Ukrainian boxing icon Vyacheslav Uzelkov has passed away at the age of 45. Known for his powerful presence in the light heavyweight division, Uzelkov boasted an impressive career record of 30 wins out of 34 fights, with 19 of those victories achieved by knockout. Throughout his career, he held multiple titles, including the WBA Inter-Continental, IBO International, and WBO Inter-Continental light heavyweight championships.
Uzelkov’s death was confirmed as he was in recovery following heart surgery. The Ukrainian Boxing Federation shared the heartbreaking news on Instagram, expressing their sorrow and stating, “It is with deep sadness that we announce that Ukrainian boxing has suffered a heavy loss – the death of Vyacheslav Uzelkov.” They further honored him by stating that his name would forever be remembered in the annals of the sport and that his legacy of strength and perseverance would continue to inspire future generations.
Uzelkov, affectionately known as “Steel Power,” launched his professional boxing career in 2004 with a victory over Suleyman Dzherilov, marking the beginning of a journey that left an indelible mark on boxing in Ukraine.
While this news is tragic, it also highlights Uzelkov’s remarkable contributions to the sport and serves as a reminder of the enduring impact athletes can have on their communities and beyond. His legacy will undoubtedly motivate aspiring boxers and sports enthusiasts to strive for excellence, resilience, and dedication.
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