Arturo Gatti Jr, the son of the legendary Canadian boxer Arturo Gatti – has died at the age of 17
The news was confirmed by friends in social media posts 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 also 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 de.ath in 2009. He had enjoyed a storied career in boxing with championship titles won in two divisions and numerous memorable bouts.
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Rest in peace