Arturo Gatti Jr, the promising young boxer and son of legendary fighter Arturo Gatti, has died aged just 17.
The teenage fighter was found dead in Mexico on Tuesday, 16 years after the death of his father.
His death was confirmed by close friend and actor Chuck Zito and long-time coach Moe Latif.
Gatti Jr was a promising amateur aiming to turn professional and follow in his father’s footsteps.
Gatti Snr, one of his generation’s most thrilling fighters and a world champion in two weight classes, died in Brazil in 2009 aged 37 with his death ruled a suicide.
Canadian network TVA Nouvelles reports Gatti Jr was in in Mexico with his mother, Amanda Rodrigues.
Close friend Zito wrote: ‘It’s with a heavy heart that I have to say,…. R.I.P. to 17-year-old ARTURO GATTI JR.
“My condolences to Arturo Gatti Senior’s Mom, Sisters, Brothers, and his daughter Sophia.’
Latif, who trained the amateur boxer out of the Ring 83 Boxing Club in Montreal, Canada, wrote on Instagram: ‘It is unfortunately not a rumor or a joke. Arturo is gone. I’d appreciate if you stop reaching out at this time.’
Gatti Jr was just 10 months old when his father passed away. The former world champion was on holiday in Pernambuco, Brazil when he was found dead with Brazilian authorities initially ruling his death a homicide, arresting Gatti’s wife Rodrigues.
A coroner’s report later declared his death a suicide with charges against Rodrigues dropped.
Tributes have poured in for Gatti Jr with Jean Pascal, another of Canada’s most celebrated fighters, writing: ‘Sixteen years after losing his father, the world loses another Gatti.
‘The son of a legendary fighter, one legacy, both gone too soon. May they reunite in peace. My heart is heavy… life can be unfair sometimes.’
Pascal added: ‘I’m sending strength, love and prayers to his family. May he rest in power, like father a true warrior.’
Jake Paul wrote: RIP to Arturo Gatti Jr. Very sad to see a young man with so much potential lose his life and do so like his legendary father. May they conquer together up above.’
More to follow