On Saturday, September 24, 2019, the boxing ring tragically claimed another life. In front of a packed house in Shkodër, Albania, featherweight Isus Velichkov hoped to get his first professional win against local fighter Ardit Murja. After a seemingly routine jab from Murja in the fifth round, the feisty Bulgarian staggered — then collapsed. Velichkov was rushed to the hospital, but to no avail.
The 21-year-old boxer died of a cardiac arrest. Somehow, things got worse. And a lot more bizarre…
Of course, this is boxing so there is never a shortage of drama, even in times of tragedy. Shortly after his death made the news rounds, it was revealed that the real Isus Velichkov was alive and well. It was his cousin, Boris Stanchov, that died in the ring.
According to the real Velichkov, his cousin had been fighting under his name to “avoid losses on his record.” It is believed that Stanchov actually boasts a professional record of 5-3, a huge step up from Velichkov’s 0-5. As the story continues to unravel, Bulgarian sports minister Krasen Kralev promised a full investigation.
“We cannot comment, but the incident has happened,” said Kralev. “It is much more the responsibility of doctors and promoters who go about organizing such competitions.”
This year has been marred by in-ring tragedies. In July, Russian super lightweight Maxim Dadashev died following a brutal fight that his trainer Buddy McGirt had stopped.
A few days later, Argentinian lightweight Hugo Alfredo Santillan similarly died from fight-related injuries.
Stanchov is survived by his mother Simeonka and his father Alexander. “My son lost his life for 400 euros,” said Simeonka Stanchov.
Rest in power to all the brave athletes who step into the ring.
