Former champion Arturo Gatti, one of the most exciting fighters of his generation, was found dead in a hotel room in the seaside resort of Porto de Galinhas, Brazil, early Saturday. He was 37.
Police investigator Edilson Alves said the body of the former junior-welterweight champion was discovered in Gatti's hotel room. Gatti had arrived on Friday with his wife, Amanda, and 1-year-old son.
A spokeswoman for the state public-safety department said Gatti's wife and son were unhurt.
"There were no bullet or stab wounds on his [Gatti's] body, but police did find bloodstains on the floor," said the spokeswoman.
Gatti first captured the junior-welterweight title in 1995, when he defeated Tracy Harris Patterson in Atlantic City, N.J. The Canadian's brawling style and charisma made him a fan favorite, and he became one of New Jersey's adopted sons while fighting some of his most memorable battles on the Boardwalk.
"His entire boxing career, he fought with us. We've known him since he was 17," Kathy Duva of promoter Main Events said. "It's just an unspeakable tragedy. I can't even find words. It's a horror."
Gatti retired in 2007 with a record of 40-9 and 31 knockouts.
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