Maxim Dadashev, the junior welterweight prospect who suffered an 11th round stoppage loss to Subriel Matias last Friday, has died after several days in a medically induced coma. He was 28 years old.
Dadashev was fighting in his highest-profile bout to date as the co-main event of Top Rank’s ESPN card. Following a competitive start, Matias began to fade in the middle rounds and absorb steady punishment. By the ninth, Matias was in complete control. After a taxing stretch in the 11th, trainer Buddy McGirt pleaded with Dadashev to stop and ultimately made the call to not come out for the final round.
Dadashev had trouble standing and was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital after collapsing. Emergency surgery on Friday evening resulted in part of Dadashev’s skull being removed to lower brain swelling. Later, he was placed in a medically induced coma.
Dadashev’s final ring record stands at 13-1 with 11 KOs. He is survived by a son and a wife.
Ring deaths serve as a somber reminder that we are not watching a traditional sport. Instead, it is sanctioned combat where death remains a very tangible possibility with every landed blow.
The next time a fighter gives up too quickly for your liking, or you feel the punch that ended their night wasn’t strong enough, remember fighters like Maxim Dadashev.
