Former world No. 2 heavyweight boxer Denis Boytsov has died at the age of 40, more than a decade after suffering severe head injuries in an incident in a Berlin underground railway tunnel.
The Russian boxer’s family confirmed that he died suddenly this week after spending 11 years receiving medical care following the 2015 incident that ended his professional boxing career.
His father, Nikolai Boytsov, told Russian news agency TASS that a detached blood clot caused his death.
Father Describes Boxer’s Final Moments
Nikolai said Boytsov died at home after suddenly becoming unwell while his wife, Olga Litvinova, was caring for him.
“A blood clot broke off,” he said. “There was nothing they could do; it was instant death. Three minutes and that was it.”
He explained that Litvinova had been feeding Boytsov and turning him onto his side when his condition suddenly deteriorated.
“He suddenly broke down, started shaking, turned blue. And his whole life was over,” Nikolai said.
Boxing Career Ended by 2015 Incident
Boytsov was regarded as one of the leading heavyweight boxers in the world before his career was cut short. He had a professional record of 36 wins and one defeat and was ranked second globally behind Wladimir Klitschko.
He had been scheduled to fight British heavyweight Tyson Fury in December 2012 but withdrew from the proposed bout.
In 2015, Boytsov suffered serious head injuries in a Berlin subway tunnel. The injuries caused swelling on his brain, forcing doctors to place him in a medically induced coma.
He subsequently underwent extensive treatment in Germany before continuing his care in Russia.
Questions Remained Over Possible Attack
A statement published on Boytsov’s website suggested that the incident in Berlin might have been connected to his boxing career.
“It is possible that this attack was linked to the boxer’s sporting activity,” the statement said. “Around two years ago, Boytsov was receiving threats constantly.”
His wife, Litvinova, was deeply distressed by the incident and raised concerns that he could have been the target of an attempted assassination following the reported threats.
However, those responsible for the incident were never identified, and the circumstances surrounding his injuries remained unresolved.
Brother Reveals Extent of His Condition
Boytsov’s brother, Maxim, said the former boxer was unable to speak during the 11 years following the incident in Berlin.
Although he could not communicate verbally, Maxim said Boytsov understood what was being said to him and responded by nodding to indicate yes or no.
“No, we didn’t communicate. He just nodded yes and no. But he understood everything. I courted him for ten years. But it didn’t work out,” Maxim said.
Boytsov’s long period of medical care prevented him from returning to professional boxing.
David Price Recalls Boytsov’s Punching Power
Former British heavyweight boxer David Price recalled sparring with Boytsov in Germany and described him as an exceptionally powerful puncher.
Price, who defeated Fury in 2005, said Boytsov’s punching power exceeded that of Anthony Joshua, based on his experience training with both boxers.
“I sparred a Russian called Denis Boytsov in Germany once. He only hit the top of my head, but he was a powerful puncher,” Price told the Daily Star.
“I think he got his career cut short, he got absolutely battered and left for dead, he couldn’t fight again. But I remember him being a really powerful puncher,” he added.
Funeral to Take Place in Russia
Boytsov’s funeral is scheduled to take place today in Russia’s Oryol region, following his death at the age of 40.
