On Saturday, 22nd July 2006, the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey, hosted the matchup between WBC and IBA World Welterweight Title holders, Carlos Baldomir and Arturo Gatti. The event, promoted by Main Events, featured referee Wayne Hedgepeth overseeing the match. Gatti, with a record of 40-7-0, faced off against Baldomir, who held a record of 42-9-6. Both fighters weighed in at 147 lbs, with Gatti hailing from Jersey City, New Jersey, by way of Montreal, Canada, and Baldomir residing in Santa Fe, Argentina. The fight was broadcast live on HBO World Championship Boxing.
From the outset, Baldomir's strategy was to use his strength and size advantage to overpower Gatti. He effectively executed this plan, landing powerful right-hand shots throughout the match. Gatti attempted to stand his ground and trade blows with Baldomir, but his power shots had little impact on the defending champion.
As the fight progressed, it became clear that Baldomir's dominance was wearing on Gatti. By the ninth round, Gatti was visibly struggling to keep up with the relentless pressure from the Argentinian fighter. Baldomir continued his assault, eventually landing a left hook to Gatti's head that sent him crashing to the canvas.
Gatti managed to rise from the knockdown, but Baldomir was quick to capitalize on his opponent's weakened state. Unleashing a flurry of punches, Baldomir put Gatti down for a second time. Referee Wayne Hedgepeth deemed it necessary to intervene and stopped the fight, awarding Baldomir a TKO victory at 2:50 in the ninth round.
With this win, Carlos Baldomir successfully defended his Ring Magazine welterweight world title. The defeat prompted Arturo Gatti to contemplate retirement from the sport.
