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Arturo Gatti Jr., son of the deceased boxes -legend Arturo Gatti, died, the World Boxing Association (WBA) said Wednesday. He was 17.
WBA released a statement on social media.
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Arturo Gatti at the press conference, which announced his upcoming match against Alfonso Gomez on May 22, 2007. (ED Mulholland/USA Today)
“WBA and Boxing World take care of the arturo Gatti Jr.,” wrote the organization at X. “His journey had just begun, but still his spirit will live on – now reunite with his legendary father among the stars.
“Our deepest compassion for his family and dear.”
Chuck Zito, Gatti Sr.’s former bodyguard, also confirmed the teen’s death on social media. He wrote on social media that the younger Gatti was “found hanging in an apartment in Mexico.” Further details about the death of the teenage were unclear.
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Gatti Jr. Originally tried to follow in the footsteps of his legendary father with an amateur boxing career in the hope of coming to the Olympics, according to ESPN. He wasn’t even a year old when his father was found dead at a hotel in Brazil in 2009.
Gatti’s widow, Amanda Rodrigues, was originally indicted for killing in his death. But the authorities in Brazil later ruled its death to be by suicide. Rodrigues had the charges dropped.
Mickey Ward (White/Red Trunks) and Arturo Gatti (White Trunks) Trade Punches during their match in the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey, June 7, 2003. (ED Mulholland/USA Today Sports)
The boxer was 40-9 during his career and had epic bouts with Oscar de la Hoya, Mickey Ward and Floyd Mayweather Jr. He held IBF Junior Lightweight and WBC super lightweight titles during his career.
