The renowned Ukrainian boxer and fitness trainer Vyacheslav Uzhelkov passed away at the age of 45, as reported by the Ukrainian Boxing Federation.
"With deep sorrow, we announce that Ukrainian boxing has suffered a great loss - Vyacheslav Uzhelkov has left us. His name will forever remain in the history of sports, and his example of strength, resilience, and dedication will inspire future generations," the statement reads.
In early 2024, Uzhelkov was urgently hospitalized in a Kyiv hospital and underwent heart surgery; he was in the rehabilitation stage.
On Instagram, the athlete himself shared that during the surgery he was on the brink of life and death - he spent two weeks in a coma. He also mentioned that his chosen one was by his side throughout this challenging period.
Vyacheslav Uzhelkov - what is known about him
Vyacheslav Uzhelkov is a well-known Ukrainian boxer who was born in Vinnytsia. He started boxing at a young age and later pursued it professionally.
He made his ring debut in 2004. His boxing career lasted 10 years. He was a former champion of the WBA Inter-Continental, IBO International, and WBO Inter-Continental titles in the light heavyweight category. In total, he had 34 professional fights, achieving 30 victories (19 by knockout) and suffering 4 defeats. His last professional fight took place in April 2014, where he lost to Gayerd Aetovich.
Subsequently, he began his coaching career and participated in television projects. In 2015, it became known that the boxer had suffered a stroke.