The boxing world is once again confronting tragedy with the death of Arturo Gatti Jr., the 17-year-old son of late boxing icon Arturo Gatti. His passing in Mexico has drawn immediate comparisons to his fatherâs mysterious 2009 death in Brazil. As tributes pour in for the teenager, the circumstances have renewed public interest in the life, career, and controversial death of Gatti Sr.
Arturo Gatti Jr.âs Death Confirmed
The boxing community is mourning the death of Gatti Jr., 17, the son of late boxing champion Arturo Gatti. His longtime coach, Moe Latif, confirmed the news on Wednesday, October 8. Gatti Jr. was found dead in Mexico, where he had been living with his mother, Amanda Rodrigues.
Chuck Zito, Gatti Sr.âs former bodyguard, was among the first to publicly share the news, writing on Instagram, âItâs with a heavy heart that I have to say,â¦. R.I.P. to 17-year-old ARTURO GATTI JR. The same way they found his Father dead in an apartment in Brazil 16 years ago.â
Latif later addressed the rumors and speculation online, saying, âIt is unfortunately not a rumor or a joke. Arturo is gone.â
Arturo Gatti Sr.âs Career and Rise to Fame
Born in Italy and raised in Canada, Arturo Gatti became one of boxingâs most popular fighters during the 1990s and early 2000s. Known for his relentless style and ability to absorb punishment, Gatti earned the nickname âThunderâ and quickly became a fan favorite.
He captured world titles in two weight classes and fought many of the sportâs biggest names, including Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Oscar De La Hoya. Gattiâs trilogy with âIrishâ Micky Ward between 2002 and 2003 is widely regarded as one of the greatest series of fights in boxing history. Ward won the first bout, Gatti the second, and their third match cemented both menâs legacies.
Gatti retired with a professional record of 40 wins (31 by knockout) and 9 losses, earning induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2013.
The Circumstances Surrounding the Boxing Legend’s Death
In July 2009, Gatti was found dead at the age of 37 in a rental apartment in Porto de Galinhas, Brazil. He was vacationing with Rodrigues, his second wife, and their infant son, according to CBS.
Brazilian authorities initially treated the case as a homicide and arrested Rodrigues, but weeks later, they ruled the death a suicide by hanging. Rodrigues was released and cleared.
The official findings have remained controversial. Gattiâs family and friends have long questioned the investigationâs conclusions, pointing to evidence of head trauma and other inconsistencies. Independent investigators hired by the Gatti family concluded that he was likely killed, but Brazilian authorities have not reopened the case.
Gatti Sr.’s career left a lasting impact on the sport. His fights regularly drew large audiences, and his warrior style made him a staple of HBO boxing broadcasts throughout the 1990s and 2000s. He became especially beloved in Atlantic City, where he fought many of his biggest bouts.
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