Russian Boxer Maxim Dadashev Dies At 28 After Fight-Related Injuries

Maxim Dadashev, a hard-hitting fighter from Russia, died at age 28 on Tuesday, July 23, days after his IBF junior welterweight world title defense against Subriel Matías.                  

After taking too many blows to the head, Dadashev lost his first career fight, as his trainer Buddy McGrit stopped the fight during the 11th round. Multiple reports confer that Dadahsev appeared in rough condition, as he was coughing up blood and periodically losing consciousness once retreating to his dressing room. His injuries following the bout warranted an emergency trip to the hospital, where Dadashev tragically fell into a coma, despite doctors spending over two hours in the operating room trying to stop the bleed around his brain.

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A devastated Matías refused to even take the fight’s winnings, according to his agent, as he simply put, “I don’t want this check” after hearing the news. Following the fight, the Russian Boxing Federation announced their plans to undergo an investigation going forward.

“As you can imagine the news this morning has devastated us all,” said McGritt in a public statement. “Out of respect for his family I will refrain from making any comment at this time other than to say Maxim was and always will be a phenomenal young man and boxer.”

Dadashev’s promoter, Top Rank, also issued their condolences and spoke on their late client’s integrity. “Maxim was a terrific young man. We are all saddened and affected by his untimely death,” said Top Rank CEO Bob Arum.

Dadashev’s wife, Elizaveta Apushkina, released a statement where she referred to her husband as “a very kind person who fought until the very end.”