ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. – Arturo Gatti decided his most recent beating was his last. The two-time world champion retired Saturday after being stopped in the seventh round by Alfonso Gomez in a 147-pound bout.

“Hasta la vista, baby,” the 35-year-old Gatti said as blood flowed from his cut lip after the fight. “I can’t be taking this abuse anymore.”

A stunned crowd of more than 9,000 in Atlantic City _ where Gatti is almost as revered as New Jersey icons Bruce Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi _ looked on with a mix of surprise and sadness as Gomez punished his former idol.

The final round was especially painful for Gatti and his fans, as he staggered on the ropes, taking powerful shots by Gomez. A hard right by the Mexican put Gatti on the canvas and the fight was halted before he could get to his feet.

Gatti, who grew up in Canada and moved to Jersey City in 1991, walks away with a career record of 40 wins and nine losses.

“I’m coming back … as a spectator,” Gatti told Main Events president Kathy Duva in his dressing room. “I’m retired.”

A service of the Associated Press(AP)