Updated on Sunday, July 12, 2009, 09:04 IST

Sao Paulo, July 12: Former boxing champion Arturo Gatti was found dead in a hotel room in the northeastern state of Pernambuco, police investigator Edislon Alves told agencies.

Alves said the body of the former junior welterweight champ was discovered yesterday morning in the posh seaside resort of Porto de Galinhas, where he arrived on Friday with his wife and 1-year-old son.

Alves said police were investigating. It was unclear how the 37-year-old Canadian died.

A spokeswoman for the public safety department said Gatti's wife and son were unhurt.

"There were no bullet or stab wounds on his body, but police did find blood stains on the floor," the spokeswoman said.

Gatti retired in 2007 with a record of 40-9 and 31 knockouts.

Bureau Report