Former Gatti girlfriend testifies to boxer’s past suicide attempt

 Explosive and eye opening testimony Friday at the Arturo Gatti estate battle as the boxer’s former girlfriend, Erika Rivera, took the stand.

The boxer’s family is trying to prevent Arturo’s widow, Amanda Rodrigues, from inheriting his estate claiming he did not commit suicide but that Rodrigues was responsible for his death.

Her testimony dealt a crushing blow to the family of the boxer as she told the court Gatti had attempted suicide in the past

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Rivera and Gatti had a daughter together, Sofia Bella. The couple broke up in 2006. During a child custody hearing that year, Rivera wrote the boxer had attempted suicide by overdosing on cocaine, alcohol and prescription drugs.

Rivera confirmed that statement in court today.

The judge made another plea for both sides to come to a settlement in the case, saying the entire estate may end up being used to pay for legal fees. The world champion’s estate was once worth about $8 million, but now is worth less than half that as the trial has dragged on for over a month.

Closing arguments will begin October 17th