- Boris Stanchov has been fighting in the ring under the name and medicals of his cousin for close to a year
- His cousin Isus Velichkov revealed to Bulgaria media outlets Stanchov's coach was aware the deceased was operating under his name
- The Bulgarian Professional Boxing Union has initiated a probe to establish how the names and documents were changed
A Bulgarian boxer has tragically died just moments after collapsing in the ring during a boxing match.
Boris Stanchov, who has been fighting under his cousin's license is understood to have suffered a cardiac arrest during a match against Ardit Murja.
According to SunSport citing Bad Left Hook, Stanchov has been fighting under Isus Velichkov for one year now, often stepping into the ring using Velichkov's medicals.
Tragedy however struck in the fifth round of his bout against Murja in Albania after his opponent caught him with a jab.
The tragic moment Stanchov collapsed in the boxing ring while fighting under his cousin's licence. Photo: Top Channel Albania
Source: UGC
The 21-year-old is said to have appeared wobbly on his feet, with referee waving off the fight immediately to pave way for the medical teams.
His condition failed to stabilise and was subsequently rushed to a local hospital but could not be resuscitated.
Efforts to resuscitate Boris Stanchov (left) at a local hospital proved futile. Photo: BOEC.BG
Source: UGC
Velichkov would later step forward, revealing Stanchov has been operating as a boxer under his documents and the coach was fully aware.
"He has been playing with my card since 2018. He said no problem, the coach knows," Bulgaria media outlets quoted Velichkov.
World Boxing Council has since released a statement on their website paying tribute to the boxer.
