JO Sports Inc.
HISTORY: Arturo "Thunder" Gatti (April 15, 1972 – July 11, 2009) was an Italian-Canadian professional boxer. Born in Cassino, Italy and raised in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Gatti relocated to Jersey City, United States as a teenager. He returned to Montreal after retiring from boxing to work in real estate. Gatti won world championships designated by two different boxing boards in two different weight classes. He also participated in Ring Magazine's "Fight of the Year" a total of four times (1997, 1998, 2002 and 2003). He announced his retirement on July 14, 2007. On December 10, 2012, Gatti was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame, in his first year of eligibility. He became the 10th Canadian pugilist to be inducted into the IBHOF. On July 11, 2009, Gatti was found dead in a hotel in Ipojuca, Pernambuco, Brazil, where he was on vacation with his Brazilian wife, Amanda Rodrigues, and their 10 month old son. He was 37 years old. Gatti's widow was charged with first degree murder after the strap of her purse was found stained with blood. Gatti was to attend his sister's wedding the same day.[16] Rodrigues could not explain how she spent more than 10 hours in the hotel room without realizing Gatti was dead. Former boxing champion Acelino Freitas, who was a close friend of Gatti, claimed Gatti and Rodrigues were having problems and were about to separate. On July 30, 2009, it was reported that the Brazilian police ruled Gatti's death as a suicide and his widow was released. However, on July 31, 2009, it was announced that the Canadian government would be seeking more information from the Brazilian authorities on Gatti's death. Gatti's family has also confirmed that there would be a second autopsy done in Quebec.[20] On August 1, a pathologist hired by the ex-boxing champ's family said Brazilian authorities overlooked bruises on Gatti's body in the initial autopsy. Montreal medical examiners will perform further toxicology tests in Canada and are also awaiting more information on the scene of death from investigators in Brazil. "There were definite injuries that had not been seen by Brazilian authorities," Baden said. The Brazilian authorities initially ruled Gatti's death a homicide, but after further studies ruled it was a suicide. Yet, almost a year later, in March 2010, the circumstances concerning Gatti's death remain unclear. All the reports are now at the Quebec coroner's office awaiting further investigation. Coroner Jean Brochu said, "We've been waiting for this for a long time," and "it's going to take a while" before conclusions can be made, and released to the public. A shortage of staff at the coroner's office is being blamed for contributing to the delay of the investigation. Regarding a new toxicology report being prepared, Brochu quipped that it "may take a century to get the results"." On August 23, 2011, it was reported that private investigators had concluded that Gatti's death was indeed a homicide. Offered here is an original large format promotional photograph of Arturo Gatti which he has signed. Authenticated by PSA/DNA.
FULL DESCRIPTION: This is an original, color, 8" x 12" promotional photo. Boldly signed by Gatti in black marker, "Your friend Arturo Gatti." Bold, clear image. Clean front and back. Small crease in upper right corner. Has a small closed tear at top border with no paper loss. Authenticated by PSA/DNA and comes with their full letter with cert # AN09571.
