MAIN EVENTS PRESS RELEASE:  After feverish discussions and intense negotiations, Arturo Gatti and Floyd Mayweather, Jr. have finally agreed to fight on June 25, 2005, at Boardwalk Hall in
Atlantic City, NJ.  Gatti is the WBC titlist at 140 pounds and is rated #4 in the Boxingtalk ratings. Mayweather is #2.  The announcement was made today by Main Events CEO Kathy Duva. There is a deal in place with HBO Pay-Per-View to broadcast the bout. Caesars Atlantic City and Bally’s Atlantic City will play host to the junior welterweight championship showdown.

The breakthrough in negotiations came when all parties involved agreed to switch around dates to accommodate Arturo Gatti’s training schedule.

“All the parties were very flexible re-arranging dates and sites,” said Kathy Duva, CEO of Main Events, Gatti’s promotional firm. “This is boxing at its best with all sides working together—especially Bally’s Atlantic City President Ken Condon—to effect compromise and reach a solution where everyone wins, particularly the fans.”

“I am so happy this is resolved,” said Gatti. “I can’t wait to get back into the gym so I can punish Mayweather come June 25”

“The fight is on because this is the fight the public demands,” said Bob Arum, President of Top Rank, Floyd Mayweather, Jr’s promotional firm. “It will be the biggest jr. welterweight fight ever.” [Editor's note: In terms of pay-per-view buys, maybe, but in terms of boxing significance, we'll take Chavez-Taylor I].

“This will be a great fight for the public,” said Mayweather. “And I want the fans to know that I will be victorious.”