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, Brazil, early Saturday.
Police investigator Edilson Alves told the Associated Press that the body of the former junior-welterweight champ was discovered in his room at the tourist resort, where Gatti had arrived Friday 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.
"It is still too early to say anything concrete, although it is all very strange," Alves said. He declined to provide any additional details.
A spokeswoman for the state public safety department said Gatti's wife and son were unhurt. The woman declined to give a name in keeping with department policy.
"There were no bullet or stab wounds on his body, but police did find bloodstains on the floor," she said.
"What a tragedy and awful loss for our sport," boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. said in a prepared statement.
"Arturo will always be remembered as an incredible competitor and true warrior in the ring. My heart and prayers goes out to his family at this time."
TENNIS
Bryan brothers cut Cup deficit
Bob and Mike Bryan beat Roko Karanusic and Lovro Zovko to keep the United States alive in the Davis Cup, cutting Croatia's quarterfinal lead to 2-1 at Porec, Croatia.
The Bryan brothers cruised to a 6-3, 6-1, 6-3 doubles win on the indoor clay at Zatika Hall.
The U.S. is 1-34 when trailing 0-2 in a Davis Cup match. The team's only comeback was against Australia in 1934.
James Blake will try to tie the series when he meets Croatia's Marin Cilic in the first reverse singles today. Mardy Fish is to play the final singles match against Ivo Karlovic.
Sam Querrey used his big serve to upset two-time defending champion Fabrice Santoro, 6-3, 7-6 (2), to reach the finals of the Hall of Fame Tennis Championships at Newport, R.I. The third-seeded Querrey will face lucky loser Rajeev Ram, a 6-3, 6-4 winner over Oliver Rochus.
