‘Russia’s Mike Tyson’ suffered violent gang attack which tragically ended promising heavyweight career
Russian heavyweight Denis Boytsov had all the makings of a serious contender. The Oryol puncher boasted an excellent 130-fight (115-15) amateur career, which included a gold medal at the World Junior Boxing Championships. GettyBoystov boasted a 36-1 record and won a World Junior gold in the amateurs[/caption] And while he was on the shorter side for a heavyweight at 6ft 1in tall, Boytsov more than made up for it with an aggressive front-foot style, complemented by a dynamite right hand. His all-action approach drew comparisons to the great Mike Tyson, and there was considerable hype surrounding him as he rose through the ranks. Unfortunately, Boytsov was never able to realise his full potential as his professional boxing career was tragically cut short by a violent attack in May 2015. Boytsov was 29 years old and 36-1 as a professional when he was found lying unconscious in a Berlin subway tunnel. He was subsequently rushed to the hospital and placed into a medically induced coma for seven weeks due to severe traumatic head injuries. Thankfully, he survived the ordeal, although the perpetrators have still not been apprehended to this day. His wife, Olga, who was pregnant with his child at the time, believes her husband was a victim of a revenge attack by a German gang. However, this has never been proven. “It is possible that this attack was linked to the boxer’s sporting activity,” a statement on Boytsov’s website read. “Around two years ago, Boytsov was receiving threats constantly.” Denis Boystov – FacebookBoystov was placed in a medically induced coma for seven weeks after the attack[/caption] Boytsov lost a staggering 70kg during his recovery process, down from 103kg to 33kg and was forced to learn to walk and talk again. Due to the swelling on his brain, doctors had to open the side of his skull to relieve the pressure on his head. His current condition remains unclear, with him and his wife choosing to keep the matter private. He hasn’t returned to the ring since, leaving fans wondering what could have been. Boytsov spent a stretch as Wladimir Klitschko‘s WBO mandatory challenger before losing his status in a points defeat to Alex Leapai in 2013. He rebounded well with a trio of victories over Timur Stark, George Arias and Irineu Beato Costa Junior, and was on course to get a world title shot in the not-so-distant future. However, his dreams and aspirations were shattered the night of his cruel assault. Follow talkBOXING on social media talkBOXING is now on Twitter and Facebook. Follow us on social media for big breaking boxing news, exclusive interviews and the best bits from our talkBOXING YouTube show. Like our Facebook page HERE Follow us on Twitter HERE Sign up for our WhatsApp channel HERE
Russian heavyweight Denis Boytsov had all the makings of a serious contender.
The Oryol puncher boasted an excellent 130-fight (115-15) amateur career, which included a gold medal at the World Junior Boxing Championships.
And while he was on the shorter side for a heavyweight at 6ft 1in tall, Boytsov more than made up for it with an aggressive front-foot style, complemented by a dynamite right hand.
His all-action approach drew comparisons to the great Mike Tyson, and there was considerable hype surrounding him as he rose through the ranks.
Unfortunately, Boytsov was never able to realise his full potential as his professional boxing career was tragically cut short by a violent attack in May 2015.
Boytsov was 29 years old and 36-1 as a professional when he was found lying unconscious in a Berlin subway tunnel.
He was subsequently rushed to the hospital and placed into a medically induced coma for seven weeks due to severe traumatic head injuries.
Thankfully, he survived the ordeal, although the perpetrators have still not been apprehended to this day.
His wife, Olga, who was pregnant with his child at the time, believes her husband was a victim of a revenge attack by a German gang.
However, this has never been proven.
“It is possible that this attack was linked to the boxer’s sporting activity,” a statement on Boytsov’s website read.
“Around two years ago, Boytsov was receiving threats constantly.”
Boytsov lost a staggering 70kg during his recovery process, down from 103kg to 33kg and was forced to learn to walk and talk again.
Due to the swelling on his brain, doctors had to open the side of his skull to relieve the pressure on his head.
His current condition remains unclear, with him and his wife choosing to keep the matter private.
He hasn’t returned to the ring since, leaving fans wondering what could have been.
Boytsov spent a stretch as Wladimir Klitschko‘s WBO mandatory challenger before losing his status in a points defeat to Alex Leapai in 2013.
He rebounded well with a trio of victories over Timur Stark, George Arias and Irineu Beato Costa Junior, and was on course to get a world title shot in the not-so-distant future.
However, his dreams and aspirations were shattered the night of his cruel assault.
