Russian Boxer Maxim Dadashev Dead From Boxing Match Traumatic Brain Injury
He was just 28.
Getty Russian boxer Maxim Dadashev has died. He was 28. Maxim took place in a boxing match against Subriel Matias on July 19th at the MGM National Harbor in Maryland. The International Boxing Federation light welterweight division fight was aired by ESPN. Dadashev's trainer, Buddy McGirt, asked the referee to stop the match at the end of the 11th round. Dadashev was losing badly and McGirt felt that he had been taking too many hits. Dadashev needed help exiting the ring and before he could get to his dressing room he vomited and collapsed. What happened? How did Maxim Dadashev die?
1. Traumatic brain injury
When Maxim Dadashev collapsed in the hallway leading back to his dressing room, action was immediately taken. He was rushed to the University of Maryland Prince George's Hospital Center. There, he was diagnosed with a subdural hematoma and underwent emergency surgery to stop the bleeding on his brain. After surgery, Dadashev was placed in an induced coma so that the swelling in his brain could go down. He condition worsened and he died on July 23. He was undefeated before his final match.
2. Could he have prepared better for the fight?
Donatas Janusevicius was Dadashev's strength and conditioning coach. He and trainer Buddy McGirt confirmed Dadashev's passing. Janusevicius was with Dadashev at the hospital from the time he was taken in after the fight until he died. In an interview with ESPN, McGirt said: "It just makes you realize what type of sport we're in, man. He did everything right in training — no problems, no nothing. My mind is, like, really running crazy right now. Like, what could I have done differently? But at the end of the day, everything was fine [in training]. He seemed OK. He was ready. But it's the sport that we're in. It just takes one punch, man."
3. Early life and career
Maxim Dadashev was born September 30, 1990 in Leningrad, Soviet Union. He started boxing at age 10. He competed in the light welterweight division. He won the 2008 World Junior Championships silver medal in the 126lb weight class. In 2010 and 2012, he was the bronze medalist in the 130lb division at the Russian National Championships. In 2013, he won the silver medal at the Russian National Championships. He was ranked 10th on the ESPN top prospect list at the end of 2017, which marked the end of his amateur career.
4. His opponent's reaction
Subreil Matias was Dadashev's opponent. The 27-year-old from Puerto Rico said: "I don't want this check," referencing the $75,000 in winnings from the match, after he heard about Dadashev's death. Matias issued a statement to WRC-TV in Washington D.C. saying he was devastated to learn that Dadshev was dead. He said: "No one is prepared to die while looking for dreams and goals. 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.”
5. Russia is investigating his death
The Russian Boxing Federation has launched an investigation into Maxim Dadashev's death and pledged to support his family financially. He leaves behind a wife and son. Boxing Promoter Bob Arum is paying for Dadashev's funeral and a GoFundMe has been set up to raise money for his wife and son.
6. His wife's statement
Elizaveta Apushkina, Maxim Dadashev's wife, was flying from Russia to the hospital in the Washington D.C. suburbs on Monday night. She issued a statement saying: "It is with great sadness that I confirm the passing of my husband, Maxim Dadashev. He was a very kind person who fought until the very end. Our son will continue be raised to be a great man like his father. Lastly, I would like to thank everyone that cared for Maxim during his final days. I ask that everyone please respect our privacy during this very difficult time."
Amy Lamare is a Los Angeles based freelance writer covering entertainment, pop culture, beauty, fashion, fitness, technology, and the intersection of technology, business, and philanthropy. She is deeply devoted to her chocolate Labrador and an avid long distance runner. You can find her on Instagram and Facebook.