Vol. 3, No. 3, March 2006
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Hometown Heroes
Three of Atlantic City's favorite adopted sons enjoyed a glorious weekend at the end of January.
Virgil Hill, Mike Arnaoutis and Arturo Gatti each delivered convincing victories and set the stage for more significant events in their careers.
It started with Hill, the ageless 42-year-old native of Bismarck, North Dakota. Now based in Atlantic County, Hill returned to the city in which he won his first title nearly 20 years ago. On January 27, he scored a difficult decision victory over Valery Brudov to capture a cruiserweight championship at the Tropicana.
Hill, who made an astounding 21 defenses in two light-heavyweight title reigns, defeated a stubborn opponent and overcame a nasty cut to do it. His longtime corner man Mike Hall, who runs the Pleasantville Recreation Center where Hill trains, did an excellent job closing a cut and allowing Hill to finesse his way to victory.
On the same card, Greek sensation Mighty Mike Arnaoutis scored a one-round victory over Marc Thompson in the first home fight of his life. Arnaoutis, now based in Somers Point, was a 12-time national amateur champion based in Greece. Because his native country does not hold professional boxing, Arnaoutis traveled to England and then to America. A fast-paced, crowd-pleasing style propels the unbeaten Arnaoutis toward a world title bout, perhaps this year.
Gatti, a member of the Atlantic City Hall of Fame, captured the most crucial triumph in his career against Thomas Damgaard. The Jersey City-based Gatti, who was waging his 21st Atlantic City bout and seventh straight at Boardwalk Hall, faced a win-or-retire ultimatum. His June 2005 setback to Floyd Mayweather had network executives whispering of his retirement.
But Gatti delivered a sterling performance in his welterweight debut. He battled solidly off the ropes, kept Damgaard at a distance and finally stopped him late in round 11.
For Gatti and the casino industry, the gravy train rolls on. Expect him to oppose WBC welterweight champion Carlos Baldomir in July.
