ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. - It was over before it even started.
In an impressive first title defense, WBC junior welterweight champion Arturo Gatti scored a second-round knockout of unbeaten former lightweight champion Leonard Dorin at the Boardwalk Hall, thereby avoiding the all out war pundits predicted prior to the bout.
Boxing beautifully in the center of the ring, Gatti managed to use an effective jab to hold off the aggressive Dorin, who's lunging power shots missed repeatedly, causing him to become off balance, susceptible to counter attacks.
The shorter Dorin struggled to get on track and late in the second round found himself on the canvas.
Gatti, 38-6 (29 KOs) unleashed a powerful left-right-left combination to Dorin's head and then with Dorin's high guard, the champion cocked back and delivered a crushing left hook to the body that nearly lifted Dorin off his feet.
Dorin, 22-1-1 (8 KOs) dropped to his knees and crawled to a corner after the shot as Referee Randy Neumann stepped in and counted him out at 2:55 of the round.
It was the first time in Dorin's professional career he was knocked down.
Gatti's trainer Buddy McGirt's plan was to go to Dorin's body and after a cautious first round the plan was put into action.
Mission accomplished.
"I went back to the corner after the first round and Buddy said 'Forget the head, go to the body, '" Gatti said. "I knew once it landed that it was over."
It was a quick finish to the first ever title match between two Canadians.
Gatti is a Montreal native, while Dorin is a native of Romania living in Montreal as a Canadian citizen.
Dorin did not attend a post-fight news conference, but Yvon Michel, Dorin's former manager and promoter, said the five-foot-four Dorin was not seriously injured.
"It was just one of those shots that paralyze you for about 10 seconds, when you can't breathe," said Michel.
Throngs of flag waving Romanian fans, tried desperately to compete with the many Gatti's supporters from New Jersey who ironically shouted "USA…USA."
Gatti has lived in Jersey City for the past 13 years, but reiterated at the post fight press conference that he still holds Montreal (his birthplace) closest to his heart.
"Dorin is from Montreal, Canada, and that's my town," he said. "I might live in America, but that's still my town."
Gatti reportedly earned $1.8 million US, while Dorin made just under $500,000.
Gatti now hopes to move onto super fights. He'd like to fight Paul Spadafora or even Floyd Mayweather, considered one of the best pound-for-pound in the world, but said it was up to his promoter Main Event to pick his opponents.
"Of course I want to fight Mayweather, but it's all up to my promoter, Main Events," said Gatti.
A fight with Mayweather could possibly set up one of the greatest fights on Canadian soil in over 20 years.
"I would love to have that fight in Montreal at the Olympic Stadium," Gatti stated. "The last great fight there was Leonard-Duran. The next would be Gatti-Mayweather."
Let's hope it lasts longer this time...
Leija Guts it Out
The bigger winner tonight may actually be the 38-year-old junior welterweight veteran Jesse James Leija, who showed he still had more to offer the fight game, as he bravely fought back after suffering a second-round knockdown to outwork 21-year-old fledgling prospect Francisco Bojado over 10 rounds.
The judges scored the match via split decision 96-93, 95-94, and 94-95 in favor of Leija.
Leija, 47-6-2 (19 KOs) was the more aggressive fighter in the opening round, as he came forward landing lefts and hard rights. Despite the charge, Bojado, 16-2 (11 KOs) remained calm and connected with body blows of his own.
Looking to pick up his punch output, Bojado took charge in the second round.
In the middle of the round, the young Bojado landed a crisp left hook that appeared to jostle the veteran. Seconds later another rocket left hook dropped the Texan to the canvas, but Leija rose to his feet without problem.
In the middle rounds, Leija began to use his craftiness, working inside, landing shots to the body with both hands. The attack appeared to slow Bojado considerably.
The seventh round was dominated thoroughly by Leija, who battered Bojado along the ropes the entirety of the round.
Even with the occasional charge from Bojado, Leija would not be denied on this night.
The former champion returned fire at every opportunity and now looked like the fresher and quicker fighter. Leija managed to land straight shots before Bojado could connect with his left hooks.
Despite boxing an incredible fight, Leija was still a little unsure when it went to the judges scorecards.
"I was worried. I don't have the best luck on the East Coast," said Leija who hopes his win can influence Gatti to give him a shot.
"I've been fighting since 1998 to get an opportunity to fight Gatti," he said.
Leija's long-time manager, Lester Bedford dittos that statement.
"He deserves a shot at Gatti more than anybody at this point."
Looking to pick up his punch output, Bojado took charge in the second round. 