Mike Tyson trained with tragic boxing prodigy Arturo Gatti Jr, who died suddenly at the age of 17 and was the son of late boxing legend Arturo Gatti
Mike Tyson was known as ‘uncle’ and once trained with the tragic son of late boxing legend Arturo Gatti.
It was announced on Wednesday that Arturo Gatti Jr, the son of the two-time boxing world champion, died suddenly at the age of 17, 16 years after his dad’s death aged 37 in 2009.
Gatti Jr’s death was confirmed in a heartbreaking statement by his dad’s former bodyguard and friend, Chuck Zito, who posted a collection of pictures of the dad and son alongside a tribute to the family.
He wrote: “It’s with a heavy heart that I have to say,…. R.I.P. to 17-year-old ARTURO GATTI JR. who was found hanging in an apartment in Mexico yesterday.
“The same way they found his Father dead in an apartment in Brazil 16 years ago. My condolences to Arturo Gatti Seniors – Mom, Sisters, Brothers, and his daughter Sophia.”
Gatti Jr was aiming to follow in his famous dad’s footsteps and forge a boxing career of his own. First lacing up a pair of gloves at age six, he enjoyed several amateur bouts under the wing of his long-time coach Mo Latif.
And the Canadian was also heavily supported by heavyweight legend Tyson, even calling him ‘Uncle’. Gatti Jr had posted pictures of him and ‘Iron Mike’ on Instagram, with one showing the two laughing and joking following Tyson’s return to the ring against Jake Paul.
He captioned the picture: “Win or lose, still standing with a legend. Proud of you always, Uncle Mike.”
Tyson and Gatti Sr were close friends during their fighting careers and he clearly had an enormous amount of love and respect for ‘Thunder’.
Videos and pictures of Tyson putting a young Gatti Jr through his paces in 2021 went viral, with Tyson clearly impressed by the teenager’s talent, who was expected to turn professional.
At Gatti’s funeral in 2009, Tyson wrote an especially moving message which was read out for guests to hear.
“I met Arturo when he was nine years old,” it read.
“We never knew Arturo would become such a great fighter. I was always happy to see his success, to see him walk in the gym as a boy and become a great champion.
“I am happy to be a part of his short, exciting life. May God be with you my young friend.”
Gatti Sr tragically passed away in 2009, leaving behind a truly iconic legacy.
A former world champion in two weight classes, Gatti fought the likes of Oscar De La Hoya and Floyd Mayweather during his career.
He remains best known for his legendary fights with Irish Micky Ward, widely considered one of the greatest trilogies in boxing history.
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