Son of boxing legend Arturo Gatti found dead aged 17 as Jake Paul leads tributes
Ellie Kemp
Featured Image Credit: Arturogattijr/Instagram
Jake Paul has led tributes to the son of boxing legend Arturo Gatti, who has died at the age of 17.
Arturo Gatti Junior was found dead in Mexico on Tuesday (October 7), his coach Moe Latif and friend Chuck Zito confirmed.
Canadian network TVA Nouvelles reports Gatti Junior was in the country with his mom, Amanda Rodrigues.
The teen was a promising amateur boxer, with dreams of turning professional like his father.
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Gatti Senior was found dead in Brazil 16 years ago. Authorities initially suspected his death was a homicide, but later ruled it a suicide.
Zito, bodyguard of Gatti Senior and close friend of Gatti Junior, shared on social media on Wednesday (October 8): "It’s with a heavy heart that I have to say,…. R.I.P. to 17-year-old ARTURO GATTI JR..."
He added: "My condolences to Arturo Gatti Seniors – Mom, Sisters, Brothers, and his daughter Sophia."
Gatti Jr's coach, Latif, also confirmed the sad news in an Instagram story, writing: "It is unfortunately not a rumor or a joke. Artruro is gone.
"I’d appreciate if you stop reaching out at this time.”
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul wrote that it was 'very sad' to lose 'a young man with so much potential', adding: "May they conquer together up above."
Meanwhile, former WBC light heavyweight champion Jean Pascal said that both were 'gone too soon' and that he hoped the father and son would 'reunite in peace'.
"My heart is heavy; life can be unfair sometimes," he continued.
Italian-Canadian boxer Gatti Sr earned the world champion title in two weight classes. He held the IBF junior lightweight title from 1995 to 1998, and the WBC super lightweight title from 2004 to 2005.
Gatti Sr retired from the sport in 2007 with a 40-9 record. He was posthumously inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in December 2012.
Gatti Jr previously shared photos of his father and himself as a baby on Instagram.
He also shared training updates, including a visit to the UK in March and snaps with boxing legend Mike Tyson, whom he'd sometimes train with.
In May 2025, an upcoming fight date was teased as the rising boxer prepared to step more actively into the pro ranks.
But there was much confusion around a planned fight in mid-2025.
A poster for a bout in Mexico was released, but then Gatti Jr reportedly 'disappeared' from the undercard and deleted promotional materials, World Boxing News reported.
It’s unclear whether the fight actually took place.
At the time, the publication reported Gatti had posted a Father's Day tribute to the late Gatti Sr.
"Today is a day of happiness and celebrating my father and being grateful for what he did for me and everyone else around him," he said.
"You’re still my biggest inspiration. Every time I step in the ring, I feel you with me. You built the legacy. I’m here to carry it forward, with pride and purpose.
"To all the fathers watching over their kids from above, your love still guides us.
"Grateful for everything you left me, Dad. If God allows, I’ll take it even further. This one’s for you."