Amanda Carina Barbosa Rodrigues, Wife of Former Boxing Champion Arturo Gatti, Detained by Brazilian Police in his Death

UPDATE

The Jornal do Comercio, a Brazilian newspaper said that an autopsy says that former boxing champion Arturo Gatti may have committed suicide. The Jornal do Comercio reported yesterday that the coroner said Gatti's body was "suspended and hanged, indicating he may have committed suicide."

Police have said they are certain that Gatti's wife, Amanda Rodrigues, 23, strangled the boxer with her purse strap as he drunkenly slept July 11, but the autopsy report raises some doubts. She has maintained her innocence.

Amanda Rodrigues being escorted by police Campos/JC Imagem/PAGOS

Amanda Carina Barbosa Rodrigues, wife of former boxing champion Arturo Gatti, 37, has been arrested by Brazilian police in connection to his death. Rodrigues, 23, was reportedly taken into custody after the police found contradictions in her story during interrogation. Gatti's body was found early yesterday morning in a hotel room in the posh Porto de Galinhas resort in northern Brazil.

According to media reports, Gatti, a former junior welterweight champion, was apparently strangled with the strap of a purse, which was found at the scene with blood stains. He also reportedly had a head injury.

The investigation was not complete and the authorities are preparing to present a formal accusation against Amanda Rodrigues. She has denied being involved with this death. Police said Rodrigues could not explain how she spent nearly 10 hours in the room without noticing that Gatti was already dead. The police were investigating witness reports that the couple fought and Gatti was drunk when he returned to his room Friday night. The couple has a one year old son who was unhurt.

Gatti, who was one of the most exciting fighters of his generation, as evident in his epic trilogy with Micky Ward, retired in 2007 with a career record of 40-9 and 31 knockouts.

The story is still developing. More to follow......