Maxim Dadashev dies after TKO loss

Maxim Dadashev, who underwent emergency brain surgery following a TKO loss to Subriel Matias on Friday, has succumbed to his injuries. Russia Today reported the news earlier today, which trainer Buddy McGrit and S&C coach Donatas Janusevicius confirmed to ESPN.

“Mad Max” was 28. He is survived by wife Elizabeth and son Daniel.

Dadashev knocked out 11 of his first 13 professional foes to earn a spot at the top of the IBF rankings, beating veterans like Darleys Perez and Antonio DeMarco along the way, and entered his fight with the unheralded Matias as the favorite. Instead, the Puerto Rican took over in the later rounds, inflicting serious damage to Dadashev’s head and body until McGirt, against Dadashev’s wishes, informed ring officials that he had had enough.

Dadashev struggled to leave the ring and was ultimately taken via stretcher to an ambulance, where he began vomiting. Doctors at a local trauma center spent two hours removing a brain bleed, after which Dadashev was placed in a medically induced coma from which he did not wake.

Mark Kriegel has a heartwrenching piece on his quest for American citizenship for those of you looking to feel even worse today.

I honestly can’t muster the will to write some flowery epitaph. All I can say is that I hope his family and friends get the support and care they need.