By Megan Cartwright

Copyright newsweek

Arturo Gatti Jr., the son of late boxing Hall of Famer Arturo Gatti, has died at the age of 17, a family friend confirmed.

The Context

The untimely death of Gatti Jr. has sent shockwaves through the sporting world. The teenager was a promising young boxer hoping to continue his father’s renowned legacy. The circumstances of his death—remarkably similar to those of his father’s—have stirred deep concern and sorrow among fans and prompted renewed discussions around mental health, the burden of legacy and the complexities of loss within high-profile families. The ongoing investigation by Mexican authorities adds a layer of uncertainty and scrutiny, reminiscent of past controversies that surrounded the Gatti family. This latest tragedy resurfaces questions about the senior Gatti’s own fate and amplifies the community’s call for answers and support for those struggling with mental health challenges.

Arturo Gatti Jr. poses for a photo in London on March 15, 2025.

What To Know

Gatti Jr. was found dead on Tuesday in an apartment in Mexico, according to multiple reports. The teenager was in the country with his mother, Amanda Rodrigues, who is also the widow of Arturo Gatti Sr. The discovery was reportedly made by a neighbor, according to Yahoo Sports.

Mexican police have not released an official determination regarding the cause of death at the time of publication. The death remains under investigation, and circumstances surrounding the tragedy have not been fully detailed by authorities, The Economic Times reported.

The news first surfaced through a social media post by Chuck Zito, a longtime family friend and former bodyguard to the elder Gatti. He wrote: “It’s with a heavy heart that I have to say,…. R.I.P. to 17-year-old ARTURO GATTI JR. who was found hanging in an apartment in Mexico yesterday. The same way they found his Father dead in an apartment in Brazil 16 years ago. My condolences to Arturo Gatti Seniors – Mom, Sisters, Brothers, and his daughter Sophia.”

Gatti Jr. was just 10 months old when his father died by suicide in 2009 at the age of 37.

Arturo Gatti before his IBA Welterweight fight against Thomas Damgaard at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, NJ on January 28, 2006. Gatti won the bout via 11th round knockout.

Gatti Jr.’s mother, Amanda Gatti, spoke about her son in a 2012 interview with 48 Hours Mystery after his father’s death, saying, per CBS News: “He’s everything I asked God for,” and that Gatti Jr. “makes me complete.” She noted, “The smile is the same…just like his daddy. I miss my husband very much. I miss him when I go to sleep…I miss him when I wake up…”

What People Are Saying

Gatti Jr.’s longtime coach, Moe Latif, wrote via his Instagram Story: “It is unfortunately not a rumor or a joke. Arturo is gone. I’d appreciate if you stop reaching out at this time.”

Boxing News wrote in a statement posted to X and Instagram: “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.

Haitian-Canadian professional boxer Jean Pascal shared an AI-generated photo of Gatti and Gatti Jr on X: “Sixteen years after losing his father, the world loses another Gatti. The son of a legend two fighters, one legacy, both gone too soon. May they reunite in peace. My heart is heavy… life can be unfair sometimes. I’m sending strength, love, and prayers to his family. May he rest in power, like his father a true warrior.”

What Happens Next

Mexican authorities are continuing their investigation into Gatti Jr.’s death. As of October 9, no official cause of death has been released.

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, text “988” to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 or go to 988lifeline.org.