Ex–Boxing Champ Gatti Found Dead in Brazil

Former boxing champion Arturo Gatti, whose epic trilogy with Micky Ward branded him one of the most exciting fighters of his generation, was found dead in a hotel room in the posh seaside resort of Porto de Galihnas today. Police investigator Edilson Alves says the body of the former junior welterweight champ was discovered in his room at the tourist resort, where Gatti had arrived yesterday with his Brazilian wife Amanda and 1-year-old son.

Alves said police were investigating and it was unclear how the 37-year-old Canadian died. "There were no bullet or stab wounds on his body, but police did find blood stains on the floor," a state spokeswoman said. Brazilian boxer Acelino "Popo" Freitas said that he was a close friend of Gatti and his wife, and that he "knew they were having some sort of problem and were about to separate." Gatti's wife and son were unhurt. (More boxing stories.)