison Square Garden Theater in New York to defend his IBF World Super-featherweight Title for the first time. His opponent, Wilson Rodriguez, was an experienced and slick boxer hailing from Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic. Gatti, a native of Montreal, Canada, held a record of 24-1-0, while Rodriguez boasted a record of 44-8-3. The stage was set for a high-stakes battle, with Gatti weighing in at 130 lbs and Rodriguez at 128 lbs.

The fight was promoted by Main Events and officiated by referee Wayne Kelly. As part of HBO's Boxing After Dark series, the matchup followed the highly acclaimed Marco Antonio Barrera versus Kennedy McKinney fight, setting a high bar for Gatti and Rodriguez to meet or surpass. As the bout unfolded, both fighters showcased their skills and determination, pushing each other to their limits.

In the early rounds, Gatti faced adversity as Rodriguez showcased his experience and skill, landing clean shots that left Gatti's eye swollen shut. Despite the damage, Gatti continued to press forward, demonstrating his heart and willpower. The fight quickly turned into a war of attrition, with both boxers giving their all in the ring.

As the fight progressed, Gatti's tenacity and resilience began to shine through. He managed to land powerful combinations and body shots, slowly breaking down Rodriguez's defenses. The turning point came in the sixth round when Gatti landed a devastating left hook that sent Rodriguez crashing to the canvas.

Rodriguez struggled to regain his footing but was ultimately unable to beat the referee's ten count. At 2:16 of the sixth round, Arturo Gatti was declared the winner by knockout, successfully defending his IBF World Super-featherweight Title.