Amateur boxer Arturo Gatti Jr., the son of late boxing legend Arturo Gatti, was found dead at age 17 in circumstances similar to his father’s 2009 death.
Gatti Sr.’s former bodyguard, Chuck Zito, broke the news in an Instagram post on Wednesday, October 8, sharing that Gatti Jr, was found dead “in an apartment in Mexico” on Tuesday, October 7. He died by suicide, according to Zito.
“It’s with a heavy heart that I have to say R.I.P. to 17-year-old ARTURO GATTI JR.,” Zito wrote in his Instagram post alongside several photos of the teenage boxer.
Zito added that Gatti Jr. was found “the same way they found his father dead in an apartment in Brazil 16 years ago,” referring to Gatti Sr., whose death in 2009 was ultimately ruled a suicide. He was 37.
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Gatti Jr.’s boxing coach, Moe Latif, confirmed the teenager’s death in an Instagram Story on Wednesday. “It is unfortunately not a rumor or a joke. Arturo is gone,” he wrote.
Latif added, “I’d appreciate if you stop reaching out at this time.”
News of Gatti Jr.’s death shocked the boxing world on Wednesday. The World Boxing Council said in a statement, “The World Boxing Council expresses its deepest condolences following the passing of Arturo Gatti Jr., who at only 17 years old and was emerging as one of boxing’s bright young prospects. … Young Arturo Gatti Jr. represented the hope of a new era, with the fire, passion and heart of a champion.”
“The WBC sends its heartfelt condolences to the Gatti family, friends, and the entire boxing community mourning this so heartbreaking loss,” the statement continued.
Longtime Canadian boxing coach and broadcaster Russ Abner was among those who paid tribute to the amateur boxer in an Instagram post.
“Tragic! Absolutely tragic! My heart goes out to Arturo Jr’s friends and family, and especially to the ones who loved and cared for him the most,” Abner wrote. “His trainer and the only father figure he ever knew @moelatif his friends and gym mates at my @ring83boxingclub in Montreal.”
Abner went on, “In such a short time on this earth, you touched so many and definitely left your mark. May his memory be eternal ! RIP Arturo Jr. @arturogattijr 😢😢🙏🙏❤️❤️.”
Boxer Jean Pascal shared in an X tribute, “Sixteen years after losing his father, the world loses another Gatti. The son of a legend, two fighters, one legacy, both gone too soon. May they reunite in peace. My heart is heavy… life can be unfair sometimes.”
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He added, “I’m sending strength, love, and prayers to his family. May he rest in power, like his father a true warrior. 😢🙏🏾🕊️🕊️”
In a 2012 interview with CBS’ 48 Hours Mystery, Gatti Sr.’s widow, Amanda Rodrigues, reflected on her husband’s death and raising their son alone.
“He’s everything I asked God for. Junior makes me complete,” Rodrigues said, noting that Gatti Jr. looked just like his father.
“The smile is the same… just like his daddy,” she said. “I miss my husband very much. I miss him when I go to sleep; I miss him when I wake up.”
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