Maxim Dadashev entered the ring on Friday undefeated with a dream of becoming one of boxing's biggest draws. Sadly, that thought ended on Tuesday after the 28-year-old pugilist from St. Petersburg, Russia died of boxing-related injuries.

Dadashev showed heart during his match against Subriel Matías at the MGM National Harbor resort in Oxon Hill, Maryland. Despite receiving heavy blows to the head thrown by the Puerto Rican boxer, the Russian fighter continued to press-on until Buddy McGirt threw in the towel at the 11th round.

McGirt already urged Dadashev to accept defeat, but the undefeated boxer continued to fight on until things went south. After the trainer stopped the match, the 28-year-old boxer collapsed and was taken to the University of Maryland Prince George's Hospital Center in Cheverly.

The boxer was scheduled to undergo brain surgery after bleeding on the brain but failed to recover. He never woke up.

His death sheds light on the risks of prizefighting, once again proving that anything can happen in the ring. His wife, Elizaveta Apushkina, confirmed his death on Tuesday. In a statement provided by the hospital, she said that Dadashev "was a very kind person," and that his husband "fought until the very end."

He is survived by his spouse and young son, Apushkina added that their son would "be raised to be a great man like his father."

Minutes before Dadashev lost consciousness; the undefeated contender was seen sitting in his corner after finishing the 10th round. Video footage on the match showed McGirt telling his fighter that he is "going to stop the fight." Later on, the trainer asked the Russian to let him do his job to stop the match because he's "getting hit too much."

Dadashev just shook his head in protest.

The young man's death shows the reality of boxing as a violent sport. Fighters are always at risk of long-term brain damage or death. For the past ten years, 12 boxers have died due to head trauma after or during their matches.

Last year, 49-year-old Italian contender Christian Daghio, and 31-year-old British slugger Scott Westgarth died due to boxing inflicted injuries during their fights. Daghio died after a knockout loss in Bangkok, while Westgarth expired after winning a match in England.

In 2017, Russian boxer, Magomed Abdusalamov was awarded $22 million after receiving severe brain damage during a heavyweight bout at Madison Square Garden.

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