The boxing world is reeling after the tragic death of Arturo Gatti Jr., the 17-year-old son of late boxing legend Arturo “Thunder” Gatti. Gatti’s former bodyguard, Chuck Zito, confirmed the devastating news in a social media post on Wednesday, October 8, writing that Gatti Jr. had died by suicide in Mexico. “It’s with a heavy heart that I have to say, R.I.P. to 17-year-old ARTURO GATTI JR.,” Zito wrote on Instagram. “The same way they found his father dead in an apartment in Brazil 16 years ago.” Gatti Sr.’s 2009 death was also ruled a suicide, though the circumstances surrounding it remain one of the sport’s most haunting mysteries.
Zito also sent condolences to the Gatti family, writing, “My condolences to Arturo Gatti Senior’s mom, sisters, brothers, and his daughter Sophia.”
As speculation spread online, Gatti Jr.’s longtime coach, Moe Latif, took to social media to confirm that the tragic reports were true. “It is unfortunately not a rumor or a joke. Arturo is gone,” Latif wrote on his Instagram Stories, asking fans to respect the family’s privacy. “I’d appreciate it if you stop reaching out at this time.”
Gatti Jr. had been training under Latif for several years and was widely seen as a rising star in amateur boxing, determined to follow in his father’s footsteps while building his own legacy in the ring.
Following confirmation of his passing, tributes poured in from across the boxing community. Boxing News issued a heartfelt statement mourning the young fighter’s death.
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Arturo Gatti Jr., who has died at just 17 years old in Mexico,” they said. “Our thoughts and sincere condolences are with his family and loved ones during this heartbreaking time. May he rest in peace.”
Gatti Sr., a two-division world champion who shared what many consider the greatest trilogy in boxing history with rival Micky Ward, was found dead in July 2009 while vacationing with his wife, Amanda Rodrigues, and their infant son in Porto de Galinhas, Brazil.
According to reports, Gatti’s body was discovered in a pool of blood on the kitchen floor of their rented condo, with his head partially under a counter and a small purse strap nearby. He had severe bruising, a deep ligature mark beneath his chin, and a gash on the back of his head, injuries that led many to question the official ruling of suicide by hanging.
Rodrigues was arrested on suspicion of murder after claiming she had discovered his body, but she was released 18 days later when authorities ruled the death a suicide. The ruling has remained a topic of fierce controversy in the boxing world, with fans and former associates continuing to dispute the case’s conclusion more than 16 years later.
In a 2012 interview with “48 Hours Mystery,” Amanda Gatti, Arturo Jr.’s mother, described her son as “everything I asked God for” and said that his smile was “the same” as his father’s. “He makes me complete,” she told the outlet, adding that she missed her husband “very much.”
The young fighter had developed a close bond with boxing icon Mike Tyson, who reportedly took an interest in mentoring Gatti Jr. as he began carving out his path in the sport. The teen was seen as a natural talent with an old-school spirit, a combination that had many insiders predicting he’d one day turn professional.
Born just 10 months before his father’s death, Gatti Jr. carried the name and legacy of one of boxing’s most beloved warriors. His life and career were often framed through the lens of his father’s legend, and the tragedy that has shadowed the Gatti family ever since.