Arturo Gatti's Wife, Amanda Rodrigues, Proclaims Innocence in Letter

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) -- The wife accused of killing former boxing champion Arturo Gatti tells The Associated Press in a jailhouse letter that she is innocent.

Amanda Rodrigues says she could not bear to be interviewed, but gave a letter to the AP written on lined, white paper in red ink, proclaiming her love for Gatti.

"I lost my husband!" she writes. "This is a pain that has become inexplicable and intolerable, this loss and this malicious accusation."

Gatti was found dead last Saturday in a northeastern Brazil resort apartment he was renting with 23-year-old Rodrigues and their 10-month-old son.

Police say Rodrigues strangled him with her purse strap as he drunkenly slept, but Rodrigues writes that she is innocent and that it will be proven in a matter of days.

Gattis Memorable Battles

Arturo Gatti's fights with Micky Ward were three of the most grueling bouts in boxing history. Gatti, who earned the nickname "The Ultimate Blood and Guts Warrior," always gave everything he had in the ring. Click through to see more photos from Gatti's memorable battles.

Al Bello, Getty Images

Gatti vs. Tracy Patterson
Dec. 15, 1995 - New York City, New York

Al Bello, Getty Images

Gatti vs. Micky Ward III
June 7, 2003 - Atlantic City, New Jersey

Al Bello, Getty Images

Gatti vs. Ivan Robinson
Aug. 22, 1998 - Atlantic City, New Jersey

Al Bello, Getty Images

Gatti vs. Micky Ward II
Nov. 23, 2002 - Atlantic City, New Jersey

Al Bello, Getty Images

Gatti vs. Gianluca Branco
Jan. 24, 2004 - Atlantic City, New Jersey

Al Bello, Getty Images