Vyacheslav Uzelkov dead aged 45: Former boxing world champion and TV star passes away months after undergoing heart surgery as tributes pour in for ‘resilient’ hero
Former light heavyweight boxing world champion and television star Vyacheslav Uzelkov has tragically passed away following complications caused by surgery.
The Ukrainian boxer previously stormed through the ranks of the light heavyweight division as a rising talent at the start of the 2000s and donned the nickname ‘Steel Power’ throughout his career.
During his ring reign he became WBA Inter-Continental, IBO International and WBO Inter-Continental light heavyweight champion before later establishing a career on TV.
However, tragedy struck on Saturday with reports in Uzelkov’s native Ukraine revealing he has sadly passed away during his recovery from heart surgery.
The boxer-turned-presenter saw his on-screen career result in several high-profile roles with Uzelkov once earning a stint as a judge on Ukraine’s version of Britain’s Got Talent.
He also momentarily flirted with a career in politics three years ago when he ran to become mayor of a small city in central Ukraine but ultimately losing out.
Uzelkov required heart surgery at the start of the year and was recovering from the operation in Ukraine when he died after suffering complications.
Ukraine’s boxing federation paid tribute to the veteran fighter in a heartfelt statement honouring Uzelkov’s career in the sport.
‘Ukrainian boxing has suffered a heavy loss – Vyacheslav Uzelkov has passed away,’ the statement began.
‘His name will forever remain in the history of sports, and his example of strength, resilience and dedication will inspire future generations.’
