Arturo Gatti Jr via Instagram.Credit : 

Arturo Gatti Jr/Instagram

Arturo Gatti Jr., the son of late boxer Arturo Gatti, has died at age 17.

Gatti’s former bodyguard, Chuck Zito, shared the news in a social media post on Wednesday, Oct. 8.

“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, adding that Gatti Jr. had died by suicide in Mexico.

“The same way they found his Father dead in an apartment in Brazil 16 years ago,” Zito added, referring to Gatti Sr.’s mysterious death which was ruled a suicide in 2009.

Zito concluded his post, “My condolences to Arturo Gatti Seniors – Mom, Sisters, Brothers, and his daughter Sophia.”

After the news broke and rumors began circulating, Gatti Jr.’s longtime coach Moe Latif confirmed the boxer’s death on social media, writing, “It is unfortunately not a rumor or a joke. Arturo is gone.”

“I’d appreciate if you stop reaching out at this time,” Latif requested in an Instagram Story.

Gatti Jr. was poised to follow in his father’s footsteps, leaving the boxing world in mourning following the news of his death.

Boxing News issued a statement saying, “We are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Arturo Gatti Jr, who has died at just 17 years old in Mexico. Our thoughts and sincere condolences are with his family and loved ones during this heartbreaking time. May he rest in peace.”

In a 2012 interview with 48 Hours Mystery following Gatti Sr.’s death, Amanda Gatti said their son is “everything I asked God for” and that Gatti Jr. “makes me complete.”

Amanda also shared that her son’s smile “is the same” as his father’s and said she misses her husband “very much.”

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