Arturo Gatti's body is expected to be returned from Brazil on Friday and the service will take place in a church in Montreal's Little Italy district on Monday. (Richard Drew/Associated Press)

The wife of Arturo Gatti told The Associated Press in a jailhouse letter that she is innocent in the Montreal boxer's death.

Amanda Rodrigues, 23, refused to be interviewed, according to the news agency, but wrote a letter in which she proclaimed her love for her deceased spouse.

"This is a pain that has become inexplicable and intolerable, this loss and this malicious accusation," she wrote.

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

Funeral to be held Monday

Police have said there is no evidence that anyone else entered the room the couple shared. They believe Rodrigues strangled him as he slept after a night of heavy drinking, but Rodrigues told the AP her innocence will be proven in a matter of days.

Though police have accused her of killing her husband, formal charges have yet to be laid.

A funeral service for Gatti will be held Monday morning in Montreal.

Gatti's mother told The Canadian Press that his body is expected to be returned from Brazil on Friday and the service will take place in a church in the city's Little Italy district.

Gatti learned to box in Montreal and followed his older brother, Joe, to New Jersey to pursue a pro career. He won two title belts in a 16-year career than lasted until 2007, finishing with a record of 40-9, with 31 knockouts.

A lawsuit concerning one of his fights is proceeding in New York this week.

Joey Gamache suffered a career-ending knockout to Gatti in 2000 and says he continues to suffer from after effects. Gamache is suing the New York State Athletic Commission for damages, alleging that Gatti was never properly weighed in the day before the 141-pound bout.

Gatti rehydrated to a weight of 160 pounds the night of the fight, according to a weigh-in from television broadcaster HBO, several pounds heavier than Gamache.

Gatti, who remained on good terms with Gamache, had been subpoeaned to testify during the case, although no date had been scheduled.

With files from The Associated Press & The Canadian Press