Boxing star's son dies at 17 in latest family tragedy after dad's death at 37
The tragic passing of Arturo Gatti Jr, who the son of iconic boxer Arturo Gatti, has been confirmed on social media on Wednesday – while tributes have been pouring in
Arturo Gatti Jr – the son of the legendary Canadian boxer Arturo Gatti – has died at the age of 17, it has been confirmed by friends in social media posts released on Wednesday. As per French-speaking Canadian network TVA Nouvelles, he was in Mexico with his mother Amanda Rodrigues prior to his passing.
First reports of the terribly sad news came through Chuck Zito, a friend of the family and former bodyguard of Gatti Sr, in an Instagram post on Wednesday. He 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."
Long-time coach Moe Latif was reportedly due to head to Mexico, where Arturo Jr and his mother were situated, this week. However, that has not transpired as he wrote to Instagram: "It is unfortunately not a rumor or a joke. Arturo is gone."
Tributes from the boxing community have flooded in over the last few hours with most reflecting on his boxing potential and the legacy of his family. However, there have also been concerns over how he was exposed to some troubling experiences at such a young age, which included his father's funeral being attended by hundreds.
Gatti Jr had been attempting to carve out his own path in the sport after his father's tragic death in 2009. He had enjoyed a storied career in Boxing with championship titles won in two divisions and numerous memorable bouts.
His trilogy with Irish-American pro boxer Micky Ward is particularly synonymous with his legacy alongside fights against Tracy Harris and Gabriel Ruelas.
Unsurprisingly, Gatti Jr. also got involved in the sport and first laced up a pair of gloves when he was just six. Despite still being so young, he enjoyed several promising amateur bouts in the Montreal area. Gatti Jr was born just under one year prior to his dad's infamous passing in Brazil.
The legendary boxer was found dead in the South American country in 2009 while on vacation with his wife and son. Having found his body, Rodrigues was initially arrested on suspicion of murder but was later released with authorities ruling it as suicide.
Despite that, controversy has remained surrounding his death even well over a decade on, with many of his close friends and family not accepting the theory that he died by suicide.