The son of boxing legend Arturo Gatti has tragically died at the age of 17, in a heartbreaking and eerily similar manner to his father’s death.
The World Boxing Association confirmed Arturo Gatti Jr.'s death in a devastating statement, which read: “The WBA and the boxing world mourn the passing of Arturo Gatti Jr.
"His journey was just beginning, yet his spirit will live on -- now reunited with his legendary father among the stars."
The news of the teen's death was first shared on social media, with tributes pouring in from the boxing world.
Gatti Sr.'s former bodyguard, Chuck Zito, posted on Instagram, expressing his grief: "It's with a heavy heart that I have to say...R.I.P. to 17-year-old Arturo Gatti Jr."
Gatti Jr.'s trainer, Moe Latif, also confirmed the tragic news, pleading for privacy in a post on social media: “It is unfortunately not a rumor or a joke. Arturo is gone.”
A legacy cut short
The 17-year-old had hoped to follow in his father’s footsteps by pursuing a career in boxing.
Beginning his training at just six years old, he competed in several amateur bouts under the guidance of his coach and had dreams of one day turning professional.
He was well-known for his close relationship with heavyweight legend Mike Tyson, whom he referred to as "Uncle Mike."
Messages from the boxing world have been overwhelming. Former boxer Jean Pascal shared his condolences on Instagram, posting an AI-generated image of father and son together.
"Sixteen years after losing his father, the world loses another Gatti," Pascal wrote. "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."
WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman also acknowledged the loss, offering prayers for the family.
"The World Boxing Council and the global community of our sport join in prayer for the profound loss of Arturo Gatti Jr. at the age of 17. May God rest his soul and help his family find peace," he said in a statement to ESPN.
Further details surrounding the teenager’s death remain unclear, though ESPN reported that the young boy was found dead in Mexico, where he lived with his mother, Amanda Rodrigues, and the widow of his father.
According to Zito and other reports, Gatti Jr. was discovered hanging in an apartment, a scene reminiscent of his father's death.
Arturo Gatti Sr. was found dead under mysterious circumstances in Brazil in July 2009, when Gatti Jr. was just 10 months old. Initially ruled a homicide, Gatti Sr.'s death was later reclassified as a suicide after an autopsy revealed he had taken his own life.
The reported parallels between the father's and son's passing are haunting and have led to widespread grief within the boxing community.
"So sad, so tragic! Sincere condolences to family & friends, may he rest in peace," one penned, while another added: "Absolute tragedy rest in eternal peace now."
Our thoughts are with Gatti Jr's loved ones at this time.