Photo: https://www.facebook.com/UkrainianBoxingFederation

Famous Ukrainian boxer Viacheslav Uzelkov has passed away, the Ukrainian Boxing Federation announced on Saturday.

"With deep sorrow we inform that Ukrainian boxing suffered a heavy loss – Viacheslav Uzelkov passed away. His name will forever remain in the history of the sport, and his example of strength, resilience and dedication will inspire future generations," the federation said on Facebook.

The athlete was 45 years old. It is known that Uzelkov recently underwent heart surgery, he was in the rehabilitation stage.

Viacheslav Uzelkov is a former WBA Inter-Continental, IBO International and WBO Inter-Continental light heavyweight champion.