Boxing legend Arturo Gatti (1972-2009)

Born in Calabria (Italy) on April 15, 1972, Arturo Gatti was raised in Montreal. He begins boxing early, at the young age of 8. In 1991 in Jersey City, NJ, he began his career in professional boxing. His nickname “Thunder” follow him all through his legendary career during which he had won the IBF junior welterweight champion, the Junior Lightweight and the Junior Welterweight Champion of the world.

From 1996 to 1998, he participated in the “Fight of the Year”. Considered by many boxing experts by being be one of the most exciting boxers nowadays, Arturo Gatti boxing record is composed of 37 wins and 6 losses only, with 28 wins by knockout. Fans worldwide loved Gatti for his lion heart.

His three fights with Mickey Ward in 2002 and 2003 are considered classics. Gatti was a well-respected fighter. After 16 years of a professional boxing career, he retired in 2007. After his retirement, he was involved in real estate. In September 2008, Arturo Gatti, the amazing fighter had announced that he was considering a comeback for 2009 against Montreal welterweight Antonin Decarie.

On July 11, 2009, Arturo Gatti had been found dead in an Brazilian hotel room, in Porto de Galinhas. He was 37. On date of today, Brazilian police are still investigating the death. Arturo Gatti wife Amanda Rodrigues had been taken into custody. The circumstances of the dead had been described as suspicious. Gatti had a 1-year-old son, Arturo Jr. He also had another child from a previous relation. If Amanda Rodrigues is find guilty, it had been said that Gatti family will take in charge the young baby.

On July 20, 2009, Montreal boxing community pays final respect to Gatti at Notre Dame de la Defense church, in the heart of the city’s Italian community. A crowd of about 1 000 paid tribute to the former champion.