The tragic death of boxing champion Arturo Gatti: accident or murder?

The tragic ending to Arturo Gatti's life is filled with mystery and uncertainty as to what really happened to the Italian boxer. Arturo 'Thunder' Gatti bobbed, weaved, and punched his way to three world titles in different divisions, but had his career cut short after he was found lying face down in a Brazilian hotel, in the beach town of Porto de Galinhas. What happened to Gatti?

Born in Cassino, Italy on April 15, 1972, he and his family later migrated to Montreal, Canada. At just 19 years old, he moved south to New Jersey, where he would start his professional boxing career.

Gatti quickly made a name for himself and crowned himself champion in three different weight divisions: super featherweight, light welterweight, and welterweight.

Want to see more like this? Follow us here for daily sports news, profiles and analysis!

The former Italian boxing champion retired on July 14, 2007, after his final battle against Alfonso Gomez, which he lost by a technical KO. He told reporters in the dressing room: "I'm coming back - as a spectator."

Gatti and his family were enjoying some time off at a resort in the beach town of Porto de Galinhas (Brazil). According to CBS, on July 10, 2009, what started as a normal family dinner ended with Arturo Gatti and his wife, Amanda Rodrigues, arguing, resulting in a violent altercation.

Furthermore, Amanda told CBS, Gatti was severely intoxicated that night. After the violence erupted, a crowd started to gather. Local police reports highlight how Gatti threw her to the ground and hurt her arm and her chin. "It was an ugly fight," shared Amanda during her interview.

In the midst of the argument, Gatti grabbed the baby stroller and took their 10-month-old baby for a spin. CBS further reports on how an angry crowd began following him around and throwing things at him. Witnesses say they got him in the head with a rock and even a bicycle. A massive brawl ensued.

In the police report, Amanda claimed to spot Gatti bleeding around two in the morning. The Italian fighter was disorientated and realized the severity of the 'argument'. According to Amanda, she took her son with her to bed and told Gatti their relationship was over.

Upon waking up the next day, Amanda spotted Arturo face down on the floor. She was not alarmed, as it was not the first time the Italian fighter would pass out on the floor due to his alcohol consumption.

"When I touched him, he was cold. And at the time, I knew something was wrong. I wanted to believe he had just passed out, so I started shaking him... I was calling his name. I say 'Arturo I forgive you, please wake up," shared Amanda during her interview for CBS.

As police arrived on the scene, authorities spotted a broken strap from Amanda's purse near the body. The strap also had blood remains from Gatti.

On July 30, 2009, Brazilian police gave their verdict, which classified Gatti's death as a self-inflicted death and that Amanda Rodrigues should be set free. Close friends of Gatti publicly shared their disbelieve regarding the verdict.

According to ESPN, Ancelino Freitas, a close friend of Gatti, shared that the couple were experiencing multiple problems and were on the verge of filing for a divorce.

Furthermore, ESPN reports on how Gatti's family went for a second autopsy in Canada. The pathologist discovered a series of bruises throughout his body which could be linked to the brawl outside the resort or maybe hint there was a more violent ending for the former boxing champion.

Nevertheless, the second autopsy report on the death of the late Italian boxing champion revealed he died by hanging, not from being strangled by another person.

According to CTV news, "the autopsy conducted in Montreal concluded Gatti was not beaten or tied up. However, the autopsy revealed a drug in his system that causes drowsiness." What do you think?

Want to see more like this? Follow us here for daily sports news, profiles and analysis!