Boxing star's son dies aged 17 in latest family tragedy following dad's death at 37

Arturo Gatti Jr, the son of renowned Canadian boxer Arturo Gatti, has tragically passed away at the age of just 17. The sad news was confirmed by friends in social media posts on Wednesday. According to French-speaking Canadian network TVA Nouvelles, he was in Mexico with his mother Amanda Rodrigues before his untimely death.

The first reports of this heartbreaking news came from Chuck Zito, a family friend and former bodyguard of Gatti Sr, who shared an Instagram post on Wednesday. He wrote: "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 Mum, Sisters, Brothers, and his daughter Sophia."

Moe Latif, a long-time coach, was reportedly due to travel to Mexico, where Arturo Jr and his mother were staying, this week. However, that did not happen as he posted on Instagram: "It is unfortunately not a rumour or a joke. Arturo is gone."

Tributes from the boxing community have been pouring in over the last few hours, with many reflecting on his boxing potential and the legacy of his family.

However, there have also been concerns about the troubling experiences he was exposed to at such a young age, including attending his father's funeral, which was attended by hundreds.

Gatti Jr had been trying to forge his own path in the sport following his father's tragic death in 2009.

He had enjoyed a storied career in Boxing with championship titles won in two divisions and numerous memorable bouts.

His trilogy with Irish-American professional boxer Micky Ward is particularly synonymous with his legacy, along with fights against Tracy Harris and Gabriel Ruelas. Gatti Jr unsurprisingly followed in his father's footsteps, first lacing up a pair of gloves at the tender age of six.

Despite his young age, he has already shown promise in several amateur bouts in the Montreal area. Gatti Jr was born just under a year before his father's tragic death in Brazil.

The iconic boxer was found dead while on holiday in the South American country in 2009, accompanied by his wife and son. Rodrigues, who discovered his body, was initially arrested on suspicion of murder but was later released when authorities ruled it as suicide.

However, controversy continues to surround his death more than a decade later, with many close friends and family members refusing to accept the theory that he took his own life.