Former Boxing Champion Arturo Gatti Found Dead in a Brazilian Hotel Room
- Champion Arturo Gatti Found Dead in a Brazilian Hotel Room.
Former boxing champion Arturo Gatti, most remembered for his trilogy of fights with Mickey Ward, was found dead yesterday in a blood-splattered Brazilian hotel room where he was vacationing with his wife and son.
Mickey Ward won the first matchup with Gatti winning the second fight.
Gatti broke his hand in the midst of the third fight between the two, but won it anyway by decision.
That fight, and the first matchup between Ward and Gatti, were named “Fight of the Year” in 2002 and 2003, respectively.
Police suspect foul play although no stab or bullet wounds were found on the body of former boxer with a career 40-9 record, with 31 knockouts.
Ward, who fought three classic battles with Gatti between May 2002 and June 2003, was shocked at news that his 140-pound rival was dead.
Though born in Italy, Gatti’s family moved to Canada when he was a child. He first captured the junior welterweight title in 1995, when he defeated Tracy Harris Patterson in Atlantic City, N.J.
His brawling style and natural charisma made him a fan favorite, and he became one of New Jersey’s adopted sons while fighting some of his most memorable battles on the Boardwalk.
“His entire boxing career he fought with us, we’ve known him since he was 17,” said Kathy Duva of promoter Main Events.
“It’s just an unspeakable tragedy. I can’t even find words. It’s a horror.”
Gatti is best remembered for his epic bouts against Ivan Robinson (2) and an epic trilogy against Micky Ward.
Gatti’s straight ahead boxing style and the ability to endure tremendous punishment in the ring earned him the respect of his peers and fight fans worldwide.
Former boxer and world champion Acelino Freitas, who was close friends with Gatti, told a Brazilian website that Gatti and his wife had been having troubles are were likely about to separate, although he was unaware of the couple’s trip to Brazil.
