Arturo Gatti Jr., the son of boxing icon Arturo “Thunder” Gatti who was just an infant when his famous dad died by suicide, has died, officials said Wednesday. He was 17.
“The WBA and the boxing world mourn the passing of Arturo Gatti Jr.,” according to a statement by the World Boxing Association. “His journey was just beginning, yet his spirit will live on — now reunited with his legendary father among the stars.”
The elder Gatti won junior lightweight and super lightweight titles, leading to his induction to the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
The boxing champ died on July 11, 2009, in a seaside resort in northeastern Brazil, officials said.
American boxer and social media influencer Jake Paul lamented Gatti Jr.’s passing, saying he had “so much potential.”
“Very sad to see a young man with so much potential lose his life and do so like his legendary father,” Paul said in statement on Wednesday. “May they conquer together up above.”
An aspiring boxer, Gatti Jr. posted a photo illustration on Instagram two weeks showing how he might have looked standing alongside his late father.
The illustration depicted them both wearing trunks marked “Thunder.”
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or chat live at 988lifeline.org. You can also visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional support.
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