By GM Khadi Madama: The First Lady of MMA Yoga

Photo: Ed Mulholland

It was with a heavy heart and a sense of deep apprehension driving up to the press conference that would uncover the latest findings surrounding the mystery of Arturo Gatti's death of more than 2 years ago. Like so many others shocked and in disbelief at the loss of such a great and well-loved champion, I've kept my own vigil via email alerts to any and everything concerning his death since that fateful day. A former mystery writer, I even speculated on the crime scene as I knew it from early news reports. And, like so many of his friends and family, I couldn't rectify in my mind that Arturo would kill himself with a women's purse strap and especially in the same house as his own child. For me, nothing added up. So, to be driving up to Global Boxing and MMA Gym on September 7th to represent the MMA Fight Council, I couldn't help but feel privileged to be present on such an important occasion.

Global is probably the most beautiful boxing and MMA gym that I may ever enter. So pristine, it was like entering onto a movie set for a film. Big flat-screened TVs adorned the high walls with film footage of Arturo in the ring. However, the emotionally charged atmosphere was very palpable. Members of the Gatti family were present, as were friends and others who still, like myself, mourn the loss of a truly beautiful boxer-and one with great heart and a great chin. The formidable team of investigators was very impressive and each offered his own explanation and scientific proof that completely refutes any possibility that Arturo killed himself. I was proud to see professionals not dance around their feelings either. They were emphatic that the authorities in Brazil were still looking at Arturo's widow as the prime suspect and they made no bones about how shoddy the crime scene investigation was handled, especially with regard to the contamination of materials found at the scene and the mis-reporting about their size and utility in aiding Arturo in killing himself. Clearly, they found that it was not possible for the strap to hold his weight for more than a few seconds. Clearly, he could not have bludgeoned himself on the head and passed out onto the floor where the blood stains were clearly visible and then to get himself up to hang himself. Clearly he could not have fallen into the position where he was found and clearly, the strap was not long enough to go around Arturo's 18" neck and then to be able to be used to hang him. Clearly no one else was in the condo but Amanda.

Showing in the background of the podium where each professional investigator gave his findings was a slide presentation where the horrifying images of Arturo lying on the floor could be very plainly seen. Also visible to the attendees were the graphic images of the actual strangulation marks around his neck. Again, clearly it is evident as reported by the investigators that Arturo could not have hanged himself, but was instead strangulated, as indicated by the direction of the marks on his neck.

For those of us who will continue to hold the vigil for a closure on this sad and enraging event, we can take some refuge of solace in knowing that the mother of Arturo's child Sofia has filed a Wrongful Death in New Jersey against Amanda Gatti, on behalf of her daughter.

I did not know Arturo Gatti personally. But like every other fight fan, I, too, had developed a deep affection for him especially in the days of the now famous Ring Trilogy with Irish Micky Ward. When I had heard the news that he was dead, I remember putting the DVDs of his fights on the TV, and lighting a candle for him with tears of sadness and a hope for the truth. When I was leaving Global Boxing and MMA Gym on that day, the owner came up to give me his card and to thank me for coming. I replied to him that he had a beautiful gym and that although I was grateful that I could be there, I could not find it in myself to say that I had been happy to attend.

Khadi Madama
The First Lady of MMA Yoga
Writing for the MMA Fight Council
Out Of The Red Corner

2009 Female Master of the Year: IAMA MMA Yoga

www.mmayogaonthemat.com

www.facebook.com/mmakhadimadama

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Khadi is available for Coaching, Clinics at your school or expo.

Copyright 2011