Maxim Dadashev tragically dies

By: Sean Crose

It was not supposed to end that way, because it's never supposed to end like this. What those who condemn boxing for moral reasons are likely to misunderstand is the fact that boxing is not designed to mutilate and kill. It is there to present the competition in its purest form, to fight at the highest level and to improve at the sporting level. The reality of its violent nature does not remove or negate the ultimate positive aspect of boxing, which is the celebration of individual success. However, there is no need to look away from this violent nature either, or the brutality that results. When terrible things happen, those of us who love this sport must look in the dark eye and accept the brutal reality, even if that means we are going to be in mourning.

And today, combat supporters are in mourning. For Maxim Dadashev, a burgeoning junior welterweight, died last Friday at the age of 28 from injuries sustained during an IBF title eliminator match against Subriel Matias. Buddy McGirt, head coach of the Hall of Fame, informed Dadashev, after the eleventh round, that he, McGirt, was stopping for Dadashev's sake. It was a great moment for the sport because a highly esteemed coach and a former champion gave priority to the safety of his fighter. Unfortunately, and without the knowledge of everyone, it was too little, too late. Dadashev, previously undefeated, had difficulty leaving the ring and lost consciousness on his way to the hospital. Today, it has been confirmed that it has pbaded.

"It just makes you understand," McGirt told ESPN, "what kind of sport do we practice, man." This statement is more than some might think at first glance. Despite all its faults, boxing has made real progress to become safer. Bouts no longer run fifteen rounds. Medical treatment is readily available on the site and is well coordinated. Coaches like McGirt and referees like Englishman Howard Foster are ready to accept scathing criticism for "stopping fighting too soon" rather than leaving their conscience aside. However, the death of Dadashev only shows that the brutality of boxing can be safe from danger. Whatever it is, people are hurt, people are dying. It's such a violent sport.

"He did everything right during the training," McGirt added, citing, "No problem, nothing. My mind is like becoming really crazy right now. Like, what could I have done differently? But at the end of the day, everything was fine. On Friday, McGirt literally begged his fighter to let him stop the fight before ignoring Dadashev and tell the ring doctor and the referee that this was enough.

McGirt had to challenge Dadashev because the fighter simply did not want to give up. Dadshev was literally a warrior until the end. McGirt said after the fight, broadcast live by ESPN, that he would rather have an angry fighter against him than to drop that fighter. The fact that Dadashev finally pbaded despite everything adds to the sense of tragedy.

Top Rank has published this statement:

Top Rank is devastated by the fact that Maxim Dadashev died earlier this morning because of injuries sustained during last Friday's fight. Maxim was a talented fighter inside the ring and a loving husband and father outside the ropes. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.

Bob Arum, Chairman of the Board, said, "Maxim was a wonderful young man. We are all saddened and touched by his untimely death.