'Devastated' rival breaks silence on boxer's tragic death
WARNING: The following contains confronting images that some readers may find distressing.
The boxing world has been left shattered by the death of Russian boxer Maxim Dadashev.
One of the hardest hit might have been the 28-year-old’s opponent, Subriel Matías.
The Puerto Rican boxer made his first comments since Dadashev’s death was reported, telling NBC4 Washington that he has been left “devastated.”
"No one is prepared to die while looking for dreams and goals," Matías told NBC.
"We simply go up to the ring thinking about the well-being for our family without knowing how complicated and difficult it is to get into the ring," Matías added in a statement.
"Fly high great warrior. Only God knows the reason of things. You will always have my respects. RIP Maxim Dadashev."
The 28-year-old Dadashev died from injuries sustained in the pair’s fight on Friday in Maryland’s MGM National Harbor.
Matías was in control for much of the fight and won when Dadashev’s manager Muddy McGirt decided to stop the fight.
Dadashev needed heavy assistance walking out of the ring after the fight, eventually being carried down a corridor to a stretcher.
Dadashev’s condition kept worsening, and the stretcher was eventually brought to him.
After vomiting repeatedly, he was taken to a hospital for emergency brain surgery, and never recovered.
Matías reportedly received a 30-day medical suspension following the fight, with “laceration/head blows” cited as a reason.
His spokesman said the Puerto Rican’s first words in reaction to the news were, "I don't want this cheque,” in reference to his fight fee.
In response to Dadashev’s death, the Maryland State Athletic Commission is launching an investigation into the bout and circumstances the led to the tragedy, according to the Washington Post.
Boxer's wife shares heartbreaking tribute
The wife of Dadashev left a heartbreaking tribute to her late husband, whose tragic death has rocked the sporting world.
Elizaveta Apushkina was holidaying in Turkey at the time, but rushed to be by her husband's side.
She left a shattered tribute on social media to her husband and father of their two-year-old son, Daniel.
“My love! You are always in my heart, my soul is tearing apart from pain without you!
“It is the hardest time in our family.”
"I can't believe it! Thank you for 11 years of love!
“Eleven years of happiness! And a wonderful son!
With Yahoo Sports US