Boxer's wife is a suspect in his death

RECIFE, Brazil, July 13 (UPI) -- The wife of retired boxer Arturo Gatti is a suspect in his murder, police in Brazil confirmed.

Gatti was found dead July 11 in a hotel in Brazil. He had been vacationing with his wife, Amanda Carina Barbosa Rodrigues, and their daughter.

Rodrigues, 23, was being held in connection with the killing, a police official in Porto de Galihnas told CNN. The official said she was taken to a police station in the city of Recife.

Local reports reached CNN saying Gatti's body was found in his hotel room July 11 with strangulation marks on his neck. Police official Osmar Silva Santiago confirmed those reports.

Local media said police found a blood-stained purse strap at the scene.

Santiago said homicide experts were investigating and said more information might available Monday.

Gatti, 37, was born in Italy and raised in Canada. He fought from New Jersey and retired in 2007 after 40 wins and nine losses.