Sources are reporting that former world champion Arturo Gatti was found dead in a hotel room at the Hotel Dorisol of Porto de Galinhas in Brazil early Saturday. Although it is unclear how he died, police expect foul play. A local police investigator revealed that Gatti could have died up to eight hours before his body was found early Saturday by his wife, Amanda Rodrigues.
Former world champion Acelino Freitas, who lives in Brazil and is a close friend of Gatti and his wife, told the G1 Web site of Brazil's largest television network Globo that he "knew they were having some sort of problem and were about to separate, but I didn't know they were in Brazil." Gatti's wife was taken into custody as a suspect in the death of the former champion. Police believe he was strangled to death with the strap of a purse, which was found on the scene with blood stains.
Arturo Gatti will always be remembered as one of the most exciting fighters of his generation. His memorable trilogy with Micky Ward and his dramatic fights with Ivan Robinson, Angel Manfredy, Wilson Rodriguez, Gabriel Ruelas, Tracy Patterson and Calvin Grove defined him as a true blood and guts warrior.
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