Arturo Gatti Jr, the promising young boxer and son of the late legendary fighter Arturo Gatti, has died at the age of 17. The teenager was found dead in Mexico on Tuesday, 16 years after his father's death.
His death was confirmed by close friend and actor Chuck Zito, as well as his long-time coach Moe Latif. Canadian network TVA Nouvelles reported that Gatti Jr was in Mexico with his mother, Amanda Rodrigues. Latif, who trained the amateur boxer at the Ring 83 Boxing Club in Montreal, Canada, said on Instagram: 'It is unfortunately not a rumor or a joke. Arturo is gone.'
Gatti Jr was just 10 months old when his father, Arturo Gatti Sr, died in Brazil in 2009 at the age of 37. The elder Gatti, a world champion in two weight classes, had his death ruled a suicide. The former champion's wife, Rodrigues, was initially arrested but charges were later dropped following a coroner's report.
Tributes have poured in for the young fighter. Canadian boxer Jean Pascal wrote: 'Sixteen years after losing his father, the world loses another Gatti... May they reunite in peace.' Jake Paul also offered condolences, saying: 'Very sad to see a young man with so much potential lose his life.' Gatti Jr was known to have a close relationship with Mike Tyson, whom he called 'Uncle Mike'.
