Heartbreaking Post Arturo Gatti Jr Made Before His Death Aged 17
Arturo Gatti Jr's heart-breaking post from earlier this year has resurfaced following his tragic death aged just 17.
On Wednesday evening, news broke that the son of the late boxing legend Arturo Gatti Snr had died by suicide.
As reported by the Daily Mail, French-Canadian network TVA Nouvelles stated that Gatti Jr was on holiday in Mexico with his mother Amanda Rodrigues at the time. It has also been reported that he was found dead by a neighbour.
The teenager had big aspirations of following in his father's footsteps in the boxing world. His father, who was a two-weight world champion, was found dead in Brazil in 2009, with the authorities ruling his death as suicide.
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When Gatti Sr died, boxing legend Mike Tyson promised to hep take care of his son and provide guidance as he grew up.
Earlier this year, Gatti Jr achieved a milestone in his career, when he received his USA boxing, which meant he would then be able to qualify for amateur events.
It also opened up the possibility that he could compete at the Olympics before turning professional.
Upon receiving the document, he shared an emotional post, in which he quoted characters from the popular Disney film The Lion King.
He wrote: "“Simba got his passport, side by side with Mufasa’s (Gatti Sr.) legacy. The legacy lives on. Long live the King.
“No one, nothing, not even myself, can stop what God has planned for me. Pursuing greatness, no matter what.”
Tributes immediately poured in from across the sporting world following the teenager's death.
Former boxer Jean Pascal wrote: "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."
Longtime friend and former bodyguard of Gatti Snr, Chuck Zito said: "It’s with a heavy heart that I have to say,.... R.I.P. to 17-year-old ARTURO GATTI JR.
"My condolences to Arturo Gatti Senior’s Mom, Sisters, Brothers, and his daughter Sophia."
Gatti Sr was a legendary figure in boxing, best known for his trilogy of fights with Micky Ward.
Although no titles were on the line, the trilogy captivated fans with Gatti Sr winning two fights, compared to one for Ward.
Throughout his career, Gatti Sr also fought Floyd Mayweather and Oscar de la Hoya.
Topics: Boxing, Mike Tyson
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