Russian boxer Denis Boytsov, known as "the Russian Tyson," has passed away at the age of 40, according to a statement from the Physical and Sports Events Center on the "VKontakte" network.
The center stated in a statement reviewed by the "News Video Agency" that "Denis Boytsov, known as 'the Russian Tyson,' was one of the most promising Russian heavyweights in the early 2010s. He maintained an undefeated record for nearly ten years and was preparing for a bout against Vladimir Klitschko.
"However, his career was abruptly interrupted in 2015 due to a tragic accident, where he was found unconscious in a subway in Berlin, suffering serious injuries to his head and hands. The athlete was placed in an induced coma and underwent a series of surgeries, with a rehabilitation period that lasted for years, starting in Germany and later extending to Russia."
The Russian Physical and Sports Events Center added in its statement: "Due to the severity of his injuries, Denis suffered severe complications that deprived him of the ability to walk and speak. His road to recovery was long and arduous, and he did not give up until the very last moment, but fate had other plans. Denis has departed and did not reach the age of forty."
It is noted that Boytsov was crowned the world youth champion in the heavyweight category in 2004 and won the European Championship under the World Boxing Organization (WBO) ranking in 2009.
During his professional career, Boytsov achieved 36 victories (27 of them by knockout) and suffered only one defeat.
Boytsov earned the title of "the Russian Tyson" due to his aggressive boxing style, as he became known in the boxing rings, especially during his career in Germany, for his high fighting spirit and constant pressure on his opponents, a style that closely resembles that of American boxing legend Mike Tyson.