Arturo Gatti Jr., Son of Boxing Legend, Passes Away
The World Boxing Association (WBA) confirmed on Wednesday the death of Arturo Gatti Jr., son of the iconic boxer and Hall of Famer, Arturo Gatti. He was 17 years old.
“The WBA and the boxing world mourn the passing of Arturo Gatti Jr. His journey was just beginning, but his spirit will live on forever, now reunited with his legendary father among the stars,” reads the organization’s statement.
The news of his death began to circulate on social media, also being confirmed by Chuck Zito, Gatti Sr.’s former bodyguard, through a social media post.
Arturo Gatti Jr., quien falleció a los 17 años, buscaba seguir los pasos de su padre como boxeador aficionado con la esperanza de competir en los Juegos Olímpicos antes de convertirse en profesional. (Cortesía de Daniel Roby)DAZN Boxing expressed its “deep sadness” at the news of Gatti Jr.’s passing.
Gatti Jr. was found dead in Mexico, where he resided with his mother and Gatti’s widow, Amanda Rodrigues. Additional details about his death have not yet been revealed.
Arturo Gatti Jr. aspired to follow in his father’s footsteps, seeking a career in amateur boxing with the goal of reaching the Olympics before turning professional. He was 10 months old when Gatti Sr., 37 years old, was found dead in mysterious circumstances in a hotel in Brazil in July 2009.
Mauricio Sulaiman, president of the World Boxing Council, also lamented the loss of Gatti Jr.
“The World Boxing Council and the global community of our sport join in prayer for the profound loss of Arturo Gatti Jr. at the age of 17. May God rest his soul and help his family find peace,” said Sulaiman.
