Arturo Gatti Jr, the 17-year-old son of late Canadian boxing legend and former world champion Arturo Gatti, has tragically passed away.
Reports say the young boxer, who dreamed of following in his father’s footsteps, was found dead in Mexico on Tuesday.
Close friend and bodyguard Chuck Zito confirmed the heartbreaking news on social media Wednesday, writing:
“It’s with a heavy heart that I have to say, R.I.P. to 17-year-old ARTURO GATTI JR.”
Zito also shared several photos of Gatti Jr. alongside his father, adding his condolences to Arturo Gatti Sr.’s family — including his mother, siblings, and daughter Sophia.
Gatti Jr.’s longtime coach, Moe Latif, also verified the sad news, saying, “It is unfortunately not a rumor or a joke. Arturo is gone.”
Tributes have poured in for the promising young fighter, who began boxing at just six years old and had been competing as an amateur boxer.