Ex-light heavyweight champion-turned-TV-star, 45, dies after coronary heart surgical procedure

Vyacheslav Uzelkov has died aged 45.

The Ukrainian boxer once ruled the light heavyweight division – winning 30 of his 34 fights while recording 19 KOs, capturing the WBA Inter-Continental, IBO International and WBO Inter-Continental light heavyweight championships.

However, reports from his homeland suggest Uzelkov has passed away while recovering from heart surgery. An Instagram post from the Ukrainian Boxing Federation read: “It is with deep sadness that we announce that Ukrainian boxing has suffered a heavy loss – the death of Vyacheslav Uzelkov.

“His name will forever be etched in the history of the sport, and his example of strength, resilience and dedication to his craft will inspire generations to come.”

Uzelkov, nicknamed Steel Power, had his first bout in 2004 – beating Suleyman Dzherilov. He would win his next 21 fights before meeting his match in July 2010 when he faced Beibut Shumenov in the USA, who, despite being downed in Round One, took the victory via points.

His final bout would be a loss in 2004 against Geard Ajetovic. Uzelkov would then start a new career in his homeland as a TV presenter. He reportedly featured in a dancing show and even became a judge on Ukraine’s version of Britain’s Got Talent.

He even had a brief foray into politics, running to become mayor of Vinnytsia, a city in central Ukraine. Uzelkov underwent heart surgery earlier this year, and he had been recovering from the operation when he passed away.

“Rest in peace warrior,” one fan said on social media. While a second replied: “Forever in our memory. So sorry, condolences to the loved ones.”

“Thoughts with family and friends and boxers that looked up to him,” a third replied. And another added: “Rest in peace.”